Mason Thames has achieved a rare milestone in Hollywood by matching the Jim Carrey box office record for starring in three films that all debuted at the top spot during their opening weekends, a feat Carrey first accomplished in 1994. Thames’s recent success comes as studios look for fresh approaches in a changing cinematic landscape, with his streak demonstrating the enduring appeal of versatile leading actors.
Thames Equals a Thirty-Year Hollywood Benchmark
Jim Carrey rose to superstardom three decades ago, thanks to the consecutive box office triumphs of “Ace Ventura,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb & Dumber,” all released in 1994. Each of these titles dominated theaters, propelling Carrey to the upper ranks of Hollywood fame. For over thirty years, no other actor had replicated this accomplishment—until Mason Thames did so in 2024.
Thames’s first box office-topping film was Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon,” which not only led the weekend but became the most profitable in the DreamWorks franchise. He followed that with “Black Phone 2,” the sequel to Scott Derrickson’s acclaimed horror, where Thames returned as Finney Blake. Rounding out the trio, Thames played a significant role in “Regretting You,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel. His ability to achieve number one openings with three distinct movies in a single year sets a new precedent for emerging talent.
Contrasting Styles: Comedy Legend Versus Young Versatility
Unlike Thames’s recent streak, Jim Carrey’s original trifecta—“The Mask,” “Dumb & Dumber,” and “Ace Ventura”—shared a common comedic thread, capitalizing on Carrey’s signature physical humor and unrestrained energy. Carrey’s performances, whether in overt comedies or dramatic projects like “The Truman Show,” have always featured his unmistakable dynamic charisma that draws unique audiences and cements his status as a box office magnet. His later roles, such as Doctor Robotnik in the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, further showcased this defining quality.
Mason Thames, on the other hand, has displayed remarkable range across genres: from the heartwarming fantasy of “How To Train Your Dragon,” with its exploration of the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, to the sustained tension of “Black Phone 2,” where he faces off against the harrowing threat embodied by Ethan Hawke’s Grabber. In “Regretting You,” Thames portrays Miller, whose interactions with Mckenna Grace’s Clara anchor the film’s emotional stakes and romantic tension. Each performance offers a fresh side of Thames: he’s quietly introspective as Hiccup, hardened by trauma in “Black Phone 2,” and deeply connected with Grace’s Clara in his latest romantic role. This versatility hints at why his work resonates so strongly with diverse audiences.
Industry Implications: Diversity in Film May Be the Key
The 2025 box office has proven tumultuous for many studios, with as many disappointments as successes. Major wins like “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie” are offset by high-profile underperformers such as “Tron: Ares” and “The Smashing Machine.” Mason Thames’s impressive run suggests that investing in variety rather than relying solely on proven formulas or established franchises can yield significant rewards, especially in a market hungry for new voices and stories.
Warner Bros. Pictures, guided by film chiefs Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy, offers a successful case study by spreading its production slate across multiple genres, leading to a series of box office hits. Actors, too, can take a cue from Thames’s approach by seeking roles that span different tones and styles, thereby increasing their reach and visibility.
Mason Thames himself expressed humility and gratitude for his rapid rise, telling D Magazine,
“It’s been the craziest year of my life. I’ve been trying my best to soak it all in. I’m so fortunate. I can barely wrap my head around it,”
Mason Thames, Actor. The industry now watches to see whether Thames will achieve the same enduring status as Jim Carrey, but it is clear his career trajectory is gaining momentum.
Spotlight on “Regretting You” and Its Ensemble
“Regretting You” features Mason Thames in a leading role alongside Mckenna Grace, whose performance as Clara brings depth to the adaptation. Allison Williams rounds out the principal cast as Morgan Grant, adding further dimension to the family drama drawn from Colleen Hoover’s novel. The chemistry and emotional connection displayed by Thames and Grace have been cited as standout elements, capturing audiences’ attention amidst the film’s turbulent narrative arcs.
Mason Thames’s box office achievements in 2024 underscore a valuable lesson for Hollywood: embracing diversity in roles and genres can not only break old records but may also pave the way for a new generation of stars, reshaping what it means to be a leading figure in the industry’s evolving landscape.
