Playing Colter Shaw on CBS’s hit drama Tracker isn’t just about delivering sharp dialogue and mysterious glances — it’s a physically demanding role that requires Justin Hartley to run, fight, climb, and often push himself to the limit.
When Hartley first signed on for Tracker, he knew the role would involve stunts and chase sequences, but he underestimated the sheer variety of physical challenges. “One day I’m sprinting across a field, the next I’m climbing through a collapsing barn set, and the next I’m in a hand-to-hand fight sequence,” Hartley explained. “You have to be ready for anything.”
To prepare, Hartley follows a training regimen that combines strength training, cardio, and mobility work. His workouts include weightlifting, functional movements like sled pushes and battle ropes, and agility drills that mimic the quick, reactive movements required on set. He also focuses heavily on injury prevention, incorporating yoga and stretching into his routine.
But Hartley emphasizes that the physical training is only half the battle. The mental preparation is just as important. For every action sequence, he digs into the emotional context — why is Colter chasing this person? What’s at stake if he fails? That deeper understanding keeps the stunts grounded in story, not just spectacle.
“I never want an action scene to feel like filler,” Hartley says. “Colter’s choices — whether it’s jumping over a fence or tackling someone — should always tell the audience something about his character.”
Hartley works closely with stunt coordinators, sometimes performing his own stunts but always prioritizing safety. “The coordinators are incredible,” he notes. “They make sure we’re safe while still making the scene look dangerous.”
It’s that combination of physical discipline and emotional depth that makes Tracker stand out in the crowded field of action dramas. Hartley isn’t just an actor in the role — he’s an athlete, a storyteller, and a collaborator, committed to making every scene count.
