The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Director Drops Out of Sequel

Director Harald Zwart has reportedly pulled out of the long-delayed sequel to The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. The film, based on the popular franchise of novels for young adult readers, didn't perform up to expectations at the box office, so while Screen Gems and Entertainment One have consistently maintained that they plan to make the next installment in the series, it keeps being delayed, presumably to make new financing and exhibition deals. "The studio is still certain that they will make this movie, but it's not me who directs it," Zwart said in a statement. "I will focus on other projects in the future. Shadow Hunters was a great experience and it gave me a good window to show off." Zwart, who directed the Karate Kid remake, is currently at work on The 12th Man, a World War II film based on the life of Jan Baalsrud. Below you can check out the official synopsis for the second film.

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go—especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil—and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings—and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?