PHOTOS: New Book Covers for 'The Mortal Instruments' Series!

ABC Family's Shadowhunters TV has released the remaining five new covers of the best-selling series by Cassandra Clare, The Mortal Instruments!

These will be available in bookstores this September 1.

Don't these look amazing? 

We love that fact that each cover has a different rune, look closely!

Tomorrow Shadowhunters TV will reveal the new covers for The Infernal Devices!

MUSIC MONDAY: Read-along song picks for 'City of Ashes' book prologue

I know many of Shadowhunters I've talked to are patiently waiting for something. Whether it be news about City of Heavenly Fire (91 days to go), The Bane Chronicles, or even ANYTHING on the City of Ashes movie, we are all needing something to get us by.

I know many sites to read-alongs, so instead of being a copy-cat I'd provide a new soundtrack for you to listen to as you read City of Ashes. Each Monday I'll post a new set of songs. You can listen to all the songs or just pick out the ones that remind you the most of the particular chapter.

This week we delve into Prologue. Here's the synopsis from Shadowhunters Wiki:

Valentine Morgenstern and a Warlock named Elias are summoning the Greater Demon, Agramon. After the summon is successful, Agramon kills the young warlock. Valentine then speaks to him, telling him that he will obey him as he has the Mortal Cup, and Agramon "kneels" to him in allegiance.

I felt with the creepiness and ominous prologue to the book that we'd go equally dark. Like I said, take a listen to the songs and let me know if you think this matches the darkness of Valentine Morgenstern raising Agramon.

Song 1: "Voices" by Crown the Empire:

Song 2: "The Depths" by Of Mice & Men:

Song 3: "Heaven Knows" by The Pretty Reckless:

Have a song for our next Music Monday, Chapter 1 from City of Ashes? Share with us in the comments below or on Twitter at @TMI_Institute.

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.

Cassandra Clare Talks 'City of Ashes' Film

Cassandra Clare spoke with MTV News about the upcoming Mortal Instruments sequel saying that she's ready for it. City of Bones fans have been patiently waiting for more news on the second installment which is set to film sometime in 2014 and we finally have some! Cassandra Clare dishes that the next movie "ratchets up the stakes". An obvious play on words for what's to come.

**WARNING *SPOILERS* READ NO FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T READ CITY OF ASHES!**


"Simon (Robert Sheehan) is turned into a vampire," Clare teases, "And he goes from being this human who's Clary's friend to this ravenous undead thing." Cassandra says that casting Robert Sheehan for the role was always the plan, "Robbie was actually my idea," she says. "I saw him in 'Misfits,' which is a big comedy hit in Britain, and he's just so good and yet also able to be heartbreaking and I thought he'll be great and he will enjoy the hell out of being a vampire."

MTV asked what fans can expect from City of Ashes, and although the 'Mortal Instruments' author couldn't say a lot, she told them Sigourney Weaver joining the series as the Inquisitor is what fans will enjoy. That the character is, "This badass, scary lady". Clare also talks about the scene she can't wait to see play out onscreen which is a huge battle that takes place on the deck of a warship. If you've read the books you know the one!

She also shares her thoughts concerning the first film and her reaction upon seeing her series come to life. She describes it as a "bizarre" experience adding, "Even though in the movie they're very different from the way they are in the books, there were moments where I sort of jumped because a certain prop or a certain thing was as I imagined it in my head."

Though City of Ashes hasn't begun filming yet this interview gives us reassurance that everything's on schedule to move forward soon. Since Cassie talks about Simon's character, which moment from the novel with him in it are you dying to see happen in the COA film? Comment below or tweet us @TMI_Institute!

Lily Collins discusses the wait for 'City of Ashes' with MTV

We have all been waiting for more news on The Mortal Instruments sequel, City of Ashes, and it seems Lily Collins has as well. Watch here where she talks with MTV about the wait for the next film.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

City of Bones and City of Ashes on Sale at Amazon

Shadowhunters and those newly introduced to the Mortal Instruments world created by Cassandra Clare, Amazon is having a fantastic sale! The first two books in the series are only $2.90 each on Kindle for a limited time so grab your copies now while the prices are dropped!!

Buy City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) NOW!

Buy City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) NOW!

Read the first two books and than watch the movie which will be available on DVD December 3rd! The second film, City of Ashes will be filming next year in 2014 so it's never too late to become a fan!

Jamie Campbell Bower Discusses 'City of Ashes'

 

Digital Spy recently spoke with 'Mortal Instruments' star Jamie Campbell Bower at the launch event for BT TV's partnership with Curzon Home Cinema about the future of the franchise. Jamie had this to say about Constantin moving forward with the production, "We have seen a lot of [those films] flounder, and so if Constantin feel comfortable to move on to the next Mortal Instruments film, I'm happy for that." 

Bower admits that while being part of a huge franchise is great connecting with fans is what it's all about. He went on to tell Digital Spy, "Even from being a small part of something like Twilight, I found out that actually, what's really important is having a connection with the fans."

"It's great to be able to sit here and do press, but if I can go out there and I can do a mall tour - which is what we did for Mortal Instruments and for Twilight - that actually can make somebody's day. And that's sort of what I'm doing this for."

We could not agree more! Hearing Jamie talk about the importance of fans and why he is eager to pick up where he left off as Shadowhunter Jace Wayland makes us all very excited!

It was only early September when we found out the production of the 'City of Bones' sequel was halted, and earlier this month we learned that City of Ashes would still be filming in 2014. Fans of 'The Mortal Instruments' collectively expressed their enthusiasm with renewed hope for the adaptation, and it's amazing to see the actors are just as happy to reprise their roles.

Since COA is moving forward what Jace scenes are you most thrilled to see make it from book to movie? Let us know in a comment or tweet us @TMI_Institute!

"Back to the drawing board," say EP Moszkowicz on 'City of Ashes' project

Variety reports no director connected to TMI sequel at this time

TMI Director Harald Zwart at the Toronto premiere

Yesterday, Shadowhunters worldwide breathed a collective sigh of relief when The Hollywood Reporter shared news from Martin Moszkowicz, executive producer of The Mortal Instruments, that the sequel, City of Ashes, would start filming in 2014. Now, Variety has an exclusive of their own.

At this time, executives at Constantin are working to fix all the mistakes they felt were made in the first film. City of Ashes production came to a screeching halt amid tepid ticket sales, causing Hollywood insiders and fans alike to wonder if the follow up film would even be made. The first real surprise in this new article is that Harald Zwart is not connected to the sequel at the moment, but they are in talks with him. 

”We are talking to him and others. At the moment there is no director attached,” Moszkowicz said. ”It also depends on his professional availability of course.”

Even though there may be many changes coming, the one fact holds true. Moszkowicz believes in the work of TMI author, Cassandra Clare. “We believe strongly in her and the world that she has brought to the readers, but we feel that the movie obviously under-performed. Something was wrong there, and we are trying to make it right the next time,” Moszkowicz said.

Changes to the marketing strategy are in the cards, including the target demo. “Maybe we have targeted too young an audience,” he said. “They are very outspoken, especially in the social media world; they are extremely active. But the readers of the books are from 14 to 34 — that’s the main age group — and maybe some of them had issues with how it was marketed. We need to go behind that, and find out exactly what it was.

“It is an ongoing discussion that we are having, and it is not done. We haven’t made a final decision. But we will only move forward — and we plan to move forward — when we feel we are going to get it right,” Moszkowicz said.

Although the intention is to shoot the film sometime next year, it is not carved in stone.

“That is the plan, but it is not a given,” Moszkowicz said. “We believe in that franchise, and we would like to do that, but we need to get it right.”

What do you think of this latest revelation? Would you like to see Harald Zwart return as director or do you have someone else in mind to take the project? Share your thoughts below.

MOVIE NEWS: Production for CITY OF ASHES starts in 2014

BIG NEWS, SHADOWHUNTERS!!! Constantin is moving forward with Cassandra Clare’s best-selling Mortal Instruments franchise and plans to restart production on the second film in the series, The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, next year.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Martin Moszkowicz, Constantin Film’s head of film and TV, said Clare’s massive fan base has responded positively to the adaptation and that Constantin is determined to continue the franchise.  City of Bones, starring Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, opened to $14 million over its first five-day weekend and grossed about $31 million domestically for Sony/Screen Gems.City of Bones, which was also critically panned, had a reported $60 million budget, with Sony putting up an estimated $60 million more to promote the film's release.

"The fan response, from the blogosphere and the thousands of mails we have received, has encouraged us to keep going,” Moszkowicz told The Hollywood Reporter. “It's been overwhelmingly positive, in contrast to some other YA titles.”

Moszkowicz said international returns for City of Bones means the first film’s worldwide take is now close to $100 million but admits box office revenue was below Constantin’s forecasts.

“We are analyzing what we did wrong with the first film, particularly with the positioning and marketing, and what changes we have to make. We are working with a great group of people to reposition the franchise (for City of Ashes).”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Moszkowicz suggested one reason for City of Bones’ misfire may have been a marketing campaign that was too narrowly focused on teenage fans, to the detriment of Clare’s twenty- and thirtysomething readers. (INSTITUTE SAYS .... AMEN TO THAT!) 

“The readers of Mortal Instruments are older than you might think,” he said. “That may have been one issue in our marketing, that we focused too much on a very young audience segment."

CITY OF ASHES: Share your thoughts on favorite scenes from the book

After receiving news last night that the production of The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes is being delayed, I kept thinking about ways to help get the word out that Shadowhunters want to see this film made.

First and foremost, spread the word by tweeting #WeNeedCityofAshes.

My next thought is to start a discussion about what scenes we want to see in the follow up film and ways to take what we've seen in City of Bones and incorporate it into the next film to clear up any confusion in the canon of the story line.

We want YOU to get involved in this discussion. We want you to send us comments in the comment section below. You can also send us Facebook comments on The Mortal Institute Facebook page. Also, feel free to send me an email at themortalinstitute@gmail.com. I will try my best to respond to everyone's emails and to also compile ideas for the film to send to Constantin.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, SHADOWHUNTERS! With your help, we can make sure that the studio hears fan comments. We want City of Ashes to be made and be a HUGE SUCCESS.

UPDATE: Martin Moszkowicz talks more about postponement of The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes

Executive producer Martin Moszkowicz has taken to his Twitter to further calm our concerns regarding Constantin's announcement that they have postponed shooting of The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes.

I have the utmost respect for the #tmi fandom. we want to make CoA right. we will make good use of the time.
— Martin Moszkowicz (@mmoszkowicz) September 11, 2013

He is telling us how to help!

#WeNeedCityOfAshes it is great how you make yourselfs heard.
— Martin Moszkowicz (@mmoszkowicz) September 11, 2013

So tweet your hearts out Shadowhunters and be heard!

Constantin announces DELAY of The Mortal Instruments:City of Ashes

Martin Moszkowicz confirmed on his Twitter that Constantin has decided to postpone the start of principal photography of The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes.

Take a deep breath Shadowhunters, a delay does not mean the movie is cancelled.

From Martin's statement, which you can read here

The push of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF ASHES allows Constantin Film to analyze the results to date and reposition the franchise in order to maximize the results for future installments.

Said Martin Moszkowicz of Constantin Film and an executive producer on the franchise: "Constantin Film has a long tradition of adapting books to the big screen. Pushing back the start of production of CITY OF ASHES was a decision we did not take lightly. But after speaking with all of our partners on the creative and distribution side, it was clear that it will be beneficial to have more time to reposition the film in the current market place. THE
MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series has an incredibly loyal and ardent fan base and is a bestselling book series. While taking Cassandra Claire’s vision to the screen we want to make sure to draw on the full potential of the franchise."

What this says to me is that Constantin is looking to make sure our franchise is saved and successful.  They realize many things led to the "low" numbers, like date of release, competition, and overall box office numbers for all movies out at the time.  So stay strong, stay calm and continue to show your support!

PHOTOS: Jemima West on the set of 'F2014'!

Jemima West starred in this summer's highly anticipated film, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones as the sassy shadowhunter, Isabelle Lightwood and now she will be playing the role as Gérard Depardieu's daughter in F2014.

More photos of her on the set in France!

Here's the synopsis of the film:

The history of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association, founded in 1904 by lovers of football, wanting to consolidate all football federations under one name. The association, led by the French Jules Rimet (Gérard Depardieu), was at the origin of the first World Cup played in Uruguay in 1920. Essential organization in the economic and political landscape, its mission is to develop football in the world.

Jemima will be heading back to Toronto at the end of this month to reprise her role as Isabelle in City of Ashes.

Fan casting for 'City of Ashes': Who do you want to see?

???? ?????

WHO DO YOU WANT FOR CITY OF ASHES?

Let's talk fancasting!!! I'm curious who you would want in various roles for The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes. Let's talk about new characters we'll see in the film. 

RAPHAEL SANTIAGO

IMOGEN HERONDALE - Role has been filled by Sigourney Weaver

DANIEL ROBERTS

ELIAS

KAELIE

MADELEINE BELLEFLEUR

MAIA ROBERTS

MALIK

MARYSE LIGHTWOOD

MAX LIGHTWOOD

ROBERT LIGHTWOOD

MELIORN

SEELIE QUEEN

If you have any thoughts on who should play these characters, put your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us at @TMI_institute! twitter.com/tmi_institute

'City of Ashes' Will Begin Filming in the Fall

It has been highly speculated whether or not the film 'City of Bones' would get a sequel. Well, according to Martin Moszkowicz, an executive producer on Mortal Instruments and the head of film & TV over at Constantin, as reported on the Hollywood Reporter, there will be. Constantin is still planning to move forward and start filming City of Ashes in Toronto this Fall.

Here's what Moszkowicz had to say about it:

"Despite the soft U.S. start, Moszkowicz said the reaction from the book's fan base has been "very positive." And he said that Constantin is proceeding with plans to begin shooting a sequel, Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, in Toronto this fall."

This is great news for fans! 

You can help ensure the film's success by going to see 'City of Bones' which is now in theaters, and by taking all of your friends to go see it!

Harald Zwart Discusses City of Bones, City of Ashes, and casting Sigourney Weaver in all new interview!

Harald Zwart sat down with nrk.no for an interview and talked about the first and second installments of The Mortal Instruments series. 

The following article was written in Norwegian and translated to English (thanks to Google hehe!).

Zwart discusses why he chose to direct City of Bones:

"We decided to make a film in this genre because we believe it is important that young girls need good role models. We have a daughter ourselves and when we see the role models girls are presented, we thought it was appropriate to contribute a lead character who is strong and smart, and find their own power. That was what we wanted the most from this movie."

He then praised Lily Collins performance as Clary Fray:

"She has the ability to look completely normal - well, almost nerdy – when we ask her to. So, the next moment, she shows tremendous charisma. She is a very talented actor. She has really gone in depth here, which is very inspiring."

Zwart explains he is really proud of the movie and isn't feeling too much pressure:

"We have made a good movie that we can only,” he added. “The rest will be up to the marketing experts. Our focus now is the next movie."

Zwart also mentions about filming the sequel, The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes in September and working with the very talented Sigourney Weaver, who will be the Inquisitor, Imogen Herondale:

"It will be exciting to work with such an amazing actor who is familiar with the genre. Alien is in the Top 5 movie list," reveals Zwart. Characterizing The Mortal Instruments like a cross between Harry Potter and The Exorcist."

When asked if Zwart will change anything for City of Ashes, he says not that much:

"We won't do that much differently. We will create even more of a complex psychological drama, where we will play even more with people's perceptions. The funny thing about science fiction is that it allows for some powerful and creative storytelling."

Casting Call: 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes' background performers

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, Constantin film, by Screen Gems will be holding a background performer casting call on Wednesday August 14, 2013.

According to torontofilm.net: 

Casting is looking for "...5 different groups of otherworldly creatures..." : 

'VAMPIRES' 

Goth/punk/fetish types, they can have been in the bar scene in the first movie 18-35 yrs, any ethnicity. 

'WEREWOLVES' 

Lumberjack/biker types, big, rough, hairy, 18-45 yrs, any ethnicity. 

'WARLOCKS' 

Exotic looking/Asian/Persian/interesting looking MEN ONLY any ethnicity EXCEPT for Caucasian. The following actor Godfrey Gao plays 'Magnus Bane' the 'head' warlock. This should give you an idea of what they're looking for 18-45 yrs. 

'FAERIES' 

Pale, skinny, fragile with wide set eyes. Lily Cole is playing the 'Queen of the Faeries'. Men and Women 18-40 yrs, any ethnicity. 

'SHADOWHUNTERS' 

Young, fit performers (gymnasts and swimmers not bodybuilders). Most of the lead actors are 'shadowhunters' 18-35 yrs, any ethnicity.

Shadowhunters, who is excited about this?! Please comment below or tweet us @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.

'The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes' Filming News!

August 20, 2012 was when 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' started filming in Toronto and in exactly a month it will hit theaters! It has been nearly a year since then and now we have a news update of when they start filming the sequel. Word got out on twitter that they will start on September 23 and will return to Toronto.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes begins filming in Toronto September 23rd @olv
— Lindsay (@lemon_buzz) July 21, 2013

 

Director`s Draft of City of Ashes Screenplay in Progress!

With less than two months away from the release of the highly anticipated movie The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, screenwriter Jessica Postigo Paquette reveals that she is currently working on the director`s draft of the City of Ashes screenplay!

@Luv4Jace A while ago but writing is rewriting. Now I'm doing the director's draft, which includes his vision and visuals for the movie.
— Jessica Postigo (@JessPostigo) June 24, 2013

City of Ashes will be filmed this fall and is planned to finish around Christmas. Harald Zwart who directed City of Bones will return as the director for the sequel with the same cast. It is set to hit theaters in 2014 worldwide!