The Rise Beyond “This Is Us”
After captivating audiences for six seasons on This Is Us, Justin Hartley has transitioned into a new chapter of his career—one that fuses his talent as an actor with an emerging voice as a producer, creative force, and leading man in both television and film. As we move into 2025, Hartley stands at a fascinating crossroads. No longer just the handsome face of romantic drama, he’s now commanding thrillers, producing original content, and even inching toward directing.
This article explores the exciting slate of projects Justin Hartley is bringing to life in 2025 and beyond, offering a comprehensive look at what fans can expect—and why this period may be the most defining of his career.
Tracker Season 3: A Darker Turn for Colter Shaw
The breakout CBS hit Tracker returns in Fall 2025, and with it, Hartley continues to shine in his role as Colter Shaw—a lone-wolf survivalist and reward-seeker with a haunting past. While Season 1 introduced viewers to the basics of Shaw’s mission-driven life, Season 3 promises to break everything wide open.
New Depth, New Dangers
Colter’s family history—especially the mysterious death of his father and the truth about his mother—is at the forefront this season. Teasers suggest a shocking twist: Colter may be framed for a murder he didn’t commit, leading him on the run and forcing him to confront government agencies, psychological trauma, and moral dilemmas that redefine who he is.
Behind the scenes, Hartley isn’t just acting—he’s also executive producing, helping shape the show’s long-term arc. His hands-on role speaks volumes about how personally invested he is in Tracker and in expanding his creative footprint.
Expected Premiere
Tracker Season 3 is expected to air in October 2025 on CBS, continuing to occupy the Sunday 8 PM primetime slot.
“Bride Hard”: Comedy, Chaos, and Star Power
Next up is Bride Hard, an action-comedy film directed by Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) and starring Rebel Wilson. In this adrenaline-fueled wedding-gone-wrong spectacle, Hartley plays a supporting role that brings charm and unexpected intensity to the mix.
Plot and Performance
The film follows a wedding planner (Wilson) who must protect a bride and her guests from a group of armed mercenaries. Hartley’s role, while under wraps, is expected to deliver both levity and edge—showing off his ability to balance charisma with grit.
What It Means for His Career
Bride Hard marks a shift from drama-heavy roles to more versatile territory. It’s a sign that Hartley is strategically diversifying his filmography, adding comedic timing and action chops to his already solid resume.
Release Window
The film is scheduled for a 2025 release, with distribution expected through theatrical channels and digital platforms.
“Capital Veins”: Entering the Political Arena
Perhaps the most intriguing project still in development is Capital Veins, a Netflix political thriller tentatively scheduled for 2027. Hartley is slated to play Senator Evan Rourke, a rising political star entangled in a moral and national security crisis.
From Actor to Architect
What sets Capital Veins apart is that Hartley is reportedly co-developing the concept through his production company, ChangeUp Productions. This marks a deeper involvement behind the camera, further solidifying his evolution from actor to content creator.
Themes and Vision
The show promises to tackle themes of corruption, identity, and loyalty, and could potentially be Hartley’s most cerebral and morally complex role to date. While production hasn’t begun, industry insiders view this as a potential turning point—one that could place him among television’s elite creative minds.
Production Expansion: Hartley the Producer
Through ChangeUp Productions, Hartley is expanding his influence across Hollywood. In addition to Tracker and Capital Veins, he’s developing several other titles including:
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A drama for ABC titled No Good Deed
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A docuseries called Truth Be Buried, examining real unsolved crimes
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A romantic limited series in early talks with HBO Max
By stepping into the producer’s chair, Hartley is actively shaping the kinds of stories that resonate with him—character-driven, emotionally layered, and socially relevant.
What Lies Ahead: Directing and Indie Films
Sources close to Hartley indicate that he is eyeing a directorial debut within the next two years, likely starting with an episode of Tracker or an independent feature. This transition would round out his profile as a true multi-hyphenate: actor, producer, and now, potentially, director.
His long-term goal? To create a brand of storytelling rooted in emotional authenticity and broad appeal—a space he’s uniquely positioned to own thanks to his time on This Is Us and his growing creative maturity.
A Career Entering Its Prime
Justin Hartley has come a long way since his soap opera days and breakout fame as Kevin Pearson. Today, he is not just adapting to Hollywood’s new landscape—he’s helping shape it. With Tracker deepening its mythology, Bride Hard adding a splash of blockbuster fun, and Capital Veins poised to challenge both audiences and institutions, Hartley is proving that the next act of his career may be his most meaningful.
If 2025 is any indication, Justin Hartley is no longer just a familiar face on your screen—he’s becoming a creative force to watch.
