Shadowhunters is sure to make a splash when it hits the small screen on ABC Family in 2016. Here are our first thoughts on the cast and what we hope to see from those in pivotal roles.
Clary Fray
Karen: She needs to have a touch of innocence about her, and I think Katherine McNamara has that look down pat. What I’ll be searching for is her ability to transform into a badass when necessary. It takes some time for Clary to find her footing, but once she does, she proves to be quite powerful. She’ll need to hold her own opposite a character like Jace.
Jen: I love Katherine MacNamara for this role. I agree that she has just the right amount of innocence and badass to make the perfect Clary. I also really like her hair color; it makes her the bright spot in the dark. I think MacNamara has the ability to play Clary, enough so that it will make her relatable and bring the character to life in way people will really enjoy.
Jace Wayland
Karen: I always thought Jamie Campbell Bower was a bit too scrawny to play Jace. This character needs to have a presence to him and JCB looked slightly anemic. Dominic Sherwood, on the other hand, has the kind of rugged look that lends itself to the role. He looks like he can pull off being an asshole with a heart.
Jen: Dominic Sherwood is the perfect balance between Jamie Campbell Bower and Alex Pettyfer. I think he will bring the perfect balance of strength, sarcasm and bad boy charm. Jace is a complex character who protects himself by acting out but he is also extremely loyal. There is something about Dominic Sherwood that gives him the perfect vibe for Jace.
Simon Lewis
Karen: I think Alberto is the absolute perfect casting for Simon. I saw a quick 30 second video of him and before it was over, I was sold. He’s got this innocent, bumbling, boy next door kind of look to him that is exactly how I always pictured Simon. I can’t wait to see how he transitions from this side of Simon to what book fans know is coming in the future for the character.
Jen: I really like Alberto as Simon. He has that sweet, quirky look which is in perfect contrast to Jace’s sexy bad boy. From all the images we have seen, Alberto is Simon. He rocks the hipster glasses, looks appropriately confused when Jace appears, and is generally adorkable.
Isabelle Lightwood
Karen: Isabelle needs to not only be a knockout, but someone who is fearless and confident in her role amongst her friends and family. Emeraude has the sexy look down pat, but can she take on the action scenes? I think she looks like Isabelle, but I’m reserving judgment to see if she acts like her, too.
Jen: Isabelle is a badass female shadowhunter who uses her looks to help lure in unsuspecting demons. I agree with Karen that Emeraude looks like Isabella but I have a sneaking suspicion she can also act like her. The images released so far definitely give you the badass vibe, especially the image from Pandemonium.
Alec Lightwood
Karen: Unfortunately, Alec has never been a standout character for me, at least not right away. Just looking at Matthew’s headshots, I don’t see him as Alec. Checking out the set photos helps to solidify him as the character, but I think I’ll just have to wait to see how he plays on screen.
Jen: I love Alec as a character especially when Magnus hits on him and he gets flustered. Watching the generally reserved Alec start to unravel when Clary is brought into the fold is another layer that makes this character so interesting. I am hoping that Matthew can strike the right balance between Jace’s best friend and the angry boy who is trying to figure out his place. Matthew looks right for the role so I can’t wait to see what he brings to the screen.
Magnus Bane
Karen: I’ve been waiting and waiting to see who would be cast as Magnus Bane — as I’m sure a lot of people were — and I can’t say I was super enthusiastic about Harry Shum Jr. filling the role. I think he’s a talented actor, but I always imagined Magnus being larger than life, and I have a hard time see Harry that way. The set photos are slowly changing my mind about this specific casting, but in my mind he’s going to have a lot to live up to in order to bring this character to life.
Jen: Magnus is one of my most favorite characters. I thought Godfrey Gao looked the part and I was hoping to have someone who had that same vibe. Magnus needs to be timeless, he is the high warlock of Brooklyn and there is something very special about him. That being said I am not 100% sold on Harry Shum Jr. When I first heard he was cast I was disappointed but the images are slowing bringing me around. I like the pop of color in his hair and I’m hoping he can bring the sparkle that Magnus is meant to have.
Final thoughts
Karen: After much deliberating, I’m happy they’re aging down characters like Hodge and Dorothea (“Dot”). I think it’s going to make the betrayal even stronger for the heroes, since they’ll be more contemporary to the main characters than people who seem outside their immediate circle.
Jen: I am really excited about Shadowhunters. The Mortal Instruments is one of my favorite series and I think it will make a great TV show. I like what I’ve seen so far from the images and the cast seems really enthusiastic. I agree with Karen about the aging down of some characters and I also like the casting of David Castro as Raphael. And the most recent images give us a look inside the Institute. I like what we are seeing.
McG is directing Shadowhunters and has been posting pictures and videos on his twitter account. The latest videos are of Jace fighting and Magnus dancing, they are not to be missed!