Harald Zwart raves about Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower in MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

Director Harald Zwart spoke to the folks at MTV about Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower and why he signed on to direct THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES.

On the story

“I liked the whole idea of a girl just waking up and discovering she’s nothing what she thought she was, her mom is nothing what she thought her mom was and then it’s a detective story of a girl trying to figure out what’s actually buried inside her mind, inside her memory. How’s she’s actually very heroic and brave even though she’s told she is told she shouldn’t do this and do that. She always does it despite all the advice.”

On the romance in CITY OF BONES

“I really like the love story in it, too. It’s a very dramatic and true love story.With all the effects and vampires and all the creatures –throw all that in there and it’s a very intriguing story.”

On what attracted him to directing the film

“I was most drawn to the romantic aspect of things and the idea that this girl is just really doing research on herself and her family.”

On Lily Collins as Clary Fray

“When I came on board, Lily was already cast, and I think she was perfect. That’s part of the reason I agreed to do the project. I think Lily is absolutely perfect as Clary Fray. You’ll see when you see the movie. She’s adorable, and she’s very tough, and she plays it very realistically. She has a huge range of emotions. And then we got Jamie Campbell Bower on board, and one thing came after another. It’s a fantastic cast. I’m really happy about that.”

On Jamie Campbell as Jace Wayland

“I think the fans are going to be very surprised. Once you’ve seen him be Jace, there is no other option. He’s absolutely fantastic as Jace. He has the angelic look and dry sense of humor, which Jace also has in the book. I think people will adopt him immediately and just be very happy with him.”