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Mason Thames
View on WikipediaMason Thames (/θeɪmz/ THAYMZ;[2] born July 10, 2007) is an American actor. He made his feature film debut as the lead role in the horror film The Black Phone (2021)[3] and reprised the role in its sequel (2025). He gained wider recognition for his roles in How to Train Your Dragon and Regretting You (both 2025).[4][5]
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Thames was born on July 10, 2007, in Dallas, Texas. He was raised in McKinney and attended school in Prosper.[6]
Career
[edit]He made his acting debut in the 2017 short film After Omelas as Liam.[7] He was featured in three episodes of the first season of the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind in 2019.[8]
Thames played the lead role in Scott Derrickson's horror film The Black Phone (2021).[9][10][11] The role garnered him widespread acclaim, and the film received generally positive reviews from critics.[12]
On casting Thames over hundreds of other applicants, Derrickson stated that "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. It's in his eyes and in his countenance, and his ability to do that in an honest, real way is something you can't teach."[13]
He reprised his role in the sequel, Black Phone 2.[14] He also featured as a younger version of Cordell Walker in the first two seasons of Walker.[15][16] He starred in the comedy film Incoming (2024).[17]
Thames starred in David Henrie's independent film Monster Summer.[18] He also starred as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the 2025 live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon (2010).[4] He is expected to return in its sequel, which is scheduled to be released in 2027.[19][20]
In mid-2025, Thames joined the cast of two comedy films, New Years Rev and Shitheads.[21][22]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | After Omelas | Liam | Short film | [7] |
| 2021 | The Black Phone | Finney Blake | [23] | |
| 2024 | Incoming | Benj Nielsen | [24][25] | |
| Monster Summer | Noah Reed | [18] | ||
| 2025 | How to Train Your Dragon | Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III | [26] | |
| New Years Rev | [21][27] | |||
| Black Phone 2 | Finney Blake | [28] | ||
| Regretting You | Miller Adams | [29] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | For All Mankind | Daniel Stevens | 3 episodes | [30] |
| 2020 | Evel | Robbie | 1 episode | [7] |
| 2021–2022 | Walker | Young Cordell Walker | 3 episodes | [31] |
References
[edit]- ^ Seventeen [@seventeen]; (July 10, 2025). "Happy 18th birthday to the legendary dragon rider, Mason Thames! 🐉 Wishing you all the magic and adventure this next chapter has to offer. Photos: Getty, @masonthames". Retrieved November 8, 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ Mason Thames interview, Netflix
- ^ Pener, Degen (2022-06-17). "Next Big Thing: 'The Black Phone' Star Mason Thames on The Scariest Thing in the Blumhouse Horror Film". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
- ^ a b Kroll, Justin (2023-05-30). "Mason Thames And Nico Parker To Star In Universal's 'How To Train Your Dragon' Live-Action Adaptation". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Gomez, Dessi (2025-08-05). "Everything We Know About Paramount's 'Regretting You' Adaptation So Far". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
- ^ Cummings, Tommy (2022-06-30). "Mason Thames had to learn to use a rotary phone before starring in 'The Black Phone'". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ^ a b c Mongina, Night (2024-02-01). "Who is Mason Thames? All we know about the rising movie star". Legit.ng. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "Ronald D. Moore on 'For All Mankind' Season 3, Their Seven Year Plan, and If We'll Ever See a Starship". Collider. 2022-06-09. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-10-30). "Scott Derrickson To Direct 'Black Phone' For Blumhouse & Universal". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Gonzales, Rick (2022-12-05). "Cast of The Black Phone - Mason Thames And Ethan Hawke Lead This Thriller". GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Derrickson, Scott (2022-06-24), The Black Phone (Horror, Thriller), Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Ethan Hawke, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Crooked Highway, retrieved 2023-06-02
- ^ Heidi Venable (2022-06-19). "The Black Phone Reviews Are In, See What Critics Are Saying About Ethan Hawke's New Horror Flick". CINEMABLEND. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Exclusive Interview; Director Scott Derrickson on the True Trauma Behind "The Black Phone," His Stars, Etc.; Part One
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2023-11-29). "Blumhouse's The Black Phone 2: Ethan Hawke & Original Cast Returning For Scott Derrickson Sequel". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ "Walker Casts Mason Thames as Young Cordell Walker (Exclusive)". TV Shows. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ "Walker" (Action, Crime, Drama). 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (2022-06-09). "'Black Phone' Actor Mason Thames to Star in High School Comedy 'Incoming' From Spyglass Media, Artists Road (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ a b Kit, Borys (2021-11-04). "Mel Gibson, Mason Thames to Star in Adventure Fantasy 'Boys of Summer'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ Fuster, Jeremy (2025-04-02). "Live-Action 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' Set for June 2027". TheWrap. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ Gajewski, Ryan (2025-04-02). "'How To Train Your Dragon 2' Sets Summer 2027 Release for Live-Action Sequel". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ a b Gajewski, Ryan (2025-02-10). "Green Day-Focused Comedy Movie in the Works With Mason Thames to Star". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (2025-07-23). "'How To Train Your Dragon' Star Mason Thames Joins Dave Franco In 'The Shitheads'". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 30, 2020). "Scott Derrickson To Direct Black Phone For Blumhouse & Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
- ^ https://www.netflix.com/tudum/movies-shows-netflix-2024
- ^ Netflix Nabs the Chernin Brothers' High School Comedy 'Incoming'
- ^ Kit, Borys (May 30, 2023). "How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Remake Finds Its Hiccup and Astrid". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ Kirk, Lee, New Year's Rev (Comedy), Mason Thames, Mckenna Grace, Jenna Fischer, Live Nation Productions, retrieved 2025-06-15
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 29, 2023). "Blumhouse's 'The Black Phone 2': Ethan Hawke & Original Cast Returning For Scott Derrickson Sequel". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (August 27, 2024). "North.Five.Six. & WME Independent Launch Sales On Colleen Hoover Adaptation 'Regretting You' With Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco & Mason Thames". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ Hough, Quinn (November 3, 2019). "For All Mankind Cast & Character Guide". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Burlingame, Russ (October 22, 2021). "Walker Casts Mason Thames as Young Cordell Walker (Exclusive)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Mason Thames at Wikimedia Commons- Mason Thames at IMDb
Mason Thames
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family and childhood
Mason Thames was born on July 10, 2007, in Dallas, Texas, and raised in the nearby city of McKinney in Collin County, North Texas.[1][7] He grew up in a close-knit family, with his parents providing a supportive home environment in the suburban community of McKinney. Thames has an older sister, Brooke Madison Thames, who is a professional ballerina.[2][9] During his early childhood, Thames developed a passion for movies through shared viewing experiences with his father, including action-packed films such as The Avengers and Pacific Rim, which ignited his initial fascination with cinema and storytelling.[10][11]Schooling and early interests
Mason Thames attended schools in Prosper, Texas, a suburban community in North Texas, where he grew up balancing a typical academic routine with budding personal interests. Raised in the nearby city of McKinney, he navigated the local education system amid the region's family-oriented environment.[12] As a high school student through 2025, Thames maintained his studies while exploring creative inclinations that complemented his coursework. At age 18 in late 2025, he continued to prioritize education alongside his evolving pursuits, reflecting the demands of suburban teenage life in Collin County.[7] Thames' early hobbies included participation in school sports such as football, which initially occupied much of his extracurricular time. Inspired by his sister, he began studying ballet at a young age and trained for four years, even touring with a professional international ballet company, before his interests gradually turned toward entertainment and performing, evident in his enthusiasm for cinema and related school activities. This shift occurred within the supportive context of his North Texas upbringing, where academics and creative exploration coexisted.[12][2][13]Acting career
Early training and debut
Thames began studying ballet at the age of five, alongside his older sister Brooke, who had already been training as a ballerina. He continued his training for four years, during which he performed as the youngest member of a professional international ballet company and toured with the group. This early involvement also included appearances as a dancer in productions like The Nutcracker. The demanding nature of ballet training provided Thames with foundational skills that later benefited his acting career, including a strong sense of discipline, the ability to take direction effectively, and physical control over his body. It also taught him resilience in the face of criticism and rejection from rigorous instructors, fostering a "thick skin" essential for the performing arts. At around age 11, Thames transitioned to on-screen acting, landing his first credited role in the 2017 short film After Omelas, where he portrayed the character Liam. His television debut followed in 2019, with a guest appearance as Daniel Stevens in three episodes of the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind. He also made guest appearances, including as young Cordell Walker in the CW series Walker (2021–2022).[14]Breakthrough with The Black Phone
Mason Thames was cast in the lead role of Finney Blake, a shy yet resourceful 13-year-old boy abducted by a serial killer, in the 2021 supernatural horror film The Black Phone, directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures. The film, co-written by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill and adapted from Joe Hill's short story, features Thames opposite Ethan Hawke as the menacing "Grabber." Thames, who was 13 during principal photography, expressed a strong personal connection to the character, noting his sympathy for Finney's vulnerability and resilience, which helped him prepare for the role. Filming took place from February to March 2021 in Wilmington, North Carolina, where Thames navigated the demands of the horror genre through mostly practical effects and intense scenes. He described the 1970s setting as "incredible," with period details like vintage cars enhancing immersion, though the emotional weight of portraying Finney's terror was challenging. On set, Thames bonded with his co-star Madeleine McGraw, who played his sister Gwen, during a two-hour walk amid COVID-19 protocols, fostering authentic sibling chemistry. Working with Hawke proved both intimidating and supportive; Thames recalled the intensity of their scenes, where Hawke's portrayal of the Grabber was genuinely frightening, but the actor would comfort him afterward to ease the tension. Derrickson also played a key role in guiding Thames, helping him embody Finney during their first meeting and rehearsals, including preparations for the film's climactic confrontation. The Black Phone was released theatrically on June 24, 2022, after delays, and earned critical acclaim for Thames' performance as the resilient protagonist, with reviewers praising his ability to convey Finney's emotional depth and growth amid horror. The film grossed over $161 million worldwide on a $16–18 million budget, marking a significant commercial success that elevated Thames' profile at age 14. His portrayal garnered a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in 2022, highlighting the role's impact as his feature film debut.Rise to prominence and recent projects
Following his breakthrough role in The Black Phone (2021), Thames expanded his range into comedy with the lead role of Benji Nielsen in the 2024 Netflix teen film Incoming, directed by Dave and John Chernin, which premiered on August 23 and explored high school mishaps and friendships. He also starred in the independent film Monster Summer (2024) alongside Mel Gibson. This project marked his first major venture outside horror, showcasing his comedic timing alongside co-stars Ramon Reed and Isabella Ferreira, and received praise for his disarming, relatable performance in a genre-blending narrative. In 2025, Thames took on the iconic lead role of Hiccup in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois and released on June 13 by Universal Pictures. Filming began in January 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with co-stars including Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler reprising his animated role as Stoick; Thames, a longtime fan of the original animated trilogy, drew from his childhood admiration for the story's themes of friendship and acceptance to inform his portrayal of the inventive Viking outcast. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide, highlighting his ability to anchor a family-friendly blockbuster. Thames continued his momentum with two October 2025 releases: the horror sequel The Black Phone 2, where he reprised his role as Finney Blake under Scott Derrickson's direction, premiering on October 17 and delving deeper into supernatural survival themes alongside Ethan Hawke and Madeleine McGraw; and the romantic drama Regretting You, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel directed by Josh Boone, released on October 24, in which he played aspiring filmmaker Miller Adams opposite McKenna Grace, Allison Williams, Dave Franco, and Scott Eastwood, with production wrapping earlier that spring. These films emphasized his versatility across genres, from horror to heartfelt drama. The trio of 2025 hits—How to Train Your Dragon, The Black Phone 2, and Regretting You—each debuted at number one at the North American box office, collectively earning nearly $790 million globally and tying a record last set by Jim Carrey in 1994 for an actor leading three consecutive top-grossing releases in a single year. At one point, Thames held the top two spots simultaneously with Regretting You and The Black Phone 2. As an 18-year-old North Texas native still navigating high school during much of his 2025 filming schedule, Thames successfully transitioned from child roles to teen leads, balancing demanding productions with his education while drawing on his early ballet background for physical authenticity in characters like Hiccup. This period drew widespread media attention, including a Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood recognition in April 2025 and features highlighting his Dallas-Fort Worth roots amid his franchise ubiquity.Personal life
Thames is close friends with actress Mckenna Grace, whom he has described as "the closest person to me" and his best friend. They met before filming Regretting You, clicked immediately, and have hung out frequently ever since. They share traditions such as attending concerts together and wearing matching bracelets. Thames has praised her as a fantastic actress and noted their rare connection where they can be themselves. They have co-starred in multiple projects including Regretting You (2025) and New Year's Rev (2025).[5][15]Filmography
Film
Mason Thames made his feature film debut in 2021 and has since appeared in a variety of genres including horror, comedy, adventure, fantasy, and drama. His film credits are listed below in chronological order by release year.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Black Phone | Finney Blake | Scott Derrickson | Adaptation of the short story by Joe Hill.[16][17] |
| 2024 | Incoming | Benj Nielsen | Dave Chernin, John Chernin | Teen comedy released on Netflix.[18][19] |
| 2024 | Monster Summer | Noah Reed | David Henrie | Independent adventure-thriller co-starring Mel Gibson.[20][21] |
| 2025 | How to Train Your Dragon | Hiccup | Dean DeBlois | Live-action remake of the 2010 DreamWorks animated film.[22][23] |
| 2025 | Regretting You | Miller Adams | Josh Boone | Adaptation of the 2019 novel by Colleen Hoover.[24][25] |
| 2025 | The Black Phone 2 | Finney Blake | Scott Derrickson | Sequel to the 2021 film, released October 17.[26][27] |
