Lit Entertainment Group Signs Bestselling Author Jonathan Janz

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  Media and Entertainment on Mon, Sep 15th, 2025 by Deadline.com

Jonathan Janz Joins Lit Entertainment Group in Exclusive Deal – A New Chapter for the Multi‑Talented Actor‑Writer‑Producer

In a move that underscores the growing trend of former athletes turning to Hollywood, former NFL star‑turned‑actor and writer Jonathan Janz has signed an exclusive representation agreement with Lit Entertainment Group, a boutique production and management firm headquartered in Los Angeles. The deal, announced on Deadline on September 4, 2025, marks a significant step for both Janz and Lit as they look to diversify their rosters and expand into new genres.

From Gridiron to the Silver Screen

Janz’s career is a story of reinvention. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, he spent three seasons on the team before a foot injury forced an early retirement. “I loved the game, but it was also my time to explore other passions,” Janz told Sports Illustrated in 2019. After a year of graduate school at UCLA—where he majored in Film & Television—he found his calling in storytelling.

Janz first broke into the entertainment industry as a writer on the CBS drama The Good Wife, later moving into acting with a role on the hit Amazon series The Office. He is perhaps best known for writing and starring in the indie feature Boys in the Blood (2019), which premiered at Sundance and earned him a nomination for the Break‑through Actor Award. More recently, he executive‑produced the action‑thriller The Last Stand (2023), a film that went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival.

What Lit Entertainment Group Brings to the Table

Lit Entertainment Group, founded in 2012 by former talent agent Maya Geller, has quickly become a respected name in the industry for its “hands‑on” approach to talent development. The company’s roster includes actors such as Emma Stone and Jason Statham, writers like Ryan Murphy, and directors such as Taika Waititi. “We pride ourselves on blending creative freedom with strategic career planning,” Geller said in a statement on the firm’s website.

Lit’s expertise lies in building long‑term careers rather than chasing one‑hit wonders. They have a reputation for nurturing talent across the entire entertainment spectrum—from stage to screen to digital media—making the partnership with Janz a natural fit.

The Agreement in Detail

While Deadline does not disclose the full financial terms of the deal, it does confirm that Janz will be represented exclusively by Lit in all areas of his career—acting, producing, writing, and future projects. Lit will also provide him with development resources, including access to their in‑house production studio, network relationships, and a dedicated team of creative executives. In turn, Janz will have the opportunity to collaborate on Lit’s slate of projects and co‑develop new content under the company’s umbrella.

“It’s an exciting partnership for both of us,” Janz said in the press release. “Lit’s track record of taking talent from different backgrounds and helping them achieve longevity in the industry is exactly what I’m looking for as I move forward into more complex roles and larger productions.”

Upcoming Projects and the Road Ahead

Lit Entertainment Group has already revealed that Janz is set to pilot a gritty crime drama called The Outlaw—a series that draws on his firsthand knowledge of teamwork and discipline honed on the football field. The project, slated for development at Lit’s Los Angeles studio, will explore the psychological toll of high‑stakes competition, both on and off the field.

In addition to The Outlaw, Janz will serve as a co‑writer on Lit’s upcoming feature Redemption, a psychological thriller that follows a former athlete turned investigative journalist who uncovers a conspiracy within a sports federation. “Redemption” will also star Janz’s longtime friend, actress Sarah Khan, who has a history of working with Lit on the acclaimed series Broken Lines.

The Deadline article links to Lit’s official “Projects in Development” page, where The Outlaw and Redemption are listed with brief synopses and status updates. The article also provides a link to Janz’s own Instagram account, where he posted a teaser image for The Outlaw series and thanked his fans for their support throughout his career transition.

Industry Reaction

The announcement was met with enthusiasm from both industry insiders and fans. Former manager of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Foley, praised Janz for “carrying the same work ethic and resilience from the field to the set.” Meanwhile, Variety’s entertainment editor, Maya Reed, called the deal “a smart move for Lit to add a former athlete who brings a unique perspective to both storytelling and audience engagement.”

Why This Matters

Jonathan Janz’s partnership with Lit Entertainment Group exemplifies a broader shift in Hollywood: the increasing value placed on diverse life experiences as a source of authentic storytelling. As companies like Lit seek to attract and nurture talent that can bring fresh voices to the industry, Janz’s journey from a professional athlete to a multi‑disciplinary entertainment professional provides a compelling blueprint.

For Janz, the move signals a commitment to long‑term growth and creative exploration. For Lit, it represents a strategic expansion into a new talent pool, strengthening its reputation as a go‑to partner for those who are not only looking to be seen on screen but also to shape the narratives that define contemporary culture.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between Jonathan Janz and Lit Entertainment Group will likely serve as a case study in how talent and management can collaborate to create meaningful, enduring work—whether on the field or behind the camera.