Update: ABC Family have finally officially confirmed what we already knew a while go ;)
ABC Family has picked up its first scripted saga-to-series, "Shadowhunters," from The Mortal Instruments franchise, announced today by Tom Ascheim, President, ABC Family and Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, ABC Family. The series will go into production this May in Toronto.
Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, "Shadowhunters" follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters - human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother Jocelyn is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.
"'Shadowhunters' is a big epic saga that will resonate with viewers who come to ABC Family for the 'Harry Potter,' 'Hunger Games,' and 'Twilight' franchises," said Ascheim. "A New York Times bestseller for 122-consecutive weeks, with over 35 million copies in print worldwide, 'Shadowhunters' is the perfect story to share with our audience."
Burke continued, "Clary is a strong, dynamic and captivating character that our audience will immediately identify with. They will want her to succeed and will root for her on her journey to become who she was always meant to be. The series has a passionate fan base and an expansive universe that can sustain multiple seasons to come."
"I'm excited to see ABC Family bring the world of the Shadowhunters to life. As a huge fan of long-form television drama, I can't wait to see the story unfold and for the fans to have more time with the world and the characters," added book author, Cassandra Clare.
"Shadowhunters" is produced by Constantin Film, and Ed Decter serves as executive producer and showrunner.
Cast to be announced at a later date.
Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, "Shadowhunters" follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters - human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother Jocelyn is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.
"'Shadowhunters' is a big epic saga that will resonate with viewers who come to ABC Family for the 'Harry Potter,' 'Hunger Games,' and 'Twilight' franchises," said Ascheim. "A New York Times bestseller for 122-consecutive weeks, with over 35 million copies in print worldwide, 'Shadowhunters' is the perfect story to share with our audience."
Burke continued, "Clary is a strong, dynamic and captivating character that our audience will immediately identify with. They will want her to succeed and will root for her on her journey to become who she was always meant to be. The series has a passionate fan base and an expansive universe that can sustain multiple seasons to come."
"I'm excited to see ABC Family bring the world of the Shadowhunters to life. As a huge fan of long-form television drama, I can't wait to see the story unfold and for the fans to have more time with the world and the characters," added book author, Cassandra Clare.
"Shadowhunters" is produced by Constantin Film, and Ed Decter serves as executive producer and showrunner.
Cast to be announced at a later date.
Source:
Update 4:
Cassandra Clare has recently spoken with the network and the production company:
I don't control the TV show. Not at all. But I have talked to the production company and network in the past days. @multimalec
— Cassandra Clare (@cassieclare) March 19, 2015Furthermore Cassandra has revealed that the current script is not final:
There is no final pilot script. Not right now. #thatswhatIknow
— Cassandra Clare (@cassieclare) March 19, 2015Cassandra has also revealed that the network (ABC Family) are big fans of the books:
Well, nothing is final about the TV show. I know the network are big fans of the books. @MundieMoms
— Cassandra Clare (@cassieclare) March 19, 2015Update 3:
According to our source, production on Shadowhunters has been pushed back to late June.
We have also received some new teasers. According to our source:
- An early scene see's Simon and Clary at Java Jones. They're watching the news about a 'Demonic Killer' who has killed 7 people.
- Natalie carries Yeti in her backpack. She's described as a bit possessive and bohemian beautiful.
- Jace has a creep moment where he inscribes a rune on Clary's upper thigh while she's passed out.
- Steles are retained from the books.
- Seraph Blades are retained from the books.
We've also received the full description, the craigslist post previously cut off the last few words:
Clary Fray is perfectly normal; she's a budding art student who loves spending time with her friends and family. On her 18th birthday, however, Clary discovers she is part of an age-old battle between demons and an elite race of warriors known as Shadowhunters. When her mother is kidnapped and her home is destroyed, so is her sense of reality. Clary must now understand her new role in an ancient battle, and come to terms with her family's past.
Source:
Update 2:
We were pointed to this post on craigslist made 8 days ago which includes further information which appears to originate from the casting notices.
[CLARY FRAY] 18-21 years old, beautiful, fiery red-headed, creative, and intelligent. Clary
Fray is a promising art student whose bright future is derailed when her mother is
kidnapped and she learns her life has been a lie. Clary discovers a hidden Shadow World full
of Vampires, Werewolves, and other unthinkable danger that she quickly learns to
navigate. As she is forced into action, she embraces her newfound powers and realizes that
she will play the central role in this new world. . .SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL
ETHNICITIES
[JACE WAYLAND] Early 20s, narcissistic, and lethally gorgeous, Jace is a determined and
expert Shadowhunter. A skilled soldier in a war against demons. After his father is killed,
Jace makes it his life mission to seek revenge on the man who is responsible. After years of
being the object of every girl's desire, he finds himself in an unfamiliar position -- falling in
love with Clary. . . SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ETHNICITIES
[SIMON LEWIS] Early 20s, intelligent, very handsome in a non-calculated kind of way,
Simon Lewis is Clary Fray's long-time best friend. He's the first to find humor in any
situation. An accounting student by day, Simon spends his free time performing in a band.
His loyalty and feelings for Clary are tested as he fights alongside her on an epic journey.
Because of this, he is ultimately turned into a vampire and struggles to maintain his
humanity while simultaneously accepting his fate. . . SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL
ETHNICITIES
STORY LINE: Clary Fray is perfectly normal; she's a budding art student who loves spending
time with her friends and family. On her 18th birthday, however, Clary discovers she is part
of an age-old battle between demons and an elite race of warriors known as
Shadowhunters. When her mother is kidnapped and her home is destroyed, so is her sense
of reality. Clary must now understand her new role in an ancient battle, and come to terms
Fray is a promising art student whose bright future is derailed when her mother is
kidnapped and she learns her life has been a lie. Clary discovers a hidden Shadow World full
of Vampires, Werewolves, and other unthinkable danger that she quickly learns to
navigate. As she is forced into action, she embraces her newfound powers and realizes that
she will play the central role in this new world. . .SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL
ETHNICITIES
[JACE WAYLAND] Early 20s, narcissistic, and lethally gorgeous, Jace is a determined and
expert Shadowhunter. A skilled soldier in a war against demons. After his father is killed,
Jace makes it his life mission to seek revenge on the man who is responsible. After years of
being the object of every girl's desire, he finds himself in an unfamiliar position -- falling in
love with Clary. . . SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ETHNICITIES
[SIMON LEWIS] Early 20s, intelligent, very handsome in a non-calculated kind of way,
Simon Lewis is Clary Fray's long-time best friend. He's the first to find humor in any
situation. An accounting student by day, Simon spends his free time performing in a band.
His loyalty and feelings for Clary are tested as he fights alongside her on an epic journey.
Because of this, he is ultimately turned into a vampire and struggles to maintain his
humanity while simultaneously accepting his fate. . . SERIES REGULAR, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL
ETHNICITIES
STORY LINE: Clary Fray is perfectly normal; she's a budding art student who loves spending
time with her friends and family. On her 18th birthday, however, Clary discovers she is part
of an age-old battle between demons and an elite race of warriors known as
Shadowhunters. When her mother is kidnapped and her home is destroyed, so is her sense
of reality. Clary must now understand her new role in an ancient battle, and come to terms
Source:
Update 1:
According to our source:
- Manga is referenced. (Specifically Dragon Ball)
- Characters are aged up by about 2-3 years.
- Clary is attending the Brooklyn Academy Of Art.
- The Institute is seen in the pilot.
- Simon's band has different members. This includes Natalie Adams (Simon's girlfriend) with a pomeranian named Yeti and bass player Gary.
Original Post:
Sources have reported to us that ABC Family has ordered Shadowhunters straight to series and is in the process of casting the roles of Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec, Isabelle, Jocelyn and Valentine. Filming is set to begin in May.
This post will update as we hear more.
