Mason Thames may only be 18, but he is already proving himself as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. While best known for his role in How to Train Your Dragon, the young actor is about to take on a new challenge as the romantic lead in the upcoming film Regretting You. The film, set to release on October 23, marks a shift for Thames as he plays Miller Adams, a character that embodies emotional intelligence, loyalty, and tenderness qualities often missing in contemporary portrayals of teenage boys. His character’s maturity, shaped by personal tragedy, offers a refreshing contrast to the typical commitment-phobic teen hero.
A Modern-Day Romantic Lead
In Regretting You, Thames’ character, Miller, finds himself navigating the grief of losing both his parents and supporting Clara (played by Mckenna Grace) through her own emotional turmoil. What sets Miller apart is his unwavering ability to understand and respect Clara’s grief, despite the emotional strain it puts on their relationship. “Miller is very mature for his age,” Thames explains. “He’s gone through a lot and understands that everyone grieves differently.” This maturity allows him to support Clara in a way that feels both heartfelt and authentic, earning him the sympathy of viewers who may identify with his emotional depth.
Real-Life Romance: Is Mason Thames the “Nice Guy”?
Thames brings a genuine sense of tenderness to his role, which leads to the inevitable question: Is he as emotionally evolved off-screen as his character? “I’m definitely a hopeless romantic at heart,” Thames admits. “I love going the extra mile for people and making those small, meaningful gestures.” Raised on films like The Notebook, Thames believes that his inclination for romantic gestures is something deeply ingrained in him. “It built who I am,” he says, reflecting on how films about love shaped his approach to relationships.
Thames’ portrayal of Miller in Regretting You taps into the nostalgia of young love, a theme that resonates deeply with today’s audiences. The resurgence of emotionally intelligent characters like Miller in mainstream media reflects a wider cultural shift. As Thames notes, there’s a growing appetite for love stories that are pure and hopeful, especially in a time dominated by darker, more cynical narratives.
A Classic Love Story for a New Generation
Regretting You taps into a global hunger for timeless romance, with its portrayal of first love and the complicated feelings that come with it. The film evokes the same emotional rawness seen in classics like The Notebook and Titanic, films that defined an era of cinematic romance. Thames admits that he has long dreamed of participating in a film of this kind, and Regretting You feels like a culmination of that dream. “After watching The Notebook, I always wanted to do a movie like this,” Thames shares. “It’s been a dream to work with director Josh Boone, especially with McKenna, who is so fantastic.”
Regrets and Real-Life Reflections
While the film’s title, Regretting You, suggests themes of heartbreak and regret, Thames reflects on his own personal growth and how his outlook has evolved. “If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said yes I had many regrets,” he admits. “But now, I don’t think so. I feel like everything happens for a reason. Every experience, no matter how hard, teaches you something.”
This perspective is perhaps what makes Thames’ portrayal of Miller so compelling. He embodies a character who, despite his own losses, remains open-hearted and ready to embrace love and life in all their complexities. For viewers, his portrayal offers a refreshing reminder that true emotional maturity is not just possible for a teenage character, but for anyone, regardless of age.
Regretting You will be released in UAE cinemas on October 23, bringing this emotional journey to the big screen for audiences ready to be swept up in the magic of young love once more.
