By Siam 
For most actors, getting typecast is a real fear. You play a jock, you get offered jocks. You play a nerd, you see nerdy scripts for years. But every so often, a talent emerges who seems to actively defy genre, hopping from white-knuckle horror to heartfelt drama to epic fantasy like they’re just flipping through streaming menus. Enter Mason Thames, the actor who has not only avoided the trap but is currently dominating multiple cinematic universes at once. If you only know him as the brave kid from The Black Phone, buckle up. Mason Thames is orchestrating one of the most exciting career launches in Young Hollywood, and his journey is just beginning.
Let’s rewind to 2021. The horror genre was gifted a modern classic in Scott Derrickson’s The Black Phone, a film that became a massive hit not just for its scares, but for the profound emotional core provided by its young lead, Mason Thames.
Thames didn’t just play Finney Blake; he embodied him. The role required a staggering range—conveying the quiet agony of a bullied kid, the sheer terror of being trapped by a masked madman (a truly unhinged Ethan Hawke), and the determined resilience of a fighter who uses a supernatural phone to save himself. It was a performance that could have easily been overshadowed by the film’s high-concept premise, but instead, Thames held the entire story together.
The critical response was immediate. Director Scott Derrickson didn’t hold back his praise, highlighting Thames’s “rare, natural gift” and his ability to process complex emotional directions with an intuition beyond his years. This wasn’t just a good child actor performance; it was the arrival of a serious, formidable talent who shared the screen with veterans and held his own.
What makes his breakout even more impressive is his unique background. Long before the Grabber’s van, Thames was touring with a professional ballet company. From 2013 to 2016, he was immersed in the discipline of dance, a background that undoubtedly contributes to the physical grace and control he brings to his acting.
His on-screen journey started with the building blocks of TV, appearing in shows like For All Mankind and, most notably, playing a young Cordell Walker in the CW’s Walker. These roles were a proving ground, but it was The Black Phone that launched him into the stratosphere, proving he could be a leading man.
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If The Black Phone was the launch, his next role is the interstellar mission. In a move that sent waves through fandom, Thames was cast as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. Let that sink in. He’s not just joining a franchise; he’s taking on one of the most beloved animated characters of the last two decades.
The original DreamWorks trilogy isn’t just a series of movies; it’s a cultural touchstone. Fans have a deep, personal connection to Hiccup’s journey from scrawny, misunderstood Viking to the heroic Dragon Rider. The pressure on Thames is immense, but it’s also a testament to the faith the studio has in his ability to capture Hiccup’s heart, humor, and vulnerability.
He won’t be alone, of course. He’s joined by Nico Parker as Astrid, creating a dynamic duo tasked with bringing Berk to life. The casting suggests a focus on the authentic, gritty, and heartfelt spirit of the original, rather than a simple carbon copy.
While an official release date is still pending (with 2025 being the industry’s best guess), the anticipation is already palatable. This isn’t just another movie; it’s Thames’s anointing as a global fantasy lead. The scale of this production is monumental, and his performance will be under a microscope. But if anyone has shown they can handle pressure while radiating a relatable everyman quality, it’s Mason Thames. For those asking, “What is Mason Thames in How to Train Your Dragon?”—the answer is: he’s the heart and soul of the entire thing.
You’d think starring in a smash-hit horror film and a landmark fantasy remake would be enough for a while. Not for Thames. His project slate is a deliberate masterclass in range, showing a strategic mind behind the raw talent.
Next up is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Regretting You. This move into the world of YA romance and family drama showcases a completely different side of his abilities. It’s a role that requires navigating complex emotional relationships and the nuances of first love, proving his appeal isn’t limited to genre fans.
And let’s not forget the comedy Incoming, which is slated for release and will further demonstrate his versatility. By mixing horror, fantasy, romance, and comedy, Thames is ensuring that his name becomes synonymous with range, not just a single, iconic role.
Mason Thames isn’t just a rising star; he’s a blueprint for the next generation. He represents a new kind of Hollywood actor: one who is selective, who values storytelling across genres, and who speaks directly to a Gen Z audience that consumes content the same way. He’s building a filmography you can’t easily pigeonhole, associating with fellow powerhouses like Mckenna Grace, and making choices that feel authentic rather than simply commercial. He’s not just waiting for roles; he’s building a legacy.
From the dark, grim basement of The Black Phone to the soaring, mythical skies of Berk, Mason Thames has navigated his early career with a wisdom that belies his age. He has successfully transitioned from a critically acclaimed child actor to a young adult star with a staggering and diverse project slate. He is far from a one-hit wonder; he is a foundational talent poised to define the next decade of film, from gripping horror and epic fantasy to heartfelt drama. So, do yourself a favor and remember his name. Follow his journey, because Mason Thames is on a trajectory to become a household name for years to come.
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