Get ready to meet the new king of the box office: Mason Thames is taking Hollywood by storm, and 2025 is his year to shine. But here’s where it gets controversial—could this 18-year-old sensation really be the next Jim Carrey? Let’s dive in.
If box office numbers are any indication, Mason Thames is the undisputed star of 2025. Bursting onto the scene in 2022 alongside Ethan Hawke in the spine-chilling horror film The Black Phone, Thames played Finney Blake, a terrified teenager tormented by the film’s villain, The Grabber. Fast forward to 2025, and Thames has transformed his rising stardom into box office gold. All three of his films this year have claimed the top spot—a feat previously achieved by none other than Jim Carrey in 1994 with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. But is it fair to compare a seasoned comedian like Carrey to a young dramatic actor like Thames? Let’s explore.
Thames kicked off 2025 with How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD), a live-action adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks animation. Playing the lead role of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a clumsy young Viking who befriends a rare dragon despite his village’s feud with the creatures, Thames helped the film soar to a staggering $636 million globally. Next up was Black Phone 2, where he reprised his role as Finney, this time facing The Grabber’s haunting presence from beyond the grave, earning $104 million worldwide. And let’s not forget Regretting You, a heartwarming romance adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel, where Thames played Miller Adams, a charming underdog with a heart of gold. The film brought in $50 million globally, proving Thames’ versatility across genres.
And this is the part most people miss—Thames isn’t just a talented actor; he’s a chameleon who lets his characters influence one another. In an interview with News.com, he revealed how his portrayal of Hiccup bled into Finney’s character in Black Phone 2. ‘I kind of changed Hiccup’s voice, and he had a walk and talked faster,’ Thames shared. Director Scott Derrickson would even joke, ‘I hear Hiccup, I hear Hiccup,’ prompting Thames to adjust his performance. ‘It was a lot of fun,’ he added, highlighting the joy of embodying such distinct roles.
Speaking of joy, Thames gushed about working with his real-life girlfriend, Mckenna Grace, in Regretting You. ‘She’s so wonderful and she’s one of my favorite people on this earth,’ he said. ‘The fact that I got to do that with her, and now I get to experience all this—it’s really crazy, but it’s all just fun.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does on-screen chemistry improve when actors are romantically involved off-screen, or does it complicate the dynamic?
As Thames continues to dominate the box office, one thing is clear: he’s not just another teen heartthrob. He’s a versatile actor with a passion for storytelling, whether it’s through horror, adventure, or romance. ‘Just getting the chance to play all these different characters—it’s my dream,’ he said. ‘The best part of this job is playing characters so vastly different from each other.’
So, is Mason Thames the new Jim Carrey? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—his reign at the box office is just beginning. What do you think? Is Thames the next big thing, or is it too early to crown him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
