By Henry 
Imagine answering a mysterious, disconnected phone in a grimy basement, your life depending on the whispers of the past. That chilling scenario was the breakout moment for Mason Thames, a young actor who transformed fear into fame. If you’ve seen The Black Phone or heard the buzz about the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, his name is suddenly everywhere. But how did this Texas teen go from unknown to A-list so quickly? Buckle up, because the story of Mason Thames is a masterclass in a Hollywood star being born.
This isn’t just another child actor story. It’s the tale of a dedicated performer whose raw talent in a horror hit catapulted him directly onto the trajectory of a leading man. Let’s dial into the journey of Mason Thames, the industry’s most exciting new face.
Every star has a defining role, a project that serves as their launching pad. For Mason Thames, that project was director Scott Derrickson’s 2022 Blumhouse horror-thriller, The Black Phone. It was here that he moved from potential to proven talent.
His performance as Finney Blake, a abducted boy fighting for survival, was the emotional core of the film. It wasn’t just about screaming; it was about conveying a spectrum of emotions—desperation, intelligence, grief, and ultimately, resilience. Thames held his own against heavyweight Ethan Hawke, a feat that immediately caught the industry’s attention.
- Critical Acclaim: Critics unanimously praised his “grounded” and “heartfelt” performance, noting he was the key to making the supernatural story feel real and terrifying.
- Box Office Success: The film was a massive hit, grossing over $160 million worldwide against a tiny budget. This proved Thames wasn’t just a critical darling; he was a bankable star.
- The Blumhouse Effect: Being the lead in a successful Blumhouse film is a known career catalyst (think Maika Monroe in It Follows). The company’s reputation for spotting talent cemented his status as a serious actor.
This role did more than just make him famous; it established his brand: a relatable, every-kid hero with profound depth and intensity.
A great breakout role can typecast an actor. But Mason Thames and his team made strategic choices that instantly broadened his horizons. Instead of jumping into another horror flick, he pivoted to epic fantasy and heartfelt drama.
His immediate post-Black Phone casting sent a clear message: he was here to stay as a versatile leading man.
- The Dragon Tamer: In a career-defining move, Thames was cast as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in Universal’s live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon (set for a 2025 release). This isn’t just any role; it’s stepping into the shoes of an iconic, beloved character. It places him at the center of a potential billion-dollar franchise, ensuring global recognition.
- Indie Cred: Alongside blockbusters, he’s attached to smaller, character-driven projects like The Adventures of Buddy Thunder, showing a commitment to his craft over pure commercialism.
- Forbes 30 Under 30: The ultimate stamp of “next-generation success,” his inclusion on the 2024 Forbes list in the Hollywood & Entertainment category officially recognized him as a powerful new force in the industry.
This strategic mix of mega-franchise work and indie projects shows a maturity in career planning that many young actors struggle to achieve.
So, what separates Mason Thames from the crowd of other talented young actors? It boils down to a combination of skill, selection, and a bit of good timing.
- Relatability Meets Intensity: He has an accessible, boy-next-door quality that makes audiences root for him. Yet, he can tap into a deep well of emotion, making his performances feel authentic and weighty.
- Strategic Role Selection: His choices appear deliberate. He followed a intense horror role with a voice-acting part in The Mean One (a holiday horror-comedy), showing range, before landing the monumental HTTYD role. This avoids fatigue and demonstrates versatility.
- The “It” Factor: Somewhat intangible but undeniable, Thames has a screen presence that commands attention. He doesn’t just read lines; he embodies characters.
Mason Thames’s Rapid Rise to Prominence
| Year | Project | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Black Phone | Finney Blake | Breakout lead role; critical and commercial success |
| 2022 | For the Love of Amy (Short) | Bobby | Early dramatic work |
| 2023 | The Mean One (Voice) | Young Who | Displayed vocal range in a genre comedy |
| 2025 | How to Train Your Dragon | Hiccup | First major franchise lead role; global spotlight |
The phone hasn’t stopped ringing for Thames. With How to Train Your Dragon on the horizon, his schedule is packed. He’s already attached to the anticipated sequel to The Black Phone, proving that some doors, once opened, lead to even bigger opportunities.
We can expect to see him:
- Leading a Major Franchise: The success of HTTYD will likely lead to a multi-film commitment.
- Exploring More Genres: As he gets older, expect roles in coming-of-age dramas, action films, and maybe even a superhero flick.
- Growing as a Producer: Many actors of his caliber eventually step behind the camera to develop their own projects.
His career arc mirrors young stars like Timothée Chalamet or Tom Holland—actors who used a single, powerful performance as a springboard to sustained A-list status.
The story of Mason Thames is still being written, but the first few chapters are incredibly promising. For fans and film enthusiasts, his career is one to watch closely. Here’s how you can stay on top of it:
- Mark Your Calendar: How to Train Your Dragon is slated for release on June 13, 2025. That’s your next big screen appointment.
- Stream His Work: Revisit (or discover) his performance in The Black Phone on popular streaming platforms.
- Follow Credible Sources: Keep an eye on entertainment trades like Deadline and Variety for official news on his next projects.
His journey from a Dallas kid to a Hollywood headliner is a powerful reminder that talent, when paired with the right opportunity, can create magic. The future of film has a new leading man, and his name is Mason Thames.
What do you think is the most exciting project on Mason Thames’s horizon? Are you team Black Phone 2 or team How to Train Your Dragon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How old is Mason Thames?
Mason Thames was born on July 10, 2007. He is currently 17 years old.
Where is Mason Thames from?
He is from Dallas, Texas, USA.
What was Mason Thames’s first movie?
While he did some short film work earlier, his first major feature film role was as Finney Blake in the 2022 hit The Black Phone.
Is Mason Thames going to be in The Black Phone 2?
Yes! It has been officially confirmed that Mason Thames will reprise his role as Finney Blake in the sequel, The Black Phone 2, currently in development.
Who is Mason Thames playing in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Thames is set to play the lead role of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.
Is Mason Thames on social media?
As of now, Mason Thames does not appear to have public, verified personal accounts on major social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. This is common for many young actors managed by their families to maintain privacy.
What other projects does he have coming up?
Beyond HTTYD and The Black Phone 2, he is attached to star in The Adventures of Buddy Thunder and has several other projects in various stages of development.