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At just 18, Mason Thames is already carving out a striking presence in Hollywood. Best known for his breakout role in the 2021 horror film The Black Phone, he’s stepping back into the shoes of Finney for the much-anticipated sequel, scheduled for release in October 2025. With a more mature gaze, Thames returns to a character still haunted by past trauma.
Returning to The Black Phone
Mason Thames played Finney in The Black Phone when he was only twelve. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, became a breakout hit in the horror genre, in large part thanks to Thames’ grounded and deeply empathetic performance opposite Ethan Hawke’s chilling antagonist, The Grabber. Now, three years later, Thames gets to revisit Finney—a boy no longer just surviving, but trying to rebuild.
Black Phone 2 promises to explore that reconstruction. Finney is no longer the silent boy trapped in a basement, but a teenager facing the emotional wreckage left in the wake of those events. The film delves into his PTSD and the lasting scars, both visible and hidden.
Thames shared his excitement for a standout scene opposite Hawke, set once again in a phone booth—a symbolic place in the saga. In his words, filming that scene felt like stepping into a whirlwind he both feared and welcomed. I find that especially moving: not every young actor gets a chance to revisit a role with real emotional growth baked into the script. To read Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton face off in 2026’s Apex trailer
Bringing Heart to Romance
Just as he returns to horror, Thames is also exploring new ground. In the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s romantic novel Regretting You, directed by Josh Boone, he takes on the role of Miller—thoughtful, complex, and emotionally layered. He stars alongside Mckenna Grace, and the chemistry between the two seems solid, both on-screen and off.
Thames worked closely with Boone to craft Miller’s backstory. This wasn’t just a job; it was a real creative exchange. His character was shaped by loss, raised by his grandfather after losing both parents—another emotional role, but shaded differently from Finney’s quiet suffering. If you’re keeping an eye on rising drama-heavy talents, this project should definitely be on your radar.
Here’s what stands out about this project:
- Mason plays against type, leaving behind horror for emotional romance.
- His dynamic with Mckenna Grace is enhanced by their real-life friendship.
- Josh Boone’s direction adds a layer of sensitivity and nuance to the adaptation.
They even shared a fun off-screen moment with co-star Dave Franco, catching an NBA game together. Small anecdotes like that remind me that beyond the trailers and press, these are young people navigating something very big, very fast.
Leading a Beloved Fantasy
In a complete genre shift, Thames recently headlined the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, playing Hiccup. The film was a box office success, reaffirming that this young actor has the kind of range that’s rare and exciting to watch unfold. To read Ranking Shyamalan’s Hits: Which Film Defines His Legacy?
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, returned for this adaptation, bringing a continuity of spirit. For Thames, playing Hiccup wasn’t just another role—it was a dream. He’s spoken often about how much he admired the character growing up, and there’s something powerful about that kind of full-circle storytelling.
I watched this version with curiosity and came away genuinely impressed. Thames finds the emotional heart of Hiccup—lost, brave, intuitive—and makes it his own. He’s already looking forward to the next chapter, especially to wielding Hiccup’s signature fire sword again. I can’t help but smile at that kind of wide-eyed enthusiasm.
A Punk Rock Side Project
If that weren’t enough, Thames is also diving into music in New Year’s Rev, a punk-rock adventure comedy inspired by Green Day’s early era. He plays a young version of Billie Joe Armstrong, which meant picking up a guitar and learning quickly.
In one of those serendipitous moments that make movie sets magical, Armstrong himself sent Thames a guitar during the filming of Black Phone 2. He didn’t stop there—he also wrote five original songs for Thames and the film, with input from his son Jakob Armstrong. It’s one of those unexpected but charming career turns that show how much faith people already have in Thames’ versatility.
Always Learning, Always Growing
For all his on-screen intensity and rapid rise, Mason Thames keeps his feet on the ground. He regularly returns home to Texas and makes time for his family—something he says helps him stay centered amid the whirlwind of production schedules, premieres, and set life.
He’s been acting for nearly seven years now, and each role seems to stretch him in a different direction. Horror, heartfelt drama, fantasy, musical comedy—very few young actors can bounce between genres with such honesty. What I appreciate most is that you can feel his hunger to keep learning, keep evolving.
And, quietly, he’s already thinking about stepping behind the camera one day. I really wouldn’t be surprised if he does. Watching his choices over the past year, there’s a clear narrative forming—not just of a young actor growing up on screen, but of an artist shaping his own path.
