5 Shocking New Career Moves That Prove Justin Hartley Is More Than Just 'This Is Us'

Justin Hartley, the actor fans came to love as the charming yet complicated Kevin Pearson on the hit drama This Is Us, is currently experiencing a massive professional transformation, solidifying his status as a major player in Hollywood. As of this current date, December 12, 2025, Hartley is not only the undisputed star of one of television’s biggest new hits but is also aggressively moving behind the camera, expanding his influence as a producer and director in a series of strategic career moves that are making headlines.

The latest updates confirm that Hartley is diving deep into his role as the lead and executive producer of the CBS drama Tracker, which is gearing up for its highly anticipated third season, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. From a major studio deal renewal to a surprising foray into action-comedy films, his 2025 slate proves he is meticulously crafting a post-network-drama legacy built on versatility and creative control. This article dives into the fresh details of his career evolution, his current personal life, and what fans can expect from the ever-busy star.

Justin Hartley: Complete Biography and Current Profile

Justin Scott Hartley has successfully transitioned from a daytime soap opera favorite to a primetime television powerhouse and now, a multi-hyphenate film and TV producer/director. His journey reflects a deliberate and steady climb through the ranks of the industry.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Justin Scott Hartley
• Date of Birth: January 29, 1977
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 48 years old
• Place of Birth: Knoxville, Illinois, USA (raised in Orland Park, Illinois)
• Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
• Education: Southern Illinois University Carbondale (History and Theater), University of Illinois at Chicago
• Spouses: Lindsay Korman (m. 2004; div. 2012), Chrishell Stause (m. 2017; div. 2021), Sofia Pernas (m. 2021–present)
• Children: Isabella Justice Hartley (with Lindsay Korman)
• Known For: Kevin Pearson on This Is Us, Colter Shaw on Tracker, Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on Smallville, Fox Crane on Passions, Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $8 million and $15 million
• Current Status: Lead Actor and Executive Producer of Tracker, Film Actor, Producer, and Aspiring Director.

Hartley’s personal life has stabilized alongside his career surge. He is currently married to actress Sofia Pernas, whom he met on the set of The Young and the Restless. The couple, who married in 2021, often maintain a private life but were recently seen together with his daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley, at the premiere of his new movie, Bride Hard, in 2025, showcasing a strong family unit amidst his hectic schedule.

The ‘Tracker’ Phenomenon: Season 3 and Colter Shaw’s Future

The most significant and immediate focus of Justin Hartley’s 2025 career is the continuation of his hit CBS series, Tracker. The procedural drama, where Hartley plays the skilled survivalist and reward seeker Colter Shaw, has defied expectations, quickly becoming one of the highest-rated shows on network television, often claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.

The success of Tracker has been a game-changer for Hartley, moving him from an ensemble drama star to a leading man who can carry a major network show. The series' popularity led to an early and enthusiastic renewal for a third season.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

What to Expect from Tracker Season 3

The latest news confirms that production for Tracker Season 3 is officially underway, with the premiere date slated for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Hartley has been actively involved in promoting the new season, giving fans glimpses into the production process and the direction of Colter Shaw’s character arc.

• Premiere Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025.
• Focus: The third season is expected to delve deeper into Colter Shaw’s mysterious family history, particularly the unresolved issues surrounding his parents and siblings, an element that has been teased throughout the first two seasons.
• The Hartley Touch: As an executive producer, Hartley has a hand in shaping the show’s narrative and tone, ensuring that the character of Colter Shaw remains complex and compelling, balancing his lone-wolf nature with moments of unexpected empathy.

The consistent high ratings for Tracker are a testament to Hartley’s star power and his ability to connect with a broad audience in a new genre. It's a clear indication that his career is thriving outside the shadow of This Is Us.

From Action-Comedy to Directorial Ambition: The 2025 Career Pivot

While Tracker dominates his TV schedule, Justin Hartley has been strategically diversifying his portfolio, making significant moves in both film and production that highlight his long-term goals in the industry. These fresh updates reveal a star who is not content just to act.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. The Surprise Movie Role: ‘Bride Hard’

In a surprising genre shift, Hartley took on the lead role in the action-comedy film Bride Hard, which premiered in the summer of 2025. This project showcases his comedic timing and action capabilities, moving him away from the purely dramatic roles he is most famous for. The movie’s premiere, which he attended with his family, received significant media attention, marking a successful entry into a new cinematic space.

This move is a calculated effort to demonstrate versatility to casting directors and audiences, proving he can handle high-stakes action sequences alongside lighthearted comedy, a skill set that positions him for major blockbuster roles in the future.

2. The New Studio Deal and Production Power

Hartley’s ambition to be a Hollywood mogul is clearly demonstrated by the activities of his production company, ChangeUp Productions. In 2025, ChangeUp Productions signed a new overall pod deal with 20th Television.

This deal is a huge vote of confidence from a major studio. It means ChangeUp Productions is "ramping up to deliver an impressive slate of upcoming projects," with Hartley at the helm. This strategic partnership allows him to develop and produce new television series and films, giving him creative control over the types of stories that get told. This is a crucial step in his transition from a hired actor to a creative executive.

3. Aspiring to Direct

Perhaps the most telling sign of his career evolution is his stated goal to move into directing. During a recent interview, Hartley revealed his aspiration to become a director, rather than simply remaining an actor. This is a natural progression for a successful television star who has spent decades on major sets, learning the craft from the ground up. His experience as an executive producer on Tracker is likely serving as a training ground for this ultimate goal.

Fans of his work on This Is Us and Smallville know he has a keen eye for character development and dramatic pacing. Directing will allow him to fully utilize this storytelling instinct. It is highly likely that one of his upcoming ChangeUp Productions projects will serve as his official directorial debut, marking a new chapter in his already impressive career.

The Enduring Legacy: From Smallville to Stardom

Justin Hartley’s career is a masterclass in professional reinvention. Before becoming a household name as Kevin Pearson, he was a key figure in the superhero genre, playing Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, on Smallville. His performance there was highly regarded and helped define the modern live-action version of the character for a new generation of fans.

His work on soap operas like Passions (as Fox Crane) and The Young and the Restless (as Adam Newman) provided him with the intense, high-volume training ground necessary to handle the demanding schedules of network television. The entities of his past—including his time with NBC and his early work in Illinois theatre—all contribute to the topical authority he now wields in the industry.

The current phase of his career, dominated by the success of Tracker and the strategic expansion of ChangeUp Productions, proves that Justin Hartley is not simply enjoying his current success but is actively building a lasting legacy as a producer, director, and leading man. With Season 3 of Tracker on the horizon and a new studio deal in place, the next few years promise to be the most creatively ambitious of his career.