As 2025 unfolds, Justin Hartley—known for versatile performances in This Is Us and Tracker—continues to redefine his presence in entertainment with a dynamic mix of projects. From action-comedy to deep family drama, this year marks both a noteworthy shift in genre and an expansion of his influence behind the camera.
1. Bride Hard (Action Comedy Film)
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Release: Premiered on June 20, 2025, after a theatrical roll-out in the United States and the UK.
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Role: Hartley portrays Chris, a comedic relief character described by the actor as “a worm and a buffoon”—a refreshing departure from his typically serious roles.
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Reception: The film received harsh criticism, labeled by some reviewers as a convoluted mash-up that failed to deliver on either comedy or action; Hartley’s performance reflects his willingness to take risks.
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Behind the Scenes: The set was full of mischief—Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp bonded through pranks, faking injuries and humorous disruptions during filming.
2. Tracker Season 3 (CBS Crime Drama Series)
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Returning Role: Hartley reprises his role as Colter Shaw, continuing both as lead actor and executive producer on the critically acclaimed series.
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Character Evolution: Season 3 takes a dark turn—Colter faces deeper psychological turmoil as secrets about his mother’s involvement in his father’s death come to light. Hartley teases themes of betrayal, governmental conspiracies, and emotional fractures.
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Premiere Details: Expected to debut on October 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
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Creative Take: Hartley also hints at a narrative arc where Colter may become a fugitive, using his survivalist skills to evade capture—blurring the lines between personal and procedural storytelling.
3. Expanding Creative Horizons: Producer & Future Vision
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Producing Mode: Through his company Change Jar Studios, Hartley has evolved from actor to creative visionary, choosing projects with emotional weight and cultural resonance.
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Upcoming Slate: His focus extends beyond Tracker, with several projects in development, including the political thriller Capital Veins (as producer and star), a true-crime docuseries, and more emotionally nuanced narratives.
Why 2025 Matters for Hartley
| Project | Role | Genre | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bride Hard | Chris – comedic, self-aware fool | Action Comedy | Shows his range and willingness to subvert typecasting |
| Tracker Season 3 | Colter Shaw – emotionally complex protagonist | Crime Drama | Deepens his long-form storytelling and creative control |
| Producer Projects | Developing & shaping content | Various | Expands his influence behind the lens |
2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for Justin Hartley. From buttoned-down drama to outlandish comedy, he is stretching his capabilities—both on screen and off. Whether playing a bumbling wedding guest, unraveling a family’s darkest secrets, or building stories behind the scenes, Hartley embraces every new chapter with boldness and creativity.
