Mason Thames, the rising star of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (2025), has set his sights on the DC Universe (DCU), expressing a passionate desire to portray either Robin or The Flash in James Gunn’s reimagined cinematic landscape. At just 18 years old, Thames has already captured audiences with his charismatic performances, and his recent comments at Fan Expo Canada have sparked a wildfire of excitement among DC fans. When asked about his dream roles, Thames didn’t hesitate, naming Robin—specifically Dick Grayson or Tim Drake—and The Flash as his top picks, humorously noting that Jason Todd’s darker persona might be “too much” for him. His enthusiasm, paired with his growing Hollywood profile, has fans and insiders speculating about his potential fit in Gunn’s ambitious DCU reboot, with many believing the director would greenlight his casting in a heartbeat.

Thames’ interest in the DCU comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise, which is undergoing a soft reboot under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran. The DCU’s Chapter One, titled “Gods and Monsters,” kicked off with Superman (2025), setting the stage for a unified narrative across film, TV, animation, and gaming. Among the slate of upcoming projects, The Brave and the Bold, directed by Andy Muschietti, is a cornerstone, introducing a new Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin. While Damian is confirmed for the film, Thames’ age and youthful energy make him a compelling candidate for a younger Dick Grayson or Tim Drake, perhaps in a Teen Titans project or as part of the broader Bat-Family. Social media platforms like Reddit have been abuzz, with users on r/DCU_ praising Thames as a “perfect Tim Drake,” citing his ability to blend vulnerability and heroism.

The appeal of Thames as Robin lies in his proven on-screen presence and relatable charm. At 18, he aligns perfectly with the age range for a young Dick Grayson, the first Robin, or Tim Drake, the analytical third Robin. His performance as Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon showcased his ability to carry a blockbuster, blending earnestness with action-hero grit—a combination that could translate seamlessly to the acrobatic, quick-witted Boy Wonder. Fans on X have drawn comparisons to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, noting Thames’ potential to embody a youthful hero navigating Gotham’s dangers alongside Batman. However, some argue that his age might skew slightly older for Tim Drake, traditionally depicted as 13–15, though the DCU’s flexible continuity could accommodate an older interpretation.

Thames’ interest in The Flash, however, faces steeper challenges. The Scarlet Speedster’s future in the DCU remains uncertain following the underwhelming performance of the 2023 Flash film starring Ezra Miller. James Gunn has confirmed that The Flash will eventually appear in the DCU, but no immediate plans exist for a solo project, with the studio prioritizing films like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026) and Clayface (2026). Thames’ mention of The Flash, likely referring to Barry Allen or Wally West, reflects his versatility as an actor, capable of tackling high-energy, lighthearted roles. Yet, Gunn’s comments in December 2024 suggest the character is on hold, possibly to distance the DCU from past controversies. Despite this, Thames’ name has surfaced in fan discussions on X, with posts like @dcuworld’s amplifying his pitch and sparking debates about whether he could outshine previous iterations.

Gunn’s track record of embracing fan-favorite casting choices, such as Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, fuels optimism that he might consider Thames. The director’s openness to fresh talent aligns with Thames’ rising star status, and his hands-on approach to the DCU—emphasizing completed scripts before greenlighting projects—suggests that any role for Thames would be carefully crafted. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Gunn emphasized his commitment to getting Batman and Wonder Woman right, hinting at the importance of supporting characters like Robin in shaping the DCU’s narrative. Thames’ proactive campaign for a role could catch Gunn’s eye, especially given the actor’s genuine enthusiasm for DC’s iconic heroes.

While Thames continues to work on the How to Train Your Dragon sequel, set for release in 2027, his DCU aspirations have galvanized fans. Whether swinging through Gotham as Robin or racing as The Flash, Thames’ potential casting could inject fresh energy into the DCU. For now, fans are left imagining him in the iconic red and green of Robin or the crimson suit of The Flash, eagerly awaiting Gunn’s next move.