Shadowhunters season 2 adds Will Tudor as Sebastian. Could Freeform’s choice to only use his first name be on purpose?

Why does is this Shadowhunters season 2 casting news so exciting? First, let’s focus on Will Tudor. Fans of Game of Thrones know Tudor as the spy, Olyvar. If not, perhaps you recognize him from Humans or Mr. Selfridge. He suave, has a great accent, and can probably pull of this role in his sleep.

But his resume is only one piece of the puzzle. Second, let’s break down why his role in Freeform’s Shadowhunters is a huge deal.

Spoilers ahead for The Mortal Instruments books series, and possibly, Shadowhunters.

All about Sebastian’s role in ‘Shadowhunters’

Freeform’s announcement of Tudor’s recurring role as Sebastian contains one huge omission– Sebastian’s last name. In the series by Cassandra Clare, Sebastian’s real name is Jonathan Christopher Fairchild Morgenstern.

Sebastian’s arrival could be the catalyst the show needs to get Jace and Clary out of their brother-sister funk. Unfortunately, Jocelyn will never learn of her sons, both fake and biological, fates.

As one of Valentine’s first experiments, Sebastian’s childhood tale runs about the same course as Jace’s falcon days. Born with demon blood in his veins, Jocelyn never adjusts to the idea of raising a monster. The fire Valentine stages is a cover for his and Jonathan’s escape.

But what about Jace? Well, as you know, Jace is not Valentine’s son. He is another subject for Valentine’s experiments. Valentine raises Jace in the sunlight and the real Jonathan in the shadows. Angel blood versus demon blood. One thing they share is their training and mixed feelings of loyalty. Although it should be notes that the real Jonathan is stronger, faster, and a more bitter than Jace.

The pair’s connection becomes much more complicated from here. So let’s focus on the present.

We know that Sebastian arrival occurs in the second half of Shadowhunters season 2. He hails from the London Institute, rather than Paris, and befriends one of the New York team members.

Who will that person be? If the show’s current progression is any clue, all signs point to Alec. After all, he currently has Jocelyn’s blood on his hands. What’s one more twist in his relationship with Jace and Clary?

Departure from the canon can only make Shadowhunters a stronger show. And the darker aura of season 2 is likely to intensify as the show gains momentum.

What do you think of Sebastian’s casting in ‘Shadowhunters?’

Shadowhunters season 2, episode 5, “Dust and Shadows,” Monday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Freeform.