Dave Franco didn’t just want to work with Mason Thames again—he insisted. The pair, fresh off the success of “Regretting You,” are now teaming up for the wild comedy “The S—heads,” where Franco calls Thames “on such a good path.” This isn’t just another project—it’s a testament to how mentorship and chemistry are turning young stars into bankable talents.
The Ropes Were Cast, Not Just for Fun
It started with a shared laugh on set—and ended with Dave Franco pulling Mason Thames into his next big adventure. After bonding deeply during production of the Colleen Hoover-inspired rom-com “Regretting You,” Franco didn’t hesitate to bring Thames back into his orbit for something entirely different: a chaotic, comedic ride titled “The S—heads.”
“I had such a great time working with him on [Regretting You] that I roped him into another movie,” Franco told PEOPLE at the New York City screening of Regretting You in October. He emphasized that their upcoming film is “the complete opposite tone” from their first—a shift that promises to deliver laughs, mayhem, and unforgettable characters.
In “The S—heads,” Franco portrays Mark, a cynical degenerate who teams up with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s David to transport a wealthy troubled teen named Sheridan (Thames) to rehab. According to a synopsis obtained by Deadline, the trip spirals out of control when Sheridan’s influence kicks in—leading to drug-fueled disasters, near-death experiences, and criminal encounters.
Mason Thames: From Sweetheart to Psychopath—And Still Rising
What makes this casting so compelling isn’t just the genre switch—it’s how Thames has evolved since his breakout role in “The Black Phone.” In Regretting You, he played a charming, earnest romantic lead. Now, in The S—heads, he’ll channel a darker, more unpredictable energy—one that Franco called “arguably the craziest psychopath on screen since Hannibal Lecter.”
“[Thames] doesn’t need much [advice]. He’s on such a good path. He’s got a great head on his shoulders,” Franco said. His praise wasn’t empty flattery—it was earned. Thames made his debut in 2022’s The Black Phone and has since starred in three No. 1 films at the box office in 2025, per Vulture.
Thames echoed Franco’s admiration, calling him a “mentor” figure whose work ethic stands out even in a field full of prodigies. “Genuinely I think Dave is, he is my mentor, and I look up to him so much,” Thames told PEOPLE. “His work ethic is unlike a lot I’ve seen in my small, tiny little career so far.”
A Mentorship That’s Rewriting Hollywood’s Script
This isn’t just about two actors making another movie together—it’s about how their dynamic is reshaping the industry’s perception of young talent. Franco, 40, has long been known for his ability to spot emerging stars and guide them with both wisdom and humor. Thames, just 18, embodies the new generation of performers who aren’t just talented—they’re also deeply grounded.
“You don’t find many people like him,” Franco added, referring to Thames. “He’s not trying to be anyone else—he’s just being himself. And that’s what makes him magnetic.”
Their relationship transcends professional boundaries. It’s personal, organic, and built on mutual respect—a rarity in today’s fast-paced entertainment world. Their friendship mirrors the kind of genuine collaboration that keeps audiences coming back, whether it’s through heartwarming romance or high-octane chaos.
Why This Matters: The Future of Hollywood Is Here
When you combine Franco’s veteran sensibility with Thames’ explosive potential, you get something rare: a blueprint for how Hollywood should nurture its next wave of stars. It’s not about fame or money—it’s about mentorship, trust, and creative freedom.
“This is why we keep watching these guys,” says one industry insider. “They’re not just playing roles—they’re building legacies.”
As the release date for The S—heads draws closer, fans are already buzzing—not just for the plot twists or the cast—but for the promise of seeing two of Hollywood’s most promising talents grow side by side. This isn’t just another movie. It’s the beginning of something bigger.
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