By Bemi Brooks 
Remember that feeling of watching a movie and being completely floored by a young actor you’ve never seen before? You sit up a little straighter, totally captivated, and think, “Wow, who is that kid?” For a huge chunk of movie fans in 2022, that exact moment happened while watching the chilling Blumhouse hit, The Black Phone. And the name they were scrambling to Google was Mason Thames.
He wasn’t just another child actor; he carried the entire film on his shoulders with a quiet, powerful resilience that felt far beyond his years. One great performance can be a flash in the pan, but in the case of Mason Thames, it was clearly a launching pad. If you’re curious about this fresh face who’s suddenly everywhere from horror to major franchises, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s unpack the rising star that is Mason Thames.
Who Is Mason Thames? More Than Just a Breakout Role
So, who is the guy behind Finney Blake’s terrified but determined eyes? Mason Thames is an American actor born in 2009, which makes him part of Gen Alpha—a generation already making waves in Hollywood. While The Black Phone was his big breakout, he’d been quietly building his resume before that.
He didn’t just jump into acting; he’s been honing his craft for a while. You might have even seen him in smaller roles on TV shows like For All Mankind or Walker before he landed the part that would change everything. It’s a classic story of talent meeting opportunity, but his specific blend of grounded authenticity is what really sets him apart.
The Big Break: Cracking The Code with The Black Phone
Let’s talk about The Black Phone. Directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Blumhouse and Jason Blum, this film was a massive critical and commercial success. It’s a tough genre for any actor, let alone a young lead. The role of Finney Blake required a huge emotional range: vulnerability, sheer terror, intelligence, and a fierce will to survive.
Mason Thames didn’t just play the part; he lived it. Critics and audiences alike praised his naturalistic performance. He wasn’t “acting scared”; he was scared. He built a believable sibling bond with Madeleine McGraw (who played his sister, Gwen), and he held his own against a terrifying Ethan Hawke. This wasn’t a case of a cute kid reciting lines. This was the arrival of a serious, nuanced actor.
This role did two huge things for him:
- Proved His Mettle: It showed he could be the anchor of a major studio film.
- Caught the Industry’s Eye: Casting directors and producers took notice, realizing he had the talent and work ethic for even bigger things.
What’s Next? A Glimpse into Mason Thames’s Stacked Lineup
If you thought The Black Phone was a one-hit wonder, think again. Mason Thames has been booking role after role, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young leads. His upcoming projects are enough to make any movie fan excited.
- Live-Action Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon (2025): This is arguably his biggest get yet. He was cast as the lead in the live-action adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks Animation franchise. Stepping into a role defined by Jay Baruchel’s iconic voice performance is no small task, but it shows the immense faith studios have in his ability to lead a billion-dollar franchise. It’s a role that requires heart, humor, and heroism—a perfect fit for his demonstrated skills.
- The Black Phone 2 (2025): Of course, he’s returning to the role that started it all. The sequel is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how Finney’s story continues. Reprising a breakout role is a smart move, allowing him to deepen a character audiences already love.
- Ballerina Overdrive: He’s also set to star in this sci-fi action film. While details are still under wraps, it signals a move into yet another genre, showcasing his versatility and preventing him from being typecast.
This trajectory—from indie-horror darling to franchise lead—is a clear indicator of a carefully managed and exploding career.
Why He Stands Out: The “It” Factor of a New Generation
There are plenty of talented kid actors. So what makes Mason Thames different? It boils down to a few key things:
- Authentic Vulnerability: He doesn’t feel like he’s performing. He feels real. In an age of overly polished social media stars, his on-screen presence is refreshingly genuine.
- Relatability: He looks and acts like a regular kid you might know. This makes his characters incredibly easy to root for.
- Professional Pedigree: Working with heavyweights like Ethan Hawke, Scott Derrickson, and soon, the team behind How to Train Your Dragon, provides an invaluable masterclass in acting. He’s learning from the best.
He’s not chasing fame; he’s building a filmography. And that’s a strategy for long-term success.
Following the Journey: How to Keep Up with Mason Thames
Naturally, you might be wondering how to keep tabs on this rising star’s career. Like many young actors of his generation, his online presence is managed carefully (and rightly so) by his family and team.
Your best bets for updates are:
- Industry News Sites: Keep an eye on outlets like Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety for official casting news and project announcements.
- IMDbPro: This is the go-to source for accurate, up-to-date filmography and project statuses.
- Fan Curated Social Media: Fan accounts on Instagram and Twitter (X) often do a great job of aggregating news, official photos, and interviews in one place.
3 Reasons to Keep Mason Thames on Your Radar
- Franchise Power: With How to Train Your Dragon and The Black Phone sequel, he’s at the center of two major film series that will keep him on screen for years.
- Serious Chops: He’s already proven he can deliver a critically acclaimed performance under pressure. He’s an actor first, a star second.
- Strategic Choices: His project choices show a desire to work across genres (horror, fantasy, sci-fi) with top-tier talent, which is the perfect recipe for a long and respected career.
The path from child actor to lasting Hollywood star is notoriously tricky. But based on his talent, the projects he’s choosing, and the buzz around him, Mason Thames has all the right tools to not just navigate that path, but to redefine it. He’s not just a moment; he’s the beginning of a major career.
What about you? Were you impressed by his performance in The Black Phone? Are you excited to see him as Hiccup? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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FAQs
Q: How old is Mason Thames?
A: Mason Thames was born in 2009, making him 15 years old as of 2024.
Q: Is Mason Thames related to anyone famous?
A: No, there is no public information suggesting Mason Thames comes from a famous family. His rise appears to be based on his own talent and auditions.
Q: Where is Mason Thames from?
A: Mason was born and raised in the United States. Specific details about his hometown are kept private to protect his and his family’s privacy.
Q: Will there be a Black Phone 2?
A: Yes! The Black Phone 2 is officially in production and is scheduled to be released in 2025. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw are set to reprise their roles.
Q: What other movies has he been in?
A: Before The Black Phone, he had small roles in TV shows like For All Mankind and Walker. His next big projects are the live-action How to Train Your Dragon and The Black Phone 2.
Q: Does he have social media?
A: As a minor, Mason does not have public, personal social media accounts. Updates are shared through official movie studio channels and press interviews.
Q: How did he get the role of Hiccup?
A: He won the role through a standard audition process. The filmmakers were reportedly looking for an actor who could embody Hiccup’s heart, humor, and growth, and they found those qualities in Mason’s audition.