‘Mortal Instruments’ Sequel ‘City Of Ashes’ Begins Production Next Year

Although the first movie wasn’t exactly a box office smash, the folks at Constantin Film are reportedly moving forward with their delayed Mortal Instruments sequel.

Directed by Harald Zwart, the adaptation of City of Bones failed to find an audience with casual moviegoers earlier this year. However, this isn’t stopping producers from pushing the sequel into production. According to The Hollywood Reporter, fan response to the cancellation was overwhelming.

Despite its weak opening in the US, the first Mortal Instruments movie made approximately $31 million during its theatrical run. However, the film’s foreign receipts were a bit more promising. Box Office Mojo reports that the flick made $49 million overseas, pushing its worldwide total to $80 million.

Although this number was much lower than expectations, Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz said fans were a little upset that the company put the follow-up on the back burner. After receiving quite a bit of feedback, Moszkowicz said producers are now rethinking their decision to cancel the Mortal Instruments sequel.

“The fan response, from the blogosphere and the thousands of mails we have received, has encouraged us to keep going. It’s been overwhelmingly positive, in contrast to some other YA titles,” he recently explained to the publication.

Indiewire reports that the folks at Constantin Film are trying to figure out what went wrong with Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. In order for the series to continue, City of Ashes will most certainly need to be a financial success. It’s doubtful the story will get another chance at glory should the sequel bomb at the box office.

“We are analyzing what we did wrong with the first film, particularly with the positioning and marketing, and what changes we have to make. We are working with a great group of people to reposition the franchise,” Moszkowicz added.

It’s unclear what he means by “reposition the franchise,” though it probably won’t entail ditching the cast. It’s believed that Mortal Instruments: City of Bones stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Kevin Zegers will reportedly return for the follow-up. It’s currently unknown if Harald Zwart will direct the flick.

Following the first installment’s weak opening, Constantin Film decided to indefinitely delay the production of the sequel. The company said in a statement:

“Pushing back the start of production of ‘City of Ashes’ was a decision we did not take lightly. But after speaking with all of our partners on the creative and distribution side, it was clear that it will be beneficial to have more time to reposition the film in the current market place,” said executive producer Martin Moszkowicz of Constantin. “‘The Mortal Instruments’ series has an incredibly loyal and ardent fan base and is a bestselling book series. While taking Cassandra Clare’s vision to the screen, we want to make sure to draw on the full potential of the franchise.”

Are you excited that Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes begins production next year?

[Image via Constantin Film]