Acquired by Screen Gems in October, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones has hung in limbo ever since. With Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) set to direct, and Lily Collins (also Priest) cast as his resident starlet, it appears there is still an obstacle in the production’s way: Alex Pettyfer.
According to Vulture, it appears that Screen Gems chief Clint Culpepper is so certain that the one-time Stormbreaker is the key to the film’s success that he does not want to green-light the project unless he can ensure Pettyfer’s involvement.
The Mortal Instruments, a four book series created by novelist Cassandra Clare, charts the romance of ordinary girl Bella Swan Clary Fray and vampire Edward Cullen “Shadowhunter” Jace Wayland.
Should Screen Gems lock the actor down during negotiations scheduled for later this week, the character of Wayland will require a sarcastic, tattooed teen able to defend New York from demons and the like. Due to save the planet from aliens in next months time, The Mortal Instruments should be small fries to Alex Rider.
