In the ever-evolving landscape of young Hollywood talent, Mason Thames stands out with a compelling blend of emotional depth and genre-spanning performances. Born July 10, 2007, in Dallas, Texas, he began his artistic journey as a touring ballet dancer before transitioning to acting—a shift that would soon capture industry attention . His filmography, though still in its early stages, reflects a remarkable versatility and foresight. Let’s wander through his key roles, milestones, and the trajectory of a career on the rise.
Early Foundations: Ballet and Television Beginnings
Thames’s foundational years were shaped by intensive ballet training and touring—a somewhat unexpected origin for a future screen actor. From around 2013 to 2016, he toured internationally, gaining early performance rigor as the youngest cast member in a professional ballet company .
Transitioning to on-screen work, he made his television debut at age 12 with a three-episode arc in Apple TV+’s For All Mankind, playing Daniel Stevens in 2019 . Following this, he appeared as a young Cordell Walker in the CW’s Walker reboot across its 2021–2022 seasons . These early roles paved the way for his eventual breakout in film, offering a glimpse of his adaptability even in smaller parts.
Breakout Role: The Black Phone and Its Sequel
Mason’s cinematic breakthrough arrived in 2021 with The Black Phone, directed by Scott Derrickson. He starred as Finney Blake, a haunted but resilient teen abducted by a masked killer—portrayed chillingly by Ethan Hawke . The film struck box office gold, grossing over $160 million worldwide—about ten times its production cost .
Praise came swiftly. Additionally, he snagged a nomination for Best Younger Actor at the Saturn Awards and won the Editor’s Eyeball on the Future Award at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards . Scott Derrickson lauded Thames’s performance, noting:
“He has a gift that very few actors, even adult professional actors, have, which is the ability to truthfully and emotionally process every moment, one shot at a time, without overacting.”
He reprised this role in The Black Phone 2, set for release in October 2025 .
Expanding Range: Comedy, Drama, and Independent Films
Beyond horror, Thames has explored a diversity of genres. In 2024, he tackled the comedy Incoming, playing Benj Nielsen amid a high school party mishap—a lighter, relatable role that showcased his comedic timing . That same year, he starred opposite Mel Gibson in the independent adventure-thriller Monster Summer, directed by David Henrie, further broadening his dramatic appeal .
Heroic Turn: How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action
Perhaps the most transformative step in his career has been taking on Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film was released on June 13, 2025 . Critics praised his performance, especially his emotional connection with CGI dragon Toothless . The film performed phenomenally at the box office, grossing over $636 million globally—solid evidence of his pull as a rising star .
A sequel is already underway, with How to Train Your Dragon 2 slated for release on June 11, 2027 . Thames’s growth into a lead in a global franchise reinforces his position as a major emerging talent.
Drama and Recognition: Regretting You and Awards
Adding to his 2025 slate, Thames co-stars in Regretting You, a romantic drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestseller. Directed by Josh Boone and co-starring McKenna Grace, Allison Williams, and Dave Franco, it’s set to premiere on October 24, 2025 . In recognition of this trajectory, he became the youngest honoree on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Hollywood and Entertainment .
Box Office Champion and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Thames’s films in 2025—How to Train Your Dragon, The Black Phone 2, and Regretting You—collectively hit No. 1 at the box office, making him the first actor since Jim Carrey in 1994 to achieve three top-grossing films in a single year . In a candid interview, he reflected on the contrasting demands of playing Hiccup and then switching gears to Finney, occasionally slipping into Hiccup’s accent on the horror set—a testament to his dedication and immersion in roles .
Beyond work, he has embraced recognition—People magazine named him “Sexiest New Heartthrob,” prompting playful teasing from friends and affirming his enduring charm alongside critical success .
At a Glance: Filmography Highlights
Film (Feature and Indie)
- After Omelas (short, 2017) – Liam
- The Black Phone (2021) – Finney Blake
- Incoming (2024) – Benj Nielsen
- Monster Summer (2024) – Noah Reed
- How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
- The Black Phone 2 (2025) – Finney Blake
- Regretting You (2025) – Miller Adams
- New Years Rev (TBA/2025) – Cast member in Green Day–produced comedy
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2027) – Hiccup (upcoming)
Television
- For All Mankind (2019) – Daniel Stevens (3 episodes)
- Walker (2021–2022) – Young Cordell Walker (3 episodes)
Conclusion
Mason Thames’s trajectory is striking not just for its rapid ascendancy but for its tonal and genre diversity—from haunting horror to heartfelt adventure, from indie poignancy to franchise spectacle. His early grounding in ballet translated into a control and presence that serve him across roles, while his ability to switch emotional gears—from Hiccup’s warmth to Finney’s trauma—signals an innate adaptability rare in actors of any age.
He’s not only collecting accolades and box office triumphs but also respected for his authenticity and work ethic—an actor who seems grounded amid growing acclaim. As he continues to balance franchise commitments, original storytelling, and dramatic depth, his career feels poised for both breadth and longevity.
FAQs
1. What was Mason Thames’s first acting role?
He first appeared on screen in the short film After Omelas in 2017, playing a character named Liam.
2. Which film marked his breakthrough performance?
His starring role as Finney Blake in The Black Phone (2021) catalyzed critical praise, awards attention, and audiences’ interest.
3. When did he portray Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon?
He took on the lead role of Hiccup in the live-action film released June 13, 2025, which became a box office hit.
4. What upcoming films is he starring in?
He’s set to appear in Regretting You , The Black Phone 2 (late 2025), New Years Rev, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 .
5. Has he earned any industry recognition to date?
Yes—besides award nominations for The Black Phone, he became the youngest honoree on Forbes’s 2025 30 Under 30 list and achieved three No. 1 box office films in a single year.
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