Actors Dan Hamill and Jordi Webber have embraced fitness as an essential part of their lives, but landing roles as gladiators in STARZ’s latest series, Spartacus: House of Ashur, ignited a new level of motivation for them. In an engaging discussion with M&F, the duo shared their experiences preparing to embody these fierce characters both physically and mentally.
“Being naked on camera is daunting,” says Dan Hamill. “You must ensure your body is toned and ready,” he jokes, laughing at the absurdity of it all. The Australian actor, known for his role in “Neighbours” and his part in the Canadian series Hard Rock Medical, was excited to join the cast of Spartacus: House of Ashur as Celadus, a wise gladiator and skilled warrior. His dedication was mirrored by Jordi Webber, a New Zealand actor and musician, who previously played the Gold Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Steel. The journey to transform into Tarchon, son of Hamill’s character, felt like a dream realized for Webber. “You can’t beat being paid to do something challenging,” he states.
Spartacus: House of Ashur continues the famed Spartacus saga, requiring its gladiators to deliver combat scenes with the same intensity as seen in Spartacus: Vengeance. For Hamill, a key focus was enhancing his cardio to build endurance for the demanding fight sequences. Webber incorporated morning walks to prepare his muscles for long shooting days. “Wearing heavy armor can limit your range of motion,” explains Webber. “Warm-ups were crucial before arriving on set.” Hamill agreed, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “If you skip warming up, you risk injury. We aimed to prepare our bodies thoroughly before jumping into intense scenes.”
Dan Hamill and Jordi Webber focused intensely on their training
The path to achieving gladiator-level fitness began long before filming commenced. Hamill’s regimen included pull-ups and chin-ups, essential for developing strength in his arms, shoulders, chest, and lats for a powerful upper body. “Jordi’s pecs are impressive, though,” Hamill remarks, acknowledging his co-star’s superior physique. Webber humorously attributed his chest to his height. “Being shorter means gravity works in my favor,” he quips. However, he recalls a challenging boot camp exercise involving a long sandbag. “I dislike the worm,” he admits. “That thing is tough.” This exercise required him to lift the sandbag onto his shoulder and throw it over his body, and he now views it as his nemesis for a potential season two.
Training for Spartacus: House of Ashur necessitated skills in jiu-jitsu, swordplay, knife handling, and hand-to-hand combat. Authenticity demanded that fight sequences were complemented by proper movements and techniques. “You don’t typically do that in daily life,” reflects Webber regarding the intense training. Hamill shares that he preferred solo training sessions, not relishing the group dynamics. “I gravitated towards weight training in isolation, which aligns with my character,” he explains. He also mentioned being introduced to wushu—a Chinese martial art blending forms from various disciplines. “Preparing for this role has reignited my passion. Now, you’ll find me at the gym, practicing flips and tricks daily,” Hamill noted with enthusiasm.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ presented significant challenges for both actors
“What you see on camera is just a portion of it. When not acting, we were intensively training,” shares Webber. The physical toll was significant, yet each actor had to access their emotional range for heartfelt scenes. “You had to summon real emotion,” Hamill states, emphasizing the holistic workout involved in portraying a gladiator. Webber agrees, expressing, “You’re battling daily, often partially unclothed. There wasn’t an off switch; we didn’t have stunt doubles. I performed stunts on wire rigs, often mid-fight. Everything moved quickly, including the challenge of maintaining energy and protecting the body.”
Fortunately, the on-set catering was tailored for the gladiators, providing high-protein meals like chicken and steak. Lean vegetables such as broccoli were also available for those with shirtless scenes. After filming, both actors enjoyed a homemade mix of cereal, milk, and protein powder to recharge for the next day’s challenges. “It evolved into a bonding experience,” Hamill explains, emphasizing his commitment to tracking macros for optimal physique maintenance.
Spartacus: House of Ashur also welcomes Tenika Davis, a Canadian actor and model, playing Achillia, the first female gladiator central to the plot. “She came in ready to take on the role,” Webber praises. “Her strength isn’t just physical; it stems from her mentality, making her an extraordinary addition to the team. The physical demands are harsh, and many would falter, but she remains resilient.” Hamill concurs, calling her spirit admirable.
