“If
I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell.” –Jonathan Christopher
Morgenstern
Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern makes his debut in the
third
Mortal Instruments book,
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. With
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones coming
to theaters August 21
st 2013, the characters are coming to life in
my mind as I re-read my favorite book series for the umpteenth time. I see Jace on the pages that I’m reading and think of Jamie Campbell Bower,
Clary’s name has me seeing Lily Collins, and Valentine brings to mind Jonathan Rhys Meyers. What about Clary’s brother- who is the
real Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern?
According to many fans, Sebastian Verlac’s doppelgänger is
Conor McLain.
Unlike the character that Conor McLain has been fan casted as, this 20 year-old young man is quite the gentleman. The Mortal Institute had the opportunity to talk to Conor, and learn a little bit more about our fan casted Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern - and what better time for this interview to come out, than during the weeks revealing TMI set exclusives!
The Mortal Institute: As you very well know,
you have been fan casted as Sebastian Verlac aka Jonathan Christopher
Morgenstern from The Mortal Instrument series. You told me that so far you have
recently finished reading the first book City of Bones. Sebastian doesn't show
up until the third book City of Glass. Have you been spoiled as to who
Sebastian is in the series? If you do know the character, is there anything you
can relate to with him? When did you learn about the fan casting, and how does
it make you feel?
Conor McLain: Unfortunately, I have
been spoiled as to Sebastian's identity crisis. Jonathon uses this alias to
fool his long lost sister into a heart wrenching and devious love affair
remnant of a Luke and Lea debacle. I have not been exposed to any information
pertaining to his characteristics other than (quoting my mother who is
currently reading The City of Glass) "He is an asshole." I was turned
on to the fan casting by my partner, Taylor's friend Brenna. She found a fan's
artistic blog explaining the fandoms calling, and I plan on answering. You,
lovelies, have made such a thing possible. I feel honored to have been chosen
by the fans, and therefore ten fold if by Cassandra.
The Mortal Institute: What made you decided
to pick up Cassandra Clare's City of Bones and read it (a wise decision I might
add!)?
Conor McLain: I actually picked up The
City of Bones back in 2007 at age 14 when it came to stores. I recall the day
perfectly for some reason. I was in the Barnes and Noble's Teen Read section
when I saw Jace's glimmering chest. LOL! I read the synopsis and I was
instantaneously hooked!
The Mortal Institute: What is your overall
reaction/impression after reading The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones? Do you
have a favorite character? Why?
Conor McLain: Exquisitely written,
the novel kept me on my toes. I love all the references to other classic
novels, paintings, and fairytales. The light humor, riddled in the darkest
parts of the tale, was perfect. Now, I am itching to start City of Ashes! My
favorite character, after careful consideration, would definitely have to be
Bane. He is so glamorous, with a touchy temper and no patience for nonsense. I
aspire to be that rad!
The Mortal Institute: What is your favorite
quote?
Conor McLain: "How could
anything so deadly be so beautiful?"
When Clary is watching
Valentine raise his kindjal over Luke. I can't wait to see the realization of
that glorious Circassian dagger.
The Mortal Institute: What kind of books do
you like?
Conor McLain: The answer to this is
plain and simple- dark romance novels that are mainly mystical in background. I
love a book with some good menacing monsters. Also, I enjoy action and drama!
The Mortal Institute: What are your hobbies?
Conor McLain: I am a dancer,
choreography, artist, sculptor, and avid Pokemon Master!
The Mortal Institute: How did you fall into
the modeling scene?
Conor McLain: I was at a dance
convention called The Pulse. One night after class my mother and I went out to
dinner and we walked by a group of people having cocktails, when a woman looked
up at me and said, "You must have just arrived." By the end of our
time together, that weekend I was scheduled to meet with the top ten men's
agencies in New York City. I met the team at Soul Artist Management, and I felt
like I had found long lost family. Before I knew it, I was shooting with
photographers like Arnaldo Anaya Lucca, John Akehurst, and Steven Klien.
The Mortal Institute: Who inspires you?
Conor McLain: My inspirations range
from my parents, to a choreographer and creative director- Brian Friedman, to
my life partner-Taylor Kelly. My father taught me how to be a man and is
constantly working, repairing, and remodeling our house. He also is always
planning outings that bring our whole family closer and closer together. My
mother taught me that it is always okay for me to be myself 110% of the time.
She is my #1 fan. Most of all, she has shown me how to persevere through just
about anything.
I have continuously
been inspired by the directors of The Studio Dance Company, Nick and Lisa. Lisa
is the reason I am the performer I am today. I aspire to be as strong willed,
professional, and passionate as she. Nick is a man who introduced me to mixing
and music production. Additionally, I aspire to be as well rounded, humble, and
efficient as he.
Brian Friedman is
exactly the kind of man and professional that I am working to be. He has a
clear vision for every project for which he works. Wether he is being the
creative director of shows like the X-Factor, America's Got Talent, Justin Bieber's tour or choreographing numbers for performers at The Pulse.
Taylor inspires me in
every way, shape, and form. From his academic achievements in The Future
Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., to his powerful
understanding of right and wrong. He is constantly keeping himself on his toes
and looking for a new challenge to conquer. He never stops growing as an
individual, and the more I learn about him the more I fall madly and deeply in
love.
The Mortal Institute: What have you always
wanted to be asked during an interview, and how would you answer it?
Conor McLain: "What is your
hidden talent?"
I am good at
impersonations- silly accents, including: Donald Duck, The Grinch, Stewie, and
Stitch.
The Mortal Institute: Who is your fictional
crush?
Conor McLain: Spike aka William the
Bloody, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is my fictional crush and has been since
I was little!
The Mortal Institute: Describe yourself in 5
words.
Conor McLain: I would use the words passionate, determined,
humble, silly, and creative.
The Mortal Institute: Are you going to
school? If so, for what?
Conor McLain: I am currently
enrolled at Dubspot. I am taking music
production courses.
The Mortal Institute: What is your favorite
color?
Conor McLain: My favorite color is purple.
The Mortal Institute: What is your ideal
date?
Conor McLain: My ideal date would be
Taylor and I at the top of the Eiffel Tower, at a round table with a black table
cloth, and a single candle; eating Italian food, listening to 90's pop records from about eleven to midnight, so that when we kiss at the stroke of
12 the tower's lights begin to sparkle.
The Mortal Institute: What are your dreams?
Conor McLain: My dreams are too many
to list, but to give you a few…
I would like to become a headlining
choreographer, creative director, producer, singer/songwriter, and an actor.
Jamie IS Jace, but after talking with Conor, he is most definitely not Sebastian - I think we can all be thankful for that! Conor is charismatic, charming, and quite handsome - wait, that sounds a lot like Sebastian, maybe I should have asked Conor if he had the urge to burn down the world.
Follow Conor McLain on twitter and check out these amazing Sebastian/Jonathan fan edits below:
