Mason Thames has equaled the Jim Carrey box office record by starring in three separate films that each reached the number one spot during their opening weekends, a cinematic achievement not seen since Carrey’s landmark year in 1994. This unexpected repeat of box office dominance highlights both Thames’s versatile talent and the ongoing evolution in the industry, with Hollywood and audiences taking notice of the actor’s impact across a range of genres.
A Record Thirty Years in the Making: Thames and Carrey’s Box Office Triumphs
Back in 1994, Jim Carrey established himself as a Hollywood superstar with three consecutive movies—Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb & Dumber—each finishing atop the box office charts. This accomplishment was all the more remarkable given all three films were comedies, prominently featuring Carrey’s expressive physical humor and unique flair. Audiences flocked to theaters to see Carrey’s dynamic performances, essentially making him synonymous with blockbuster comedy success during that era.
In 2024, Mason Thames has matched this rare milestone, starring in three distinct projects that each claimed the number one slot upon release. Thames’s winning streak began with Universal’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon, which swiftly became the highest-grossing installment in DreamWorks’ much-loved franchise. He continued his success in Black Phone 2, a chilling sequel directed by Scott Derrickson, reprising his role as Finney Blake and once again drawing large crowds. Completing this run, Thames took on a significant role in Regretting You, a dramatic adaptation based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, further displaying his acting versatility and box office draw.
Differences in Genre and Performance Define a New Kind of Star
While Carrey’s 1994 films were all comedies that capitalized on his physical humor and exaggerated characters, Thames’s trio of hits spans multiple genres and tones. How to Train Your Dragon delivers heartfelt fantasy, particularly in the relationship between the characters Hiccup and Toothless. Black Phone 2 keeps viewers on edge with its psychological horror, expanding on the disturbing ordeal of Thames’s character Finney as he confronts the ghostly presence of the Grabber—portrayed by Ethan Hawke.
Regretting You offers a different challenge, focusing on the romantic dynamics between Thames’s Miller and Mckenna Grace’s Clara. Their on-screen chemistry is highlighted as a standout aspect of the film, drawing viewers into the emotional landscape and complex relationships at its core. Thames shifts his approach in each project: he is reserved and introspective in How to Train Your Dragon, displays tenacity and resilience in Black Phone 2, and creates compelling tension and energy with Grace in Regretting You. This diversity in roles and genres sets him apart from Carrey, whose comedic identity shaped his box office streak.
Industry Lessons: Variety Fuels Success in Today’s Box Office
The year 2025 has posed significant challenges for many studios at the box office, as successes like Sinners and A Minecraft Movie are counterbalanced by disappointments such as Tron: Ares and The Smashing Machine. Mason Thames’s recent string of blockbusters points to a broader lesson for the industry: diversifying both film genres and casting choices can drive new success. Instead of relying on a single franchise or building projects solely around one star’s persona, studios such as Warner Bros. Pictures—under leadership from Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy—have highlighted the advantages of balancing risk and variety across the release slate. Other performers and their representatives could find similar benefits by choosing a spectrum of roles and collaborating with different studios and creative teams.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Thames shared his astonishment in an interview:
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. Only time will reveal if Thames will ultimately attain Jim Carrey’s iconic status, but his dynamic achievements this year have already placed him firmly in the spotlight.
Looking Ahead for Mason Thames and Hollywood’s Next Chapter
Mason Thames’s matching of the Jim Carrey box office record—three consecutive number one films in the same year—offers a fresh blueprint for studios and actors alike. By embracing varied storytelling and demonstrating adaptability across genres, Thames stands as a symbol of how Hollywood can continue to captivate diverse audiences, even as the entertainment landscape evolves. The industry will be watching closely to see how Thames builds on this foundation and which projects become the next major hits under his name.
