Cassandra Clare’s immensely popular young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments is being brought to TV as Shadowhunters, a thirteen episode drama by ABC Family, THR is reporting. The story follows protagonist Clarissa “Clary” Fray, who discovers she descends from a lineage of “Shadowhunters,” human-angel amalgams who hunt demons. Clary’s mother is kidnapped and Clary, a Shadowhunter named Jace, and her best friend Simon embark on a rescue/journey of self-discovery.
ABC’s decision to take Shadowhunters comes after the 2013 misfire screen adaptation of the series in City of Bones, produced by Screen Gems. City of Bones starred Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, and there’s no word as to the casting of the new TV series.
Despite the paltry take by City of Bones ($31 million domestically), ABC Family president Tom Ascheim is confident, saying “Shadowhunters is a big, epic saga that will resonate with viewers who come to ABC Family for Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Twilight franchises.” Ascheim cites the success of the book series (NY Times best-seller for 122 consecutive weeks) as another reason for optimism.
The release date has yet to be determined and production is expected to begin this May in Toronto. Constantin Film will produce the series, and Ed Dexter (Helix, Unforgettable, The Client List) will be show-runner and executive producer.