Irish actor Robert Sheehan has been cast in the movie adaptation of ‘City of Bones’, the first novel in US author Cassandra Clare’s popular urban fantasy series ‘The Mortal Instruments’.
Co Laois actor Sheehan (Misfits, Love/Hate) will play the central role of a vampire named Simon in the franchise which US producers hope will emulate the success of recently adapted franchises, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Twilight’ and ‘The Hunger Games’.
Sheehan’s character is the boyfriend of lead protagonist Clary Fray in the movie which will begin filming next month in Toronto and will be directed by Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid). Clary will be played by Lily Collins (Priest) with English actor Jamie Campbell Bower (New Moon) cast as Jace Wayland.
News of Sheehan’s casting was announced by author Cassandra Clare herself who said that she wanted Sheehan for the role “for ages”. Clare said following Sheehan’s screen test: “When I talked to Jamie and Lily yesterday it was about who we thought was the absolute best, the most Simon-y Simon, and fortunately we all agreed. Y’all know I am a big ‘Misfits’ fan, so you should not be surprised to know that I’m ecstatic that our Simon is: Robert Sheehan. You may know him as Nathan.
“He’s totally cute and adorable and hilarious, and his chemistry with Lily and Jamie is off the charts. I’ve wanted him for Simon for ages so I am pretty much totally and entirely happy.”
‘City of Bones’ tells the story of Clary Fray who finds herself in a supernatural world when she visits a club called Pandemonium, and witnesses a murder. Following this event her mother, Jocelyn, is kidnapped by a man called Valentine. She then calls on those who she saw at the club, and asks them to help her.
The film is currently in pre-production with the shoot set to get underway in Toronto next month. Constantin Films and Screen Gems will produce. Other cast attached to the film includes Jemima West, Kevin Durand, and Robert Maillet.
