By Henry 
You’re hiding in a basement, the walls are thin, and a sinister voice is whispering on a disconnected phone. Your only hope is a kid who’s been where you are. That kid, Finney Blake, brought a terrifying story to life, and the young actor behind him, Mason Thames, didn’t just act—he announced himself as Hollywood’s next major talent. But who is the guy behind the breakout performance that had everyone talking?
From a gripping horror hit to landing roles in giant studio franchises, Mason Thames is on one of the most exciting trajectories in Tinseltown. Let’s pull back the curtain on his journey, his process, and what we can expect next from this rising star.
Before the black phone ever rang, Mason Thames was just a regular kid from Arizona with a big dream. His journey wasn’t an overnight miracle but a steady climb.
- Humble Beginnings: Born and raised outside the Hollywood bubble, Thames’ early work consisted of short films and small commercial roles. It’s the classic actor’s grind, building a reel one project at a time.
- The Big Break: Landing the role of Finney Blake in Scott Derrickson’s The Black Phone was the turning point. It wasn’t just another child actor part; it was a complex, emotionally demanding lead role in a major studio film. He had to carry the entire movie on his shoulders, portraying fear, resilience, and intelligence, often with just a look.
Think of his career like a rocket—those early shorts and commercials were the groundwork and engineering, and The Black Phone was the successful launch into orbit.
The Black Phone (2021) wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment for horror fans. And at the heart of its success was the believable, raw performance of its young lead.
Mason Thames didn’t play a victim; he played a survivor. His performance was praised for its stunning naturalism. Critics and audiences alike highlighted how he avoided the tropy, overly-precocious style that sometimes plagues young actors in horror. Instead, he was grounded, relatable, and utterly compelling.
The Secret to His Success? In interviews, Thames and director Scott Derrickson often mentioned the intense rehearsal process. They built the 1970s world, worked on character motivations, and built a genuine camaraderie with his co-star, Madeleine McGraw (who played his sister, Gwen). This preparation allowed him to deliver a performance that felt authentic, not acted.
This role proved he could headline a blockbuster, handle intense material with maturity, and connect with a global audience. It was his golden ticket.
If The Black Phone was the audition, what came next is proof that Hollywood was paying attention. Mason Thames swiftly transitioned from breakout star to sought-after leading man.
His upcoming projects read like a wish list for any aspiring actor:
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): Thames joined the legendary sci-fi franchise in a leading role. This isn’t a small part; he’s playing a central character in the next chapter of the acclaimed series. It shows studios trust him with billion-dollar IP.
- The Black Phone 2 (2025): Of course, he’s returning to the role that started it all. Reprising Finney Blake promises to delve deeper into the character’s trauma and strength post-abduction.
Mason Thames’s Rapid Rise to Fame
| Year | Project | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Black Phone | Finney Blake | Breakout lead role, critical and commercial success |
| 2024 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | [Character Name] | Leading role in a major studio franchise |
| 2025 | The Black Phone 2 | Finney Blake | Reprising his iconic role in the anticipated sequel |
This trajectory is rare. He’s bypassing the usual cycle of indie films and supporting parts and going straight to the A-list.
So, what sets Mason Thames apart in a town full of talented young actors? It boils down to a few key ingredients:
- Naturalistic Authenticity: He doesn’t feel like he’s “performing.” He embodies the character so fully that you forget you’re watching an actor. It’s that elusive “it” factor.
- Emotional Range: From sheer terror to determined cunning to protective love for his sister, he displayed a wide emotional palette in The Black Phone without ever seeming melodramatic.
- Professional Demeanor: By all accounts, Thames is a consummate professional on set. Directors praise his work ethic, focus, and ability to take direction—a crucial skill for a young actor growing up in the industry.
He represents a new generation of actors: digitally native, incredibly professional, and possessing an old-soul maturity that translates powerfully on screen.
- Preparation is Everything: His work in The Black Phone shows that behind every “overnight success” is a mountain of unseen rehearsal and dedication.
- Authenticity Wins: Audiences connect with real, grounded performances. Thames’s ability to be a believable kid in an unbelievable situation was key to the film’s success.
- One Big Break Can Change Everything: But you have to be ready for it. Thames was prepared to carry a film when his number was called.
Mason Thames isn’t just a flash in the pan. With a leading role in the Planet of the Apes franchise and a highly anticipated sequel on the way, he’s cemented his place in Hollywood’s future. He’s choosing projects with care, building a filmography that balances franchise blockbusters with critically acclaimed horror.
He’s on the path once walked by young actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale—actors who started strong and never looked back. The next decade of cinema will undoubtedly have Mason Thames in a leading role.
What has been your favorite Mason Thames moment so far? Are you more excited for his return to The Black Phone universe or his adventure in the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes? Share your thoughts below!
How old is Mason Thames?
Mason Thames was born on June 10, 2007. He is currently 17 years old (as of 2024).
Where is Mason Thames from?
He is from the United States and was born and raised in the state of Arizona.
What was Mason Thames’s first movie?
While he did small shorts and commercials, his first major feature film role was as Finney Blake in the 2021 hit horror film The Black Phone.
Is Mason Thames in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
Yes! He has a leading role in the 2024 film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which continues the story of the famous franchise.
Will there be a Black Phone 2?
Absolutely. The Black Phone 2 is officially scheduled for release in 2025, and Mason Thames will reprise his role as Finney Blake.
Is Mason Thames on social media?
He maintains a relatively low profile. While he has fans who track his career, he does not have public, verified Instagram or Twitter accounts as of this writing, which is common for many young actors focusing on their work.
Who did Mason Thames play in The Black Phone?
He played the protagonist, Finney Blake, a shy but clever boy who is abducted by a serial killer and must use a mysterious phone to try to escape.