Who is Mason Thames: Hollywood’s Young Rising Star
Mason Thames is a rapidly emerging American actor making significant waves in Hollywood at a young age. If you’re looking for quick facts about this talented performer, here’s what you need to know:
- Who he is: A 17-year-old American actor.
- Born: July 10, 2007.
- Notable roles: Finney Blake in the horror hit The Black Phone, and the highly anticipated Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon.
- Early career: Began as a professional ballet dancer before transitioning to acting at age 11.
Mason Thames has quickly built an impressive resume. He brings a unique background from ballet to his compelling on-screen performances. His journey from stage to screen highlights a natural talent recognized by top directors and co-stars.
This guide explores Mason Thames‘s career, from his unconventional start to his most iconic roles and exciting future projects.
From Ballet to the Big Screen: An Unconventional Start
Before we knew him as a rising star in Hollywood, Mason Thames started on a performing arts journey that might surprise some of you: he was a dedicated ballet dancer. His early dedication to the art form saw him touring for an impressive four years with a professional international ballet company. What’s even more remarkable is that he was the youngest cast member, demonstrating his precocious talent and discipline from a very early age.
It wasn’t until he was 11 years old that Mason Thames made the pivotal transition from the dance stage to the acting screen. This unique background, we believe, has undoubtedly influenced his acting career, potentially contributing to his physical expressiveness, discipline, and ability to convey emotion, even in silent moments. His natural flow from the stage to the big screen seemed almost inevitable.
Early Roles and Building Experience
After his ballet career, Mason Thames quickly started building his acting resume with early television roles. One of his first notable appearances was in the AppleTV+ series For All Mankind in 2019, where he recurred as Daniel Stevens for three episodes. This sci-fi drama provided an early platform for him to hone his craft alongside experienced actors.
Following this, he also appeared in the popular series Walker from 2021 to 2022, portraying a younger version of the main character, Cordell Walker, in three episodes. These recurring roles allowed him to gain invaluable on-set experience, understand the rhythm of television production, and develop a versatility that would soon become his hallmark. We’ve seen how these foundational experiences are crucial for young actors, offering them the chance to learn and grow before tackling major film roles. You can learn more about actors’ journeys, like Mason Thames‘s, and how they build their careers in television before hitting the big screen. For instance, we’ve also explored the career trajectory of More info about Gaten Matarazzo.
It’s worth noting that while Mason Thames was booked and busy with these early projects, his role in the limited series Evel was unfortunately put on hold due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, a common challenge faced by many in the industry during that time.
The Call That Changed Everything: A Deep Dive into Mason Thames’s ‘The Black Phone’
Now, if you’re wondering what truly made Mason Thames a household name, it all comes down to one chilling phone call in the 2021 horror film The Black Phone. His incredible portrayal of Finney Blake in this Blumhouse Productions hit wasn’t just a role; it was his undeniable breakout performance that captivated audiences and critics alike.
In this spine-tingling movie, Mason Thames shared the screen with the legendary Ethan Hawke, who played the terrifying villain known only as “The Grabber.” Their on-screen dynamic was electric, with young Mason Thames more than holding his own against the seasoned actor. It’s truly impressive to see a young performer stand so tall alongside such a veteran!
Director Scott Derrickson, who picked Mason Thames out of hundreds of hopefuls, couldn’t stop praising his talent. Derrickson noted that Mason Thames possesses a “rare gift” for showing true emotion without overacting. He highlighted how Mason Thames could convey honesty and deep feelings just through his eyes and expressions – a natural talent that even many experienced adult actors strive for. It’s clear that Mason Thames was born for the screen.
We think this role was the perfect match for his subtle acting skills. He masterfully showed Finney’s fear, strength, and intelligence as a shy but clever 13-year-old stuck in a soundproof basement. And fun fact: this role also perfectly aligned with Mason Thames‘s own interests, as he’s mentioned being a big fan of horror movies like Halloween (1978) and Sinister (2012)!
Here’s a look at some of the recognition Mason Thames and The Black Phone received:
- Saturn Award win for Best Younger Actor
- Nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at the MTV Movie & TV Awards
- Nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
- Nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Motion Picture at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
The Impact and Future of the Franchise
The Black Phone didn’t just scare audiences; it launched Mason Thames into widespread recognition and cemented his place as a compelling young lead in Hollywood. The film’s huge success quickly sparked talks of a sequel, and we’re thrilled to confirm that Mason Thames is indeed set to reprise his role as Finney in The Black Phone 2, coming in 2025!
This continuing role is a huge shout-out to how much his first performance resonated with audiences and the filmmakers. Universal Pictures, the studio behind this thrilling franchise, clearly sees amazing potential in continuing Finney’s story with Mason Thames right at the center. If you want to dive deeper into who else is returning for the sequel, including Ethan Hawke, you can find all the details here: Blumhouse’s ‘The Black Phone 2’: Ethan Hawke & Original Cast Returning For Scott Derrickson Sequel.
Taming Dragons: Taking on the Iconic Role of Hiccup
Perhaps one of the most anticipated roles in Mason Thames‘s burgeoning career is his casting as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action adaptation of Universal’s beloved How to Train Your Dragon. This project, set for release in 2025, represents a significant milestone for the young actor, placing him in the lead role of an iconic character cherished by millions.
The casting announcement was met with considerable excitement, especially with Nico Parker joining him as Astrid. We understand the immense fan expectations surrounding this adaptation; the animated films hold a special place in many hearts. Mason Thames is approaching the role with a deep respect for the original material, aiming to honor the character while bringing his own interpretation to the live-action format. He has spoken about taking on his childhood hero, a true dream role for him.
Working on this film also provides a unique opportunity for Mason Thames to learn from seasoned actors. He’s been collaborating with Gerard Butler, who reprises his voice role as Stoick the Vast (Hiccup’s father) in the live-action version. Mason Thames has openly discussed learning “acting tropes” from Butler, an invaluable experience for a young performer navigating the complexities of a major studio production.
A Slate of Diverse and Exciting Upcoming Projects
Beyond How to Train Your Dragon and The Black Phone 2, Mason Thames has a packed schedule of diverse and exciting projects that showcase his versatility. We are thrilled to see him exploring different genres and working with a variety of talented individuals.
Here’s a snapshot of his upcoming film projects:
| Project | Role | Genre | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming | Unknown | High school comedy | 2024 | Post-production, described as a high school comedy. |
| Monster Summer | Noah Reed | Trip-Thriller | 2024 | Also known as Boys of Summer. Mason Thames stars alongside Mel Gibson, seeking help to solve a mystery on Martha’s Vineyard. This film is in post-production. |
| How to Train Your Dragon | Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III | Fantasy Trip | 2025 | In production. Live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise. |
| The Black Phone 2 | Finney Blake | Horror | 2025 | In pre-production. Reprising his breakout role. |
| Regretting You | Unknown | Romantic Drama | TBD | Film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, co-starring Mckenna Grace. |
| New Years Rev | Billie Joe Armstrong | Green Day-focused comedy | TBD | Cast in this film adaptation, playing a younger version of the iconic Green Day frontman. |
We’re particularly intrigued by his role in New Years Rev, where he’s set to portray a young Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of Green Day. This project, alongside the dramatic Regretting You and the trip-thriller Monster Summer, demonstrates Mason Thames‘s commitment to challenging himself across different types of storytelling. Working with experienced actors like Mel Gibson on Monster Summer (formerly Boys of Summer) further enriches his learning experience, just as he learned from Gerard Butler.
On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Buzz
As Mason Thames lights up more and more screens, it’s only natural that curiosity about his life off-camera grows. And when two talented young stars work closely together, the buzz about their relationship can get pretty exciting! That’s exactly what’s happened with Mason Thames and fellow actor Mckenna Grace.
They’re not only set to play love interests in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel, Regretting You, but they’ll also share the screen in the upcoming New Years Rev. With undeniable chemistry lighting up their on-screen collaborations and frequent public appearances together, it wasn’t long before dating rumors and fan speculation started swirling.
Viral TikTok video showing Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace sharing a playful, staged kiss? That charming clip certainly poured a little extra fuel on the rumor fire, sparking a lot of chatter among fans. From cozying up at the Netflix Incoming House Party to cheering courtside at an NBA game, and even being spotted walking hand-in-hand through the busy streets of New York City—a hub for celebrity sightings and exclusive dining—every sighting seemed to add another layer to the speculation. It’s a classic Hollywood tale, isn’t it? For more fascinating insights into how on-screen chemistry often sparks off-screen buzz, you might enjoy diving into the career of More info about David Corenswet Movies and TV Shows.
How Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace Address the Rumors
So, what’s the real story? While the fan speculation has been absolutely rampant, both Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace have approached the dating rumors with a refreshing blend of honesty and grace, neither explicitly confirming nor denying a romantic involvement.
In interviews, like the one with Seventeen magazine, Mason Thames has openly described the fan speculation as “wild.” He’s also humbly admitted that he’s “still not used to” having so much public scrutiny over his personal life. It’s a very relatable sentiment for any young star navigating the bright lights of fame!
But despite all the buzz, their public comments consistently paint a picture of a strong professional relationship built on mutual respect and, most importantly, a deep friendship. Mason Thames has been nothing short of effusive in his praise for Mckenna Grace, warmly calling her “one of the most driven people I’ve ever met in my life.” He even jokingly (and charmingly) suggested he makes her funnier, which perfectly captures their comfortable and humorous rapport. And Mckenna Grace, in turn, has affectionately referred to him as her “best friend.” Their social media feeds are full of playful posts and mutual support, reinforcing the idea of a truly close bond – whether that’s a platonic friendship or something more, only time will tell! What’s clear is that they’ve handled the intense speculation with impressive grace, always keeping their focus firmly on their shared work and creative endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mason Thames
As Mason Thames continues to charm audiences and climb the Hollywood ladder, it’s natural to have a few burning questions about this talented young actor. We get it! You’re curious about his journey, his age, and what’s next for him. So, let’s dive into some of the most common questions we hear, giving you the inside scoop on Mason Thames.
How old is Mason Thames?
Curiosity about age is pretty common, especially when someone seems to be achieving so much so young! Mason Thames was born on July 10, 2007. This makes him 17 years old as of our latest check. For those who love astrology, that birthday places him under the Cancer zodiac sign.
How did Mason Thames get his start in performing?
This is where Mason Thames‘s story takes a fascinating turn! Before he was captivating us on screen, his performing journey began with something entirely different: ballet. Yes, you read that right! He dedicated four years to training and even toured with a professional international ballet company. Imagine, he was the youngest cast member on that tour! This unique background undoubtedly gave him incredible discipline and physical expressiveness, which we can now see in his acting. He made the leap from the dance stage to acting when he was just 11 years old, and the rest, as they say, is history in the making.
What is Mason Thames’s biggest upcoming role?
Oh, this is an exciting one! While Mason Thames has many fantastic projects on the horizon, his biggest and most anticipated upcoming role has to be his portrayal of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III in the live-action adaptation of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon. This is a massive project for Universal Pictures, and Mason Thames stepping into the shoes of such an iconic character is a huge deal. The film is currently slated for release in 2025, and we can’t wait to see him bring Hiccup to life on the big screen!
Conclusion
From his disciplined beginnings as a ballet dancer to his breakout performance in The Black Phone and his highly anticipated role as Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon, Mason Thames has demonstrated a remarkable talent and versatility that belies his young age. His rapid rise in Hollywood is a testament to his natural acting ability, his dedication, and his unique journey into the industry. We’ve seen how he approaches each role with commitment, learning from seasoned co-stars and embracing diverse storytelling opportunities.
With a slate of exciting projects on the horizon, including The Black Phone 2, Incoming, Monster Summer, Regretting You, and New Years Rev, Mason Thames is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars to watch. His future in the entertainment industry looks incredibly bright, and we are eager to see the compelling performances he will bring to the screen next.
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