Harald Zwart talks ‘CITY OF BONES’ expectations and ‘CITY OF ASHES’ plans
In a recent interview with nrk.no, director Harald Zwart discussed all things The Mortal Instruments, including City of Bones and City of Ashes.
Zwart mentioned his motivation toward making the film wasn’t money rather a personal reason.
“We decided to make a movie in this genre because of our shared belief that young girls need good, modern role models with a positive influence. We have a daughter ourselves – and when we see what girls are exposed to today, we wanted to present a main character and protagonist who is strong and intelligent, finding her own power and place in the world. That was what we wanted the most from this movie.”
He raved about Lily Collins as protagonist Clary Fray.
“She has the ability to look ordinary, almost geeky, when we ask for it. And then, the very next moment, she shows an incredible, radiating glow and sophistication. She is a very skilled actress and have showed a great range during filming, which is inspiring.”
Zwart is really confident in the film and insists he isn’t feeling too much pressure from fans.
“We have made the best movie we possibly could,” he promises. “The rest is up to the marketing team now. Our focus (the production team) is now the sequel.”
Zwart also talked about the sequel The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, which begins filming at the end of September. He mentioned how great it will be to work with Sigourney Weaver, who will play Inquisitor Imogen Herondale.
“It will be exciting to work with such an amazing actress who is familiar to the genre. Alien is in my Top 5,” he reveals. He characterizesThe Mortal Instruments as a cross between Harry Potter and The Exorcist.
As for if they’ll do anything different in City of Ashes, Zwart says not so much.
“We won’t do that much differently. We’ll make more of a complex psychological drama, playing with people’s perceptions. What is great about sci-fi is that it allows for some very powerful and creative storytelling.”
Thanks to our reader Tom for the tip and translation!
TMI Source 
What? Ok hold it a second! What if this movie flops? What then? Are they seriously gonna come out with a sequel?
if they have the movie to do it, so they will…
awesome and i think tmi will do well considering all the postive attention it’s been getting. includingaa postive review
I really enjoyed reading that review bc it made me feel a lot more confident
the movie is getting a lot of buzz i dont think it will flop, i hope not! it looks good, not like the SOM movie that looks liek they change everything about the books and put what they want
I think will b just fine. I mean it may not be perfect but u know I think it’s got do much more to deliver than some other ya films out there.
SOM stands for sea of monsters right?
Yep Sea of Monsters there is alot they put that wans`t in the books, just like the first one
Thank you Tom for translating this! 🙂 Great interview.
I think CoB looks amazing but my friends keep telling me it looks awful, I’m upset now. 😦
Don’t listen to them it’s their problem for missing out
I’m very excited for CoB and I won’t listen to people that saw the movie and are disappointed by it. I’ll see it for myself and then judge the movie. It’s great to hear about a CoA movie! So happy right now 😀