Let's talk about these 'City of Ashes' casting rumors

This feels all a bit like deja vu. Back in 2012, we witnessed a three ring circus of casting rumors for The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones. Anyone remember how we all had Magnus mania as about 200 actors were seen for that role?

Well, trickles of rumors are beginning surface about the sequel. We know that production is set to begin this year for City of Ashes. We just don't exactly know who will be in it. Very early on in TMI filming, a few of the actors (and I'm trying to reminder back so don't flog me if I get this wrong) said they'd struck a three-movie deal. If I remember right, that would mean actors like, Jamie Campbell Bower, Lily Collins, Robert Sheehan, etc., should be in the next film. We even know that Sigourney Weaver is set to play the Inquisitor. We don't clearly know what will be involved as Constantin reworks the franchise, but we do know they are being very diligent about it on behalf of all the fans.

With all this said, there are a couple sites saying that two actors are up for the role of Jonathan Morgenstern for City of Ashes: Ezra Miller and Dylan O'Brien. So, I, have to ask, could we see one of them looking like this?

Now before you light your torches to burn down the world, I have no idea if these rumors are true. But, you better believe I'll find out for my Shadowhunters.

Ezra Miller, 21, is most notably known for his portrayal of Patrick in the screen adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The role showed Miller has serious acting chops and received praise from the critics. This year, he's taking on the role of Leon Dubuis in the remake of Madame Bovary.

Dylan O'Brien, 22, steals our hearts each week as Stiles on the MTV hit series Teen Wolf. He's also taken on the lead role of Thomas in this year's book-to-movie adaptation of Maze Runner.

While each of them have legions of fans and would probably both fit well in the TMI world, there's one simple question we haven't answered: how would they put Sebastian/JCM in City of Ashes? It begs to question: are the sites that rumored this completely wrong? Possibly. Could Sebby make his entrance at some point late in COA leading into COG? Stranger things have happened. Could the studio be planning to film the movies back to back so they are casting everyone now? Very possible. Until we hear something from Sony, Constantin, or Cassie Clare, we won't know with 100% certainty the real answer to these questions. Do we at the Institute intend to find out? GUARANTEED.

Until then, share your thoughts below on who you see as Sebastian/Jonathan or hop on over and join in the conversation on Twitter at @TMI_Institute.

Sigourney Weaver in talks for 'City of Ashes' role

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sigourney Weaver, best known for her role in Aliens, is now in negotiations with Constantin for the role of Imogen Herondale in The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes.

This is the first news of casting negotiations we have heard on the the film, slated to begin shooting in Toronto in the fall. "In one of the few new roles, the veteran actress will play the ruthless leader of the Shadowhunters who will stop at nothing to destroy the man who killed her son."


What do you think of the possibility of Sigourney Weaver playing Imogen? Share your thoughts below.

RUMOR: Kevin Zegers: Alec in 'Mortal Instruments'

According to JustJared.com,  Kevin Zegers has booked a leading role in the highly anticipated film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, 
Kevin, 27, will play Alec Lightwood, the gay brother of Isabelle (Jemima West). He is in love with Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower) and dislikes Clary because Jace is in love with her and not him. The film is scheduled to be released on August 23, 2013.

Kevin most recently starred in the ABC mini-series Titanic: Blood and Steel. He has had a recurring role on Gossip Girl and also starred in the films Transamerica and The Jane Austen Book Club.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is based on the first book in the best-selling series by Cassandra Clare. The story follows Clary Fray (Lily Collins), a seemingly ordinary teenage girl, who finds out the truths about her past and bloodline after her mom is attacked and taken from their home in New York City by a demon. Her entire life is changed on her quest to get her mom back.


What do you think? Do you believe Kevin could pull off Alec Lightwood? Sound off below.

Twitter 'buzz' on a possible Magnus

Though we’d all be happy with whoever is cast as Magnus Bane, clear fan favourite Shannon Kook sent TMI fans into a Twitter frenzy the other day when he tweeted pictures of himself getting his hair cut (or military buzzed, as he put it) for a guest starring role in the television show XIII.  Well, yesterday in Toronto Shannon, along with other Degrassi cast members, rapper Drake’s DJ, Future The Prince and host, Much Music VJ T-RexXx, took place in a celebrity charity basketball game presented by Muzik for a youth festival held at The Canadian Exhibition Place.

Muzik Charity Basketball Flyer

Shannon posted a number of pictures on Twitter yesterday from the event and it is clear that his hair is definitely not buzzed! We’ll call it “trimmed” so all is safe on the Magnus front, and he may very likely still be in the running to play the part in the upcoming CoB movie.

Shannon Kook and cast of Degrassi

In fact, yesterday (Saturday, June 23rd) Cassie Clare sat down for a chat with fans to talk further casting details. While she didn’t disclose who would be playing the role of Alec Lightwood, she did shed some light on other roles that seem to be close to filled! According to yesterday’s chat it seems that the Magnus auditions are complete, Cassie said:

 "I think we have a Magnus..." and "There's a Magnus everyone agrees on but he isn't cast—they have to officially offer."

From there a fan asked her if the actor cast as Magnus was “relatively known,” Cassie replied:

"Well—I knew who he was!"

So, like I said before, though we’d be happy with any of the potential Magnus’ when we look closely at Cassie’s hint, I think it’s safe to say that we can lean in the direction of Shannon Kook for the part. And that hair... it can definitely grow out in the next two months or so!

Nonetheless, good luck to all the Magnus hopefuls in the next coming days as you begin to hear back from the studio. Thanks for being such gracious and eager actors who just want to do the character proud. All of us TMI fans truly appreciate all of the hard work and effort you put into snagging the role.

Yours truly,
Shannon, your Toronto TMI correspondent

Casting Talk: We discuss Magnus fan fave, Shannon Kook

Shannon Kook is one of the top contenders that have auditioned for the role of our favorite High Warlock, Magnus Bane. Shannon is a fan favorite to play Bane in the film adaptation of ‘City of Bones’.

It all started when Shannon Kook posted a picture of himself as Magnus Bane and reading City of Bones.

Some of you may know him from playing Zane Park on Degrassi and Xan on Verona: The Movie. So Kook is obviously no stranger to playing a gay role. Shannon is South African and Chinese so he can relate to Magnus.

He has been fighting for the role for a long time. He is definitely one of the fan favorites and has a lot of us on his side. There have been over 100 actors that have auditioned to play Magnus. The race is still going on. Shannon has to be one of the top contenders or he wouldn’t have gotten this far. Shannon has voiced plenty of times that he was still in the race. Kook is so into the role of Magnus that he even added a 'Magnus album' on his facebook page for us to fangirl over.

Shannon has stated more than once that he was still in this thing. The last time that he officially stated it was June 13^th when I asked him if he could give us any updates. 

 Yesterday Shannon tweeted a picture of him getting his hair buzzed for a show that he is guest staring in. This got me thinking, is he still in the running? I certainly hope so.

I am not that worried because Shannon can cut his hair and still be in the movie. He can wear a wig. They were going to have to add hair to hair anyway right? It has been done plenty of times before.

I know that I am still rooting for Shannon, are you?

- Satin

Who could be Alec Lightwood? Here's our theories...

We all heard the news from Cassie Clare herself last night that the roles of Isabelle and Alec have officially been cast. She announced Isabelle as Jemima West and was on the verge of releasing the big Alec news before her lips were temporarily sealed by the production company.

Rumor has it that the role of Alec Lightwood could go to either Ed Westwick, Christian Cooke, Douglas Booth or even Harry Lloyd, according to fan predictions. We know that Douglas Booth is out, and Harry Lloyd seems a bit too old...good looking but not younger looking than any of the Magnus hopefuls.

I’ll go on record and cast my vote for Christian Cooke! Cassie said, “Alec and Isabelle have to seem like they really could be brother and sister…” if you put Jemima West and Christian Cooke side by side...well the proof is right there ,isn’t it?
   

 

Now let’s try Jemima and Ed

Jemima and Harry

Either way, we’ll have to wait a few more days to find out for sure but in the meantime, here’s a little scoop on two of our Alec favorites.




Christian Cooke



 Christian Cooke hails from Leeds, England, born September 15, 1987 and has had an active acting career since 1999. He is best known for his roles as Luke Kirkwall in the television series Where the Heart Is and Luke Rutherford in the six-part drama Demons (which if you ask me gives a bit of edge in the demon fighting experience department!) He can also be found in the series’ Trinity, Cemetery Junction and the mini series The Promise. Currently he stars as Danny Evans in the drama Magic City, set in 1959 Miami, Florida.

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick is an English actor best known for his role as Chuck Bass on the television drama Gossip Girl. He is also a musician and co-narrator of the Clockwork Prince audiobook (does this give him additional edge?)

Born June 27, 1987 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Ed trained at the National Youth Theatre and then went on to appear in the British television series Doctors, Causality and Afterlife. In 2007 he began his role as Chuck Bass on The CW’s Gossip Girl winning him several awards for role, his looks as well as Breakthrough Talent.

In 2009 Ed played in the sequel to the cult classic Donnie Darko and made a guest appearance in Californication as a student with a vampire fascination (maybe this also gives him a little something extra.)

Only time will tell and we’re all sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for the news from Cassie, but until then we have a lot of information circulating to talk about! What do you guys think? Based on the pics above and the info on both hopefuls who do you think might snag the part?

Post your comments below!


-Shannon

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Casting Rumors: TMI casting news in a fortnight?

News from the UK signings keeps trickling, and this particular news could possibly be the answer to TMI fans question of when we will find out casting news for City of Bones.

According to Jess aka -daylighter on Tumblr:

"[Cassie] said that casting for the movie should be decided in about a fortnight, at which point they’re going to start being announced. Next week is casting for Magnus and Isabelle, this week was Luke, and apparently they’ve decided on their Simon but it’s just a matter of sorting schedules and seeing if he can do it."

A fortnight is the equivalent of two weeks. Could it be that we would know the new TMI cast in roughly two weeks time? Even though the rumor has yet to be confirmed, signs are pointing to the fact that the information could be accurate. Rumors have been flying about casting for weeks now. The latest IMDb edit is that Chris Riggi has been cast as Alec. Even though we know that Chris auditioned for the role, reader be warned: until we see news from Cassie Clare or from Sony Pictures, nothing has been confirmed.

With all this info flowing into fans, I want to know who you like for the roles not yet filled for the TMI movie? Share your thoughts below.


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TMI Casting rumors: Austin Ku auditions for Magnus Bane

Austin Ku, an actor, model and musician from New York, tweeted today that he had sent in his taped audition for the role of Magnus Bane.

 Austin is one of many actors who have stated that they have auditioned for the role of Magnus. So here's the lowdown on this very talented actor:

Austin trained heavily in theater and musical theater and acts in all media (musicals, plays, TV and Film). He also has experience as a commercial actor/model and hand model (print and commercial), and plays classical violin.
 

He was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, and began his artistic studies at the age of 6 with the violin (which he studied privately through college and still plays today). As a teenager, he also dabbled in piano, viola, and various visual fine arts before becoming most active in choir and drama during high school; in his junior and senior years of high school, Austin was in Honors Acting Studio and was selected to both All-State Choir and All-State Orchestra. Austin was also very academic, and was a National Merit Scholar who graduated fourth in his high school class.

Austin went to college on early-decision scholarship at Rice University in Houston, Texas, a first-tier school in both academics and music (Rice's music conservatory is also known as the Shepherd School of Music). Although he started as a biochemistry/pre-med student, Austin was torn between academics and his love of the arts, and he soon found himself drawn more and more into the University musicals and operas (as well as playing violin in the school's Campanile Orchestra). Mid-sophomore year, Austin successfully auditioned to transfer into the music school as a Vocal (Opera) Performance major, as well as adding a double major in East Asian Studies (reflecting Austin's interest in exploring his own ethnic heritage). During his time at Rice, Austin performed constantly and received a nomination (as Berger in Hair) and later a win (as the Emcee in Cabaret) in the "Actor in a Musical" category of the Rice University Thresher; he also began acting professionally in Houston area theatre, on-camera/commercials with Pastorini-Bosby Talent, and modeling with Neal Hamil Agency. Unfortunately, Austin had to drop the double major in music in order to graduate on schedule (due to the late transfer, it turned out that he would have had to stay in college at least 2-3 extra semesters in order to make up for the late transfer), and Austin ended graduating with a B.A. in East Asian Studies (cum laude). 

After Rice, Austin was torn between academics and the arts once again, and he ended up attending UC Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), in Berkeley, California, with the thought of possibly channeling his love of the arts into becoming an entertainment attorney. However, even while in law school, Austin was soon performing once again in on-campus shows at first, and then in professional Bay Area theaters, and finding area commercial and print work with San Francisco's Tonry Talent. Austin did graduate law school and passed the California Bar (becoming a licensed attorney), but continued to book professional acting jobs all over the Bay area on the side; before long he parted ways with his post-graduation law job (which incidentally was indeed at an entertainment company) to fully pursue a career as an actor/performer.

Austin then decided he needed to go back to school and complete an arts program for real, and he was fortunate enough to be awarded scholarship to the master of musical theater program at the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music (one of the top musical theater training schools in the country); he graduated in 2009 and attained professional representation in New York City through the school's graduate showcase--he moved to New York City shortly thereafter and hasn’t looked back since!

Austin now performs in principal roles in plays and musicals all over the country as well as in NYC (Off-Broadway debut in 2012), and is beginning to break into TV/Film as well; recent career highlights include being nominated for both a 2011 BroadwayWorld Boston Award for "Best Actor in a Musical - medium theater", and a 2011 IRNE Award for "Best Supporting Actor in a Musical - large theater" for two different shows that year; he also received an SF Bay Area Dean Goodman Choice Award for "Supporting Actor in a Musical."  Austin has been a vocal soloist with the Boston Pops and Great Waters Pops Orchestras, and is now a featured soloist with the USO Liberty Bells, performing at military events around the country. Austin has also appeared in many national print ads and commercials. 

So, what do you think about Austin? Can you envision him as Magnus? Share your thoughts with me below or send them to @TMI_Institute on Twitter.  

TMI Casting Rumors: Simon Raymond as Magnus?

Following a series of tweets, it looks like we might have a new Magnus Bane contender in the running for the role in the highly anticipated The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie. Meet Simon Raymond.

According to his website, Simon's first foray into the professional world of film and television began in 2009, when he had his first audition for the pilot “Betwixt.” Since then, Simon has gone on to star in TV shows such as Fringe, Call Me Fitz, Flashpoint, Mayday and Untold Stories of the ER. In addition, Simon had his work showcased internationally when his film “Inversion/Invasion,” premiered at 2010 Columbia Film Festival in NYC.

Having caught the performing bug at the age of 12, Simon decided to finish school first before pursuing the craft of acting full time. Aside from performing in front of the camera, Simon also has a keen interest in photography, writing and dancing.

Simon posted the following his Twitter. Sounds like he is exciting about the casting process:

This news comes after another actor, Shannon Kook, confirmed that he has auditioned for the role of Magnus. Nothing's more fun than watching a little competition, and there's no doubt that both would guys would be excited for win the part of Magnus.

So, do you have a favorite for the role of Magnus? Share your thoughts below or with me on Twitter: @TMI_Institute.

In the meantime, check out Simon's demo reel:

Casting Rumor: Did Shannon Kook-Chun audition for Magnus Bane?

I've been trying hard not to get too excited when it comes to casting rumors, but there is some compelling evidence that Shannon Kook-Chun (@shannonkook on Twitter), best known for his role as Zane Park on Degrassi, may have auditioned for the role of Magnus Bane for The Mortal Instruments movie.

Here's a series of tweets we have seen from Shannon this week, which was blogged on purplelittlething:






What do we know about Shannon? Here's the lowdown on him. According to Degrassi Wiki, Shannon Kook-Chun is a South African and Chinese actor known for playing the character of Zane Park on Degrassi. His father is Chinese and his mother is South African. Argiris Karras encouraged him to try out for the role of Zane Park. They are friends in real life. Shannon has been a guest star in the CBC shows, "Being Erica" and "The Border". He also plays the role of Deven Phillips in the show, Baxter with a former Degrassi star Evan Williams, who plays Baxter McNab. He plays opposite a former Degrassi actor, John Bregar, in "Verona: The Movie", where they both portray gay men. Shannon has stated that he is not gay in real life.

Here's a link to his IMDb page.

Are you excited about this possible casting choice? Do you think Shannon is the perfect Magnus? Share your thoughts below or check out my thoughts on Twitter!