DC Studios Officially Casts Mason Thames As Robin in Upcoming Animated Film
Peter Safran confirms Mason Thames will voice Dick Grayson in Dynamic Duo, sparking questions about potential live-action appearances.
Published 3 November 2026
The Official Casting Announcement
DC Studios has officially found its next Robin, with studio co-head Peter Safran confirming that Mason Thames will voice Dick Grayson in the upcoming feature Dynamic Duo. The casting confirmation arrives following months of rumors, including a report by scooper Jeff Sneider in September 2026.
Safran revealed that Thames pursued the role with great enthusiasm, visiting DC offices alongside his father and thoroughly auditioning for the part. The actor is well-known for his prior work in The Black Phone and its sequel, as well as portraying Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film.
Behind the Scenes of Dynamic Duo
Dynamic Duo is an upcoming animated project developed by DC Studios in partnership with Swaybox Studios. The production utilizes a distinctive animation style developed by Swaybox co-founders Arthur Mintz and Theresa Andersson, which blends puppetry and CGI to achieve a stop-motion aesthetic.
The narrative of the film will explore the origin stories of both Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Alongside Thames, Logan Kim has been cast to voice Jason Todd, though the recasting drew public disappointment from Titans star Curran Walters.
Enthusiasm and Dedication from the Actor
According to studio leadership, Thames demonstrated immense dedication during the audition process, described by Safran as being entirely obsessed with securing the role of Dick Grayson. The 19-year-old actor, who also appeared in the comedy film Idiots alongside Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr., deeply impressed the studio executives with his passion.
This level of commitment has generated positive expectations for his vocal performance in the upcoming DC Universe feature.
The Live-Action Transition Question
A central question following the casting announcement is whether Thames will transition to playing Dick Grayson in live-action productions. While past remarks from co-head James Gunn suggest that DC Universe actors should portray their characters across film, television, animation, and video games, official confirmation regarding Thames remains absent.
Similar uncertainty surrounds Logan Kim's potential live-action future as Jason Todd within the evolving franchise.
Precedents for Cross-Medium Casting
James Gunn has previously emphasized a unified strategy where performers span multiple formats within the same shared continuity. Frank Grillo serves as a prime example, having portrayed Rick Flag Sr. across the film Superman, the television series Peacemaker, and the animated show Creature Commandos.
Additionally, Aaron Pierre was announced to play Green Lantern John Stewart in both the HBO series Lanterns and the theatrical movie Man of Tomorrow, supporting the studio's goal of maintaining parity between television and film.
Broader Context and Franchise Shifts
The long-term strategy for the DC Universe has faced various adjustments since its initial 2022 announcement by Gunn and Safran. Changes have included canceled projects such as The Authority, alongside shifts driven by corporate developments like the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount merger in October 2026.
These alterations raise ongoing questions about how strictly the studio will adhere to its original cross-medium actor continuity plans moving forward.
Release Details and Additional Cast
Dynamic Duo is currently scheduled for release on September 22, 2028. Arthur Mintz is attached to direct the feature under the banner of Swaybox Studios.
Additional casting reports indicate that Lee Pace and Steve Buscemi have joined the project to portray members of the Red Hood Gang, though further plot and character details remain limited.
News Overview
DC Studios co-head Peter Safran has confirmed that Mason Thames will voice Dick Grayson in the upcoming animated film Dynamic Duo, which is slated for a September 22, 2028 release. The project, directed by Arthur Mintz and produced in collaboration with Swaybox Studios, will also feature Logan Kim as the voice of Jason Todd. While studio leadership has previously expressed intentions for DC Universe actors to cross over between animation, television, and live-action, official confirmation regarding a live-action role for Thames has not yet been provided.
Key facts
- Peter Safran confirmed Mason Thames as the voice of Dick Grayson in Dynamic Duo on November 3, 2026.
- Mason Thames is 19 years old.
- Dynamic Duo is scheduled for release on September 22, 2028.
- Swaybox Studios was co-founded by Arthur Mintz and Theresa Andersson in 2013.
- Logan Kim has been cast as Jason Todd in Dynamic Duo.
- Frank Grillo plays Rick Flag Sr. across Superman, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos.