Mason Thames Cast as Dick Grayson in DC’s Dynamic Duo
The upcoming feature film utilizes innovative puppetry technology to reimagine the iconic Robin duo.
1Casting Dick Grayson
Mason Thames has officially joined the cast of the upcoming DC feature film Dynamic Duo as Dick Grayson. Known for his roles in The Black Phone and How to Train Your Dragon, Thames secured the role after an impressive audition process that highlighted his genuine enthusiasm for the iconic superhero character.
2Production and Technology
The film distinguishes itself by utilizing cutting-edge puppetry combined with CGI overlays, a technique developed by Swaybox Studios. DC Studios co-head Peter Safran compared this innovative animation approach to the industry-shifting impact of Pixar’s Toy Story, noting that the use of real cameras provides a unique, visceral quality to the action.
3The Creative Team
Arthur Mintz, co-founder of Swaybox Studios, is set to direct the project. The production team includes high-profile industry figures such as James Gunn and Matt Reeves, who are serving as producers. Their involvement signals a strategic effort to maintain high narrative standards within the expanding DC Universe through this unconventional medium.
4Expanding the Cast
Alongside Mason Thames, Logan Kim has been cast to voice Jason Todd, completing the film's central pair of Robins. The supporting cast features established actors Lee Pace and Steve Buscemi, adding significant weight to the project. This ensemble is tasked with bringing the dynamic relationship between the two sidekicks to life.
5Strategic Casting Philosophy
Peter Safran emphasized that DC Studios prioritizes volunteers over recruits, seeking actors who are deeply invested in the source material. Thames demonstrated this commitment during his visit to the DC offices, where his genuine fan-level engagement with the studio archives left a lasting impression on the leadership team during the selection.
6Technical Visual Approach
The decision to use puppetry rather than traditional live-action or standard animation is a deliberate stylistic choice. By shooting with real cameras, the production aims to capture a physical presence that traditional animation often lacks. This hybrid approach represents a significant technical experiment for DC Studios in their current development cycle.
7Release and Timeline
The film is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on September 22, 2028. This long-term development timeline allows the production team to refine the complex puppetry and CGI integration. The project stands as a distinct departure from the studio's other ongoing television initiatives, such as the previously announced Lanterns series.
8Industry Context
Dynamic Duo represents a broader trend of studios experimenting with non-traditional animation techniques to differentiate their intellectual property. By pairing two characters who share the same mantle, DC is exploring internal character dynamics. The success of this film will likely influence how the studio approaches future projects involving legacy superhero roles.
Original article: Gizmodo — Mason Thames Cast as Dick Grayson in DC’s Dynamic Duo