Imagine a young actor’s breakout role: it’s 2022, and a chilling supernatural thriller dominates the box office. At its heart is a quiet, resilient kid fighting for his life, a performance so raw and authentic it captivates audiences and critics alike. That actor was Mason Thames, and that film was The Black Phone. Almost overnight, a new star was born. But unlike many who fade after a single hit, Thames has strategically parlayed that success into a career trajectory that positions him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young leads for a new generation. This is the story of that rise, exploring the roles that defined him and the blockbuster future that awaits.
Introduction to Mason Thames: The Boy on The Black Phone
Every generation has its actors—the young talents who seem to arrive fully formed, carrying a film on their shoulders with a maturity that belies their age. For Gen Z, names like Millie Bobby Brown or Finn Wolfhard come to mind. Now, firmly entering that conversation is Mason Thames.
Born in 2007, Thames’s performance as Finney Blake in Scott Derrickson’s The Black Phone was a true “overnight success” story years in the making. The film, produced by Blumhouse and based on a story by Joe Hill, was a massive critical and commercial hit. But it was Thames’s grounded, emotionally intelligent portrayal of a kidnapped boy using a mysterious phone to outsmart a serial killer that became the film’s undeniable core. He wasn’t just a victim; he was a resourceful hero, and audiences connected with him instantly.
This role didn’t just make him famous; it established his brand: a relatable, every-kid quality underpinned by serious dramatic chops. It was the perfect launchpad for what was to come next.
The Breakout: Deconstructing Finney Blake’s Appeal
So, what made Thames’s performance in The Black Phone so special? It was his mastery of quiet intensity. In a film filled with horror elements, his most powerful scenes were often the silent ones—the fear in his eyes, the determined set of his jaw, the subtle calculations he makes while trying to survive. He conveyed a vast internal world without saying a word, a skill that separates good child actors from great ones.
- Relatability: Finney wasn’t a superhero. He was bullied at school, awkward around his crush, and protective of his sister. Thames made him feel real.
- Resilience: The character’s arc is about finding courage he didn’t know he had. Thames sold that transformation completely, making his triumph feel earned and deeply satisfying.
- Chemistry: His on-screen dynamic with his sister, played by Madeleine McGraw, was heartfelt and authentic, providing the emotional anchor for the entire film.
This performance didn’t just win him fans; it won him the attention of major Hollywood decision-makers.
Building a Mainstream Career: Beyond the Horror Genre
A lesser talent might have been typecast, bouncing from one horror project to the next. But Thames and his team made a shrewd and deliberate pivot. Instead of diving deeper into niche horror, they steered his career toward the broad, welcoming waters of family and adventure films—the kind of projects that build lasting, cross-generational fanbases.
This strategic shift is clear in his immediate follow-up projects:
- Incoming (2023): This sci-fi action film cast him as a freshman at a space academy, a classic YA hero role that showcased his ability to lead a lighter, effects-driven project.
- Monster Summer (2024): A family-friendly comedy about kids working at a summer camp for monsters. This role highlighted his comedic timing and charm, proving his versatility beyond intense drama.
This two-pronged approach—sci-fi action and family comedy—demonstrated range and a clear intent to become a familiar face to younger audiences and their families. It was the ideal warm-up for the colossal opportunity that was just around the corner.
The Dragon Tamer: Stepping into a Legendary Role
In early 2023, the industry buzzed with news: Universal Pictures was moving forward with a live-action adaptation of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The question on everyone’s mind was, who could possibly play Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a character so iconically voiced by Jay Baruchel?
The answer sent a clear signal about who Hollywood sees as its next leading man: Mason Thames.<center> *[Image: A concept art-style image of a lush, Viking-era landscape with a dragon silhouette soaring over a cliffside village. Caption: The world of Berk awaits its new hero, Mason Thames, in the 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.]* </center>
Casting him as Hiccup was a masterstroke. The character shares DNA with Finney Blake—both are perceived as underdogs who discover their own unique strength and intelligence. Thames embodies that perfect blend of vulnerability and stubborn courage. This role isn’t just another job; it’s an ascension to the A-list. The film, slated for a 2025 release, will place him at the center of one of the most popular animated franchises of all time, introducing him to a global audience on an unprecedented scale.
The Future is Bright: Sequels and Beyond
The momentum for Thames shows no signs of slowing. Alongside the immense pressure and promise of How to Train Your Dragon, another major project is on the horizon: The Black Phone 2.
Announced for a 2025 release, the sequel will see Thames reprise his role as Finney Blake. This offers a fascinating duality in his career: simultaneously leading a brand-new, hopeful family franchise while returning to the darker, gritty role that started it all. This balance allows him to satisfy his original fanbase while growing a new one, a rare and advantageous position for any actor.
The Thames Formula: Why He Stands Out
The industry coverage and film credits consistently frame Thames in a specific, and very valuable, light. He is not a controversial figure or a niche artiste. He is:
- A Reliable Lead: He carries films with a proven box-office track record.
- An Everykid for the 2020s: He embodies a modern, empathetic, and intelligent type of hero.
- Incredibly Versatile: From horror to sci-fi to comedy, he avoids being pigeonholed.
Key Takeaways: The Mason Thames Story (So Far)
The career of Mason Thames is a case study in how to navigate young Hollywood success. It’s a journey defined by a powerful breakout, a strategic genre shift, and the ultimate validation: being trusted with a legendary character.
- Breakout with Depth: The Black Phone was more than a hit; it was a performance that proved his dramatic merit.
- Strategic Pivot: Moving into family and YA projects (Incoming, Monster Summer) built a wholesome, mainstream profile.
- The Franchise Crown: Landing the role of Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon is a career-defining move that promises global stardom.
- Honoring Roots: Returning for The Black Phone 2 keeps him connected to the project that made him and pleases his core audience.
His story is still being written, but one thing is certain: Mason Thames is not a flash in the pan. He is a dedicated, talented actor on a clear path to becoming a household name. Are you most excited to see him return to the world of The Black Phone, or witness him take flight as Hiccup?
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FAQs
How old is Mason Thames?
Mason Thames was born in 2007, making him 17 years old as of 2024.
What was Mason Thames’s first movie?
While The Black Phone was his major breakout role, his first credited film appearance was in the 2021 drama For the Love of Money.
Is Mason Thames going to be in The Black Phone 2?
Yes! It has been officially announced that Mason Thames will reprise his role as Finney Blake in The Black Phone 2, scheduled for release in 2025.
Who is Mason Thames playing in How to Train Your Dragon?
Mason Thames has been cast in the lead role of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.
How did Mason Thames get discovered?
Like many young actors, he began his career in commercials and small television roles before landing his breakthrough part in The Black Phone after a rigorous audition process.
Is Mason Thames on social media?
As of now, Mason Thames does not have public, verified Instagram or Twitter accounts, which is a common choice for many young actors and their families to maintain privacy.
What other projects does Mason Thames have coming up?
His two confirmed major projects are the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and The Black Phone 2 (2025).
