Former Home and Away favourite Jordi Webber is stepping into the most powerful chapter of his career yet, trading the familiar sands of Summer Bay for blood-soaked arenas and ancient ambition in the upcoming epic Spartacus: House of Ashur. But according to the Kiwi actor, this career-defining moment didn’t begin on set or in an audition room. It began with a tarot reading that eerily foretold his transformation into a warrior.

From Summer Bay to the Sands of Rome

For years, Webber has been a familiar face to Australasian audiences. After first rising to prominence on Shortland Street, he later joined the cast of Home and Away, where his charm, intensity, and physical presence quickly made him a fan favourite. Yet, even as his television career flourished, Webber felt a pull toward something bigger, darker, and more physically demanding.

That pull became impossible to ignore at the end of 2023. After wrapping up work commitments, travelling through Europe, and relocating to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the actor decided to visit a tarot reader. What was meant to be a moment of curiosity became a turning point.

“She told me, ‘You’ve got a warrior coming for you,’” Webber recalls. “At the time, I didn’t know what that meant. But something about it stuck.”

Just weeks later, an audition landed in his inbox. As Webber began reading the sides, something clicked on a visceral level. “I started to feel this character sink into my body,” he explains. “I remember thinking, ‘This is the warrior. I’m meant to play this guy.’”

Enter Taron: A Gladiator Forged in Conflict

That instinct proved right. Webber was cast as Taron, a volatile and dangerous gladiator in Spartacus: House of Ashur, the long-awaited reboot of the iconic franchise. Known for its brutal action, political intrigue, and morally complex characters, the Spartacus universe leaves no room for half-measures—and Taron is no exception.

Far from a one-note villain, Taron is shaped by ambition, loyalty, and inner conflict. Webber was drawn to the character’s emotional highs and devastating lows, describing him as someone whose violence is both a weapon and a shield. “There are real dips in his story,” he says. “Moments where you understand why he’s so dangerous—and moments where you almost feel sorry for him.”

Brotherhood Forged in Sweat and Steel

The role demanded far more than emotional range. The physicality of Spartacus is legendary, and Webber quickly learned that surviving the series would be a challenge in itself. Before cameras even rolled, he and his co-stars endured a gruelling month of fight training, mastering swordplay, combat choreography, and the endurance required to perform brutal sequences day after day.

“By the time we landed on set, we felt like brothers,” Webber says. “We weren’t just acting like fighters—we were bona fide fighters.”

Filming took place on a colossal set in Oakland, designed to replicate the oppressive grandeur of ancient Rome. Walking onto the arena for the first time was both exhilarating and terrifying. “This is the biggest job I’ve ever done,” he admits. “And when you’re stepping into a franchise with such a massive following, there’s a real sense of responsibility. You feel the pressure to honour what came before while bringing something new.”

The cast even installed a pull-up bar on set, squeezing in workouts between takes during exhausting 14-hour shooting days to maintain their gladiatorial physiques.

A Lifetime of Preparation

In hindsight, Webber sees Spartacus not as a sudden leap, but as the culmination of a lifetime of movement and performance. Growing up in Rotorua, he trained in musicals like Grease, joined boy band Titanium, and was crowned Cleo Bachelor of the Year in 2013. He later appeared in Head High and the Netflix romcom Choose Love, but it was his earlier action-heavy work on Power Rangers that truly prepared him for the combat demands of Spartacus.

“I grew up playing with swords,” he laughs. “On Power Rangers, we trained in martial arts. I love movement—surfing, hiking, even Zumba. This is the first production where I’ve been able to fully embody all of that.”

Vulnerability, Confidence, and Intimacy on Screen

While the action sequences pushed Webber physically, the show’s intimate scenes tested him in unexpected ways. Known for its unapologetic portrayal of sexuality, Spartacus required the actor to confront vulnerability head-on.

“At first, it was jarring,” he admits. “You’re almost naked, everyone’s watching, and it feels awkward. But it becomes empowering. You’re forced to be confident in your own skin.”

Travel, Music, and Recharging the Soul

After filming wrapped, Webber and much of the cast celebrated with a trip to Bali—a fitting release after months of intensity. Since then, he’s continued ticking off bucket-list adventures, including trekking through the ruins of Machu Picchu, with Egypt’s pyramids next on his list.

Travel has also inspired his music. A talented musician, Webber recently released his single Live or Die, a genre-blending track influenced by his global experiences. His earlier song Starlight carries an even deeper meaning—it was written for a future daughter.

A Dream of Fatherhood

Despite his rising fame, Webber speaks most passionately about family. Raised by supportive parents, he credits his mother, Jacques, as his greatest inspiration. “She’s unstoppable,” he says. “She’s taught me that if you want to do something, you do it.”

That upbringing has shaped his dream of becoming a father. “I’ve always wanted to be a dad,” he says thoughtfully. “How cool would it be to guide a little version of you through life?”

Though he’s currently dating, Webber isn’t rushing. “I don’t want to bring kids into the world until I’m truly happy and have a beautiful place for them to grow into.”

Looking Ahead

With Spartacus: House of Ashur set to stream on Three, Webber’s future looks brighter—and bolder—than ever. He plans to head to Los Angeles in 2026, chasing film roles and dreaming of epic franchises like Star Wars or a swashbuckling pirate adventure alongside Brad Pitt.

Beyond acting, he’s also writing, developing a pre-colonial love story celebrating Māori heritage. “Where you’re from is your superpower,” he says. “I want kids to feel proud of who they are and believe they can do big things.”

For Jordi Webber, the cards didn’t just predict a warrior. They revealed a destiny still unfolding.