The young rising actor Mason Thames has created quite a buzz in Hollywood with his new Netflix release, Incoming, and has similarly shown an impressive range and talent in several movies and shows.
Thames first caught everyone’s eyes with his chilling performance in The Black Phone, where he stood out alongside experienced actors like Ethan Hawke. Since his breakthrough, he has built a diverse filmography, earning praise for his performances.
As his career continues to grow, Mason Thames has proved himself to be a versatile actor with a promising future, as he has multiple projects all set in the near future.
Furthermore, Mason Thames has upcoming major movie projects, including How to Train Your Dragon, Monster Summer, and Regretting You.
Here’s a look at five movies and shows in which he has appeared to date, ranked from the worst to the best.
5. After Omelas (2017)
After Omelas is a short film inspired by the thought-provoking short story The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin.
The movie explores the idea of a utopian society in which a child must suffer perpetually for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.
Mason Thames plays Liam, a young boy in a seemingly perfect society, Omelas, and he is a symbol of innocence and sacrifice in the movie.
Mason’s performance is a key element of the film, forcing the viewers to reflect on the ethical implications and uncomfortable truths about the cost of utopia.
Directed by Sean Peavy, the 6-minute-long short film marked a significant point in Mason’s career.
After Omelas
IMDb ShortDramaFollow the story of the fairy tale city Omelas, where everyone is happy at the expense of two unfortunate children.
Director | Sean Peavy |
Release Date | November 16, 2017 |
Studio | Gray Studio Productions |
Cast | Mason Thames, Aidan Singh, Liliana Torres |
Runtime | 6 minutes |
Writers | Sean Peavy |
Rating | N/A |
4. Incoming (2024)
Mason Thames’ recent release, Incoming, is a lighthearted teen comedy about a group of high school students who have a series of misadventures.
Thames plays Benj Nielsen, one of the students who believes they are facing an alien invasion.
The film doesn’t take itself too seriously and blends slapstick humor with relatable teenage scenarios, making it a fun watch, especially for younger audiences.
However, the comedy is hit-or-miss and feels forced in some instances. Many people claimed that the movie dragged for too long and relied heavily on cliches.
Among Mason Thames’ movies, Incoming has the lowest ratings. It received mixed reviews from fans and critics and only got 25% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Incoming
IMDb ComedyFour high school freshmen get ready for their first school party.
Director | Dave Chernin, John Chernin |
Release Date | August 23, 2024 |
Studio | Spyglass Media Group, Artists Media |
Cast | Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro |
Runtime | 1 hr 31 minutes |
Writers | Dave Chernin, John Chernin |
Rating | R |
3. Walker (2021-2022)
Mason Thames played the lead character in Walker, a 2021 reboot of the classic 90s show Walker, Texas Ranger.
The show follows Walker, a Texas Ranger, as he juggles his responsibilities with personal struggles. Thames appeared as the younger version of the lead, Cordell Walker, played by Jared Padalecki.
Mason’s role in the flashbacks provides a deeper understanding of the story by adding emotional depth to the character.
While Walker benefits from its blend of action and drama, some find it slow at times. The show excels in character development, but the original’s straightforward action and moral clarity are absent.
The mixed reviews led to the cancellation of the show after the fourth season’s release, despite it being the most-watched CW show.
Overall, Walker offers a fresh take on the classic but may not satisfy everyone, as the first season only got 32% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Walker
IMDb ActionCrimeDramaCordell Walker, an experienced Texas Ranger, tries to rekindle his relationship with his children and parents while also trying to solve various crimes with his new partner.
Creator | Anna Fricke |
Release Date | January 21, 2021 |
Studio | Stick to Your Gun Productions, Rideback, CBS Studios, Pursued by a Bear |
Cast | Jared Padalecki, Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen |
Runtime | 40-42 minutes |
Writers | Anna Fricke, Christopher Canaan |
Rating | Tv-14 |
2. The Black Phone (2021)
Directed by Scott Derrickson, The Black Phone is a horror movie based on a short story by Joe Hill.
The movie is a standout in the horror genre as it masterfully blends supernatural elements with the horrifying reality of a serial killer’s hideout.
Ethan Hawke, the masked villain, The Grabber, delivers a chilling performance alongside the strong performance of Mason Thames, who plays Finney Blake in the movie.
The film received a good response from the audience and went on to become a massive success at the box office. While the budget of the movie was $16-18 million, it earned $161.4 million worldwide.
Critics appreciate The Black Phone, which has an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the success of the movie, its sequel, The Black Phone 2, is set to release in 2025, with Mason Thames reprising his role as Finney.
The Black Phone
IMDb HorrorMysteryThrillerA boy starts receiving instructions from a black phone in the basement of his kidnappers.
Director | Scott Derrickson |
Release Date | September 25, 2021 |
Studio | Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Crooked Highway |
Cast | Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Ethan Hawke |
Runtime | 1 hr 43 minutes |
Writers | Joe Hill, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill |
Rating | R |
1. For All Mankind (2019)
The critically acclaimed 2019 Apple TV+ series For All Mankind imagines an alternate history of 1969 when the Soviet Union beat the US to the moon.
Mason Thames appeared in three episodes as Danny Stevens, the son of two astronauts in the never-ending space race.
The slow-burn drama focuses on the personal and political ramifications of the alternate history. The cast of Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Wrenn Schmidt, and others deliver strong performances.
Viewers have appreciated the show’s ambitious storytelling and attention to detail in recreating the 1960s and 1970s. The characters are well-drawn and explore the human side of space exploration.
Among Mason Thames’ movies and series, this series impressed audiences and critics and received a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%. It also won two Primetime Emmys in 2021 and 2023.
The fourth season premiered on November 10, 2023, and has been renewed for a fifth season, expected to be released sometime in 2025.
For All Mankind
IMDb Sc-FiDramaIn a universe where the Soviet Union defeats the USA in the race to the moon, the space race is still not over.
Creator | Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert |
Release Date | November 1, 2019 |
Studio | Tall Ship Productions, Sony Pictures Television |
Cast | Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Wrenn Schmidt |
Runtime | 42-82 minutes |
Writers | Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert |
Rating | Tv-MA |
Trivia
Mason Thames was a part of the limited TV series Evel that focused on the life of Evel Knievel, the legendary stunt performer. Thames was cast for the part of Robbie, Evel’s son. Unfortunately, the series never made it to air and got canceled due to the pandemic in 2020.