Can they hear you? .... Your family, in the afterlife?—Juba, to Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator
Juba was a former Nubian hunter that became a gladiator and was Maximus Decimus Meridius's first friend among the gladiators after caring for his wounds. It was implied that he was captured and sold into slavery, leaving behind his wife and child. Though his handler said that he was from a salt mine in Carthage as he was being inspected by Proximo, he stated that his trade was a hunter.
History[]
Upon his first fight as a gladiator, he is chained to Maximus where they triumph in the battle. He continues his journey alongside Maximus where he remains loyal to his friend throughout all of the conflicts that surround them. He takes part in the revolt that was supposed to be a ploy to distract the guards as Maximus escapes but the plan fails. Maximus is captured and forced to fight his archenemy, Emperor Commodus, and defeats him, but dies in the process. One of his final wishes, the freedom of Juba, is honored.
After Maximus' death, Juba buries his possessions in the arena in respect. "And now we are free," he declares. He promises to see him again one day, "but not yet," before leaving Rome to find and reunite with his wife and child.
Behind the scenes[]
Djimon Hounsou was originally slated to return as Juba in the sequel Gladiator II, but according to him, circumstances changed, ultimately resulting in him not appearing in the film.[1]
References[]
- ↑ Northrup, Ryan (December 19, 2023). Original Gladiator Star Confirms He Won't Appear In Sequel After Conflicting Reports. Screen Rant. Retrieved on November 27, 2024.