Mason Thames Credits Flight Movie for Career-changing Role in Dragon Film

LOS ANGELES, CA — Mason Thames’ life changed dramatically during a transatlantic flight when he caught a movie that led him to land a role in the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. As director Dean DeBlois traveled to London for auditions, he decided to watch The Black Phone starring Thames and was so impressed that he knew Thames belonged on the shortlist for the role of Hiccup.

“Apparently, they had been through a bunch of Hiccups. So Dean told me he watched The Black Phone on a plane, and then he was like, ‘Why is this kid not auditioning for Hiccup? Let’s get him in the room,’” Thames said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Thames, who is now 15, reflected on his childhood admiration for the character. “I related to Hiccup so much. God, I never thought that I’d be given the chance to step into his shoes,” he added, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

The upcoming film opens in theaters on June 13 and marks a significant moment for Thames, who had long looked up to Hiccup since he first saw the animated films. He even dressed as the character for Halloween in his youth.

In addition to working on the live-action remake, Thames is also starring in the sequel to The Black Phone, which continues the story of his character, Finney Blake, as he navigates life after confronting a serial killer.

“What [co-writers Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill] have done with the character of Finney is truly incredible,” Thames stated, as he explained the complexities of trauma that the character must deal with. “In a lot of horror movies, a character’s friends and family will die in a horrible way, and then in the next movie, they’re off at college, living a happy, fun life. But that’s not the reality of going through something traumatic.”

As he prepares for the release of How to Train Your Dragon, Thames remains grateful to DeBlois. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this project,” he concluded, noting how the director’s decision on that flight changed his life forever.