Mason Thames: A Standout Year with ‘Regretting You’, ‘Black Phone 2’, and Beyond

Mason Thames, at just eighteen, is quickly carving out a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors. The past year has seen him headline three major releases—each demanding a different side of his craft. From romance to horror, and even a dash of punk rock, Thames is proving that his range is no accident.

‘Regretting You’: Chemistry On and Off Screen

Thames stars alongside Mckenna Grace in Regretting You, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Their characters, Miller and Clara, navigate heartbreak and family trauma, but it’s the actors’ real-life rapport that’s grabbing attention. Speaking with PEOPLE, Thames and Grace revealed that many of their on-screen kisses were improvised. “We did it every take,” Thames recalled, laughing at the spontaneity that sometimes didn’t make the final cut. Grace chimed in, “That’s the best part. We’re watching the movie, and it didn’t make it!”

Their chemistry was evident from their first meeting, which Thames described as anything but awkward: “We just clicked immediately. Ever since then, we’ve just hung out all the time.” Off camera, their friendship has sparked rumors, especially after they were photographed holding hands and posting affectionate TikToks. Yet, when pressed, both keep things playful and professional, joking about their “easy” chemistry.

‘Regretting You’ isn’t just about young love. The film, featuring Allison Williams and Dave Franco, is set against the backdrop of Clara mourning her father, played by Scott Eastwood, and aunt, portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald. Thames says that Miller’s role as a caring friend is rooted in his own loss: “He lost both his parents. His grandpa raised him, so he had to grow up very young. That’s why he can be there for Clara.”

Grace and Thames worked back-to-back on another project, New Year’s Rev, a Green Day-inspired comedy that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The pair’s connection appears to extend beyond the screen, with Thames sharing that Grace joined his family for his eighteenth birthday in Texas.

‘Black Phone 2’: Returning to Horror Roots

Thames’ breakout role was in the original Black Phone, where he played Finney opposite Ethan Hawke. Four years later, he’s back for the sequel, a return he describes as “special.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Thames reflects on how both he and his character have matured: “Getting to revisit Finney, seeing his journey after such a traumatic event, and seeing where he’s tried to rebuild, was truly fantastic.”

The new film dives deeper into Finney’s psyche. He’s now a teenager wrestling with PTSD and haunted by The Grabber, the villain Hawke embodied in the first film. Thames explains, “Finney is really trying to find himself again and find the kid that was once there. After what The Grabber did, he really took a part of Finney.”

On set, Thames faced a unique challenge. Having just finished filming How to Train Your Dragon, he found himself slipping into his Hiccup voice while playing Finney. “Scott [Derrickson, director] would sometimes say, ‘I hear Hiccup.’ And I’d have to slow down my speaking and get back into it,” Thames told CinemaBlend. It’s a testament to the intensity of his preparation—after nine months as Hiccup, the transition wasn’t always seamless.

The horror genre, Thames believes, thrives on risk and audience passion. “Most [horror films] are lower budget, so they can take risks and really surprise an audience,” he said. The sequel promises more tension and a dramatic final showdown, especially in scenes between Thames and Hawke that the actor describes as “cool” and memorable.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’: Dream Role and New Horizons

Earlier this summer, Thames debuted as Hiccup in the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. The film’s box office success has already secured a sequel, which Thames is eager to start. “I can talk about it all day, every day for the rest of my life,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. Bringing Hiccup to life was a dream come true: “That character, even before I got the job, I knew him like the back of my hand.”

Thames finds meaning in Hiccup’s growth from vulnerability to strength—a message he hopes resonates with audiences. He’s especially excited for the sequel’s “fire swords,” a playful nod to the fantasy elements that captivated fans.

Balancing Stardom and Real Life

Despite his rising profile, Thames is candid about the importance of staying grounded. He values time with family and quiet moments in Texas with his dogs. “The most important thing is keeping your roots and spending time with family,” he said. The whirlwind of premieres, press, and fan attention hasn’t dulled his sense of gratitude or his desire to keep learning.

Working with legends like Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day on New Year’s Rev has also been a highlight. Armstrong even gifted Thames a guitar, helping him prepare for the role and encouraging his exploration of punk rock—new territory for the young actor.

Looking ahead, Thames hopes to continue acting and, perhaps one day, direct his own film. When asked what sets him apart, Thames laughs, “I should ask my mom,” but settles on describing himself as “pretty easygoing, pretty chill.”

What’s Next for Mason Thames?

With three very different films hitting theaters, Thames’ career trajectory is unmistakably upward. Each project has tested different aspects of his talent—from improvising tender moments, to diving deep into trauma, to mastering the nuances of musical performance. He’s not just crossing genres; he’s building a body of work that reflects both his ambition and his adaptability.

As Thames continues to juggle new roles and rapid growth, he remains a relatable figure—balancing Hollywood pressures with the simple joys of home life. Whether he’s improvising kisses with co-stars, battling nightmares on screen, or strumming punk rock on a gifted guitar, Mason Thames is defining what it means to be a young star in today’s cinema landscape.

Analysis: Mason Thames’ latest projects showcase not just his versatility, but also a willingness to embrace vulnerability—whether in romance, horror, or music. His openness about challenges and growth sets a tone for young actors seeking authenticity in a high-pressure industry. As he navigates stardom, Thames is quietly rewriting the rules for Hollywood’s next generation.