The on again/off again saga of the Mortal Instruments is continuing. But the good news is that its “on” again!!
According to Screen Rant over the past several weeks, the project has officially snagged a new director in Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid), been locked down to begin production later this summer – and now, has an official U.S. theatrical release date to boot. Sony has set The Mortal Instruments to hit theaters in the U.S. on August 23rd, 2013. “City of Bones” is set for an August filming start date. Deadline is reporting that filming will take place in Toronto

In interviews, Lily Collins recently spoke with Next Movie.com about her thoughts on the series:

Looking at your upcoming roles, which include “Mortal Instruments.” What can you tell us about that?
I’m Clary Fray, and we’re looking at the casting for the rest of the characters, and it’s based on the most amazing series of books by Cassandra Clare. And being a fan of “Harry Potter” and “Twilight,” to be able to have my own franchise, and one based on a girl heroine, it’s a complete honor. And I love [director Scott Charles Stewart, who also helmed "Priest"] and [Screen Gems exec Clint Culpepper].

How does it feel to hear this project could be the next “Potter” or “Twilight”?
Seriously, I read the series of books and loved it, and I forget how many fans – I mean, I’m a fan of it – but how many of us are out there. The second casting hit the internet, it’s like an uproar… You read a book about a heroine and you have this vision in your mind, so the second it’s cast it could go either way. So to have their support and enthusiasm behind me was a complete honor. And it’s a crazy thought to think it could turn into that.