ABC Family's 'Shadowhunters': 'Mortal Instruments' Drama Finds Its Leading Man in 'Vampire Academy'

ABC Family has finally found its leading man for ‘Shadowhunters’, the network’s ‘Mortal Instruments’ drama. British actor and former ‘Vampire Academy’ star Dominic Sherwood will take on the role of Jace Wayland in the spinoff TV series, the cable network revealed last Monday.

Based on Cassandra Clare’s young adult fantasy series that is comprised of six books, ‘Shadowhunters’ is centered on the story of 18-year-old Clary Fray who eventually finds out that she comes from the race of Shadowhunters. Such human beings are born with angelic blood and hunt down demons, hence the appointed warriors by the Angel Raziel on Earth.

When Clary’s mother, Jocelyn, is captured, she becomes more actively involved in demon hunting alongside Shadowhunter Jace and her closest pal, Simon. Living amongst supernatural creatures, such as vampires and werewolves, Clary’s journey also leads her to discover more of her nature, her past and what the future may have for her.

According to Karey Burke, ABC Family executive vice president, Clary should be recognized for her strength and appeal, thus a dynamic character which the audience can easily identify with.

“They will want her to succeed and will root for her on her journey to become who she was always meant to be,” Burke said. “The series has a passionate fan base and an expansive universe that can sustain multiple seasons to come."

Sherwood’s role, Jace, is known to be a highly capable Shadowhunter and an expert soldier who has previously fought battles against demons. Following the death of his father, Jace has sought to seek revenge on the people behind such killing. In the 2013 movie version of the film ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’, Jace was portrayed by the 26-year-old English actor Jamie Campbell Bower.

With Constantin Film set to produce, Ed Decter has also joined the team as showrunner and executive producer. While the network has found the leading man for ‘Shadowhunters’, additional cast members will still be announced at a later date.

The spinoff series is expected to be comprised of 13 episodes, although ABC Family has not yet settled on a premiere date. Nonetheless, production will start in May in Toronto.

“’Shadowhunters’ is a big epic saga that will resonate with viewers who come to ABC Family for the ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Hunger Games,’ and ‘Twilight’ franchises,” ABC Family President Tom Ascheim shared.