A spirited introduction—like an eager neighbor spilling the tea—reveals Mason Thames isn’t just another emerging name; he’s becoming a full-fledged phenomenon, from spooky thrillers to dragon adventures. Below is a narrative-driven deep dive into his growing filmography and career trajectory.
Early Breakthrough: The Black Phone (2021)
Mason Thames’s breakout performance came in The Black Phone (2021), where he portrayed Finney Blake—a boy trapped by a masked killer, who communicates with him through a disconnected phone. His emotional gravitas left critics and audiences stunned, establishing him as a commanding presence, well beyond his years. (en.wikipedia.org)
“He has a quality that very few actors—no matter how many years of professional experience—have… You cannot teach great acting.” (Scott Derrickson on Thames) (ballebaaji.com)
This role even earned him a Fangoria Chainsaw Award—his talent was beginning to cast a long, influential shadow. (en.wikipedia.org)
Expanding Versatility: Comedy and Adventure (2024)
Transitioning from horror to lighter fare, Mason starred in two diverse projects in 2024:
- Incoming – A high school comedy following freshmen chaos, showcasing his comedic timing and teenage charm. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Monster Summer – An indie adventure-thriller featuring Mel Gibson, where Thames portrayed Noah Reed, marking his capacity to hold his own alongside established stars. (en.wikipedia.org)
These roles illustrated his range and desire to avoid being pigeonholed—demonstrating both versatility and hunger for new challenges.
Reaching New Heights: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
2025 marked a pivotal year as Mason was cast as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. As the lead, he brought authenticity and nuanced energy to this beloved character in a high-budget adaptation, expanding his audience reach globally. (en.wikipedia.org)
It was a bold move—leaning into fantasy epic territory without losing touch with emotional depth. A Teen Vogue profile highlighted his desire to diversify his portfolio and not be “typecast as Hiccup.” (teenvogue.com)
Sequels and Romcom Turns: 2025 Continues
The Black Phone 2
Premiering later in 2025, the sequel sees Mason revisiting Finney Blake with a more emotionally hardened lens. It’s a “full-circle moment,” showing how much he’s grown, both in life and craft. (en.wikipedia.org)
His sense of humor tops that reflection—during filming, he even slipped into his “Hiccup voice,” prompting playful calls of “I hear Hiccup” on set. (cinemablend.com)
Regretting You
Branching into romance, this Colleen Hoover adaptation features Thames as Miller Adams—a small-town romantic with a filmmaker’s heart. His chemistry with co-star McKenna Grace adds depth, marking a tender departure from his earlier, darker roles. (teenvogue.com)
He affectionately referenced The Notebook as personal inspiration—admitting this project felt especially heartfelt. (people.com)
What’s Next: 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Mason has already wrapped or is filming several exciting projects:
- New Years Rev – A Green Day-produced comedy expected soon. (en.wikipedia.org)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Set for release in 2027, he’ll reprise Hiccup, signaling continuity in his high-profile franchise journey. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The Shitheads – A comedic turn with Dave Franco, rounding off his 2026 slate with another tonal pivot. (en.wikipedia.org)
Filmography Overview (by Year)
- 2017 – After Omelas (short film) – Liam
- 2021 – The Black Phone – Finney Blake
- 2024 – Incoming – Benj Nielsen; Monster Summer – Noah Reed
- 2025 – How to Train Your Dragon – Hiccup; The Black Phone 2 – Finney Blake; Regretting You – Miller Adams
- 2026 – The Shitheads – Sheridan
- 2027 – How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Hiccup (confirmed, filming) (en.wikipedia.org)
Reflecting on His Journey
Mason Thames’s trajectory feels refreshingly unpredictable. From a chilling horror debut to high fantasy, heartwarming romance, and wry comedy, he refuses to be contained. Whether it’s delivering emotional realism in scarier roles or lighthearted charm in romance, his career demonstrates an impressive breadth for an actor still in his teens.
Concluding Summary
Mason Thames is not just a rising star—he’s a storyteller in motion. His filmography is a testament to exploring varied genres and deepening his craft. From The Black Phone to How to Train Your Dragon, each role has taken him closer to establishing a lasting presence in Hollywood.
Expect more genre-defying choices as he morphs from a teenage prodigy into a multi-dimensional actor. Watching his career unfold feels akin to following an unpredictable plot—always thrilling, sometimes surprising, and consistently compelling.
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