NYCC 2016: A Conversation With the Shadowhunters Cast

This year at New York Comic Con I was fortunate enough to sit down with the gifted and equally funny Shadowhunters cast and discuss all things season two. From what lies ahead for each of their characters on the sophomore season of the series to how much love they have for their fans, everything was on the table. Let’s dig in.

I started off my series of interviews with the three fan-favorites, both on-screen and off, Harry Shum Jr. who plays Magnus Bane, Alberto Rosende who plays Simon Lewis, and Isaiah Mustafa who plays Luke Garroway.

Harry was very happy to share that we will see more than just a glimpse into Magnus’ past and will learn “why he is the way he is.” We will also be treated to more scenes between Magnus and Simon in season two, as well as explore Magnus’ dynamic with other characters outside of his romance with Alec Lightwood. Harry noted how much he admires the work Alberto is doing on the show, and thinks fans will enjoy his performance even more as Simon this upcoming season.

Alberto agrees we will see more of each character’s past, primarily Luke’s, and enjoys showing how much Simon is beginning to own his vampire traits. He notes that Simon is coming into his own and gaining confidence in himself and his abilities.

Isaiah teased we will see a lot of flashbacks this season of Shadowhunters and will see a shift in Luke and Jocelyn Fray’s relationship. There will be tension in their relationship, which comes from how best to deal with Jocelyn’s daughter Clary’s knowledge of her place as a Shadowhunter.

When discussing the changes in the story from book to screen, Harry says it’s necessary to keep the show “organic”. He expands on that by saying it’s important for the series to not feel rushed and for things to come to pass naturally. Harry eagerly adds that there’s a great scene in the new season which shows just how powerful Magnus is and warns everyone not to “mess with Magnus.”

Isaiah is equally excited for this upcoming season of Shadowhunters and deeply enjoyed a scene he recently filmed with Alisha Wainwright, who plays Maia Roberts. He believes she’s an excellent addition to an already talented cast.

During my discussion with Katherine McNamara and Emeraude Tobia, who play Clary Fray and Isabelle “Izzy” Lightwood, respectively, we talked about the sisterly bond these two fiery females share. Katherine noted now that Clary is coming into her own “Izzy is taking her under her wing” and very much enjoyed filming the training scene teased at the Shadowhunters panel earlier that day. Emeraude agreed with that sentiment and adds that Izzy struggles to balance her friendship with Clary, as well as pleasing her brother Alec since he tends to be at odds with Clary and vice versa. While Clary and Izzy have formed a strong bond, events of the upcoming season will cause tension between the two. “You will see Clary and Izzy argue,” says Emeraude but adds that it’s “what friends do” and they will bounce back.

It’s no secret that both Clary and Izzy have hit a rough spot when it comes to their relationship with their mothers, and this coming season won’t shy away from that. Katherine says now that Jocelyn is awake “Clary has to confront the fact that her mother lied to her for eighteen years and hid this whole world from her.” Izzy said tensions are high among the Lightwoods after Alec’s reveal at his wedding, making things uneasy between her and her mother. Izzy will head down a dark path in season two, which Emeraude immensely enjoyed playing out.

While Katherine notes Clary will have her own struggles, she believes that Clary always has an “ember of hope” and that largely contributes to her being a hero in the series. Emeraude adds that no matter what journey they’re on, Clary and Izzy will always be b*dass warriors!

Finally, I got to sit down with Dominic Sherwood, who plays Jace Wayland, and Matthew Daddario, who plays Alec Lightwood, and discusses what’s to come for their characters in season two of this epic series.

Matthew started by saying Alec’s main focus and primary concern this season is Jace and that Magnus is there for him every step of the way. Since the entire coming season focuses on Jace and the decision he made in choosing to align himself with Valentine, Dominic couldn’t share too much. He did say things will “get worse before they get better” for Jace and he has a lot of soul-searching to do. Matthew adds that Alec will do anything to get Jace back so they can both “feel complete again.”

Matthew believes that a twenty-episode season allows us to really see the growth and change in each and every character. Dominic seconds that by adding that change is interesting and the characters get to explore new environments. He’s very excited for the fans to see episode three of the new season, as it will show a peak in Jace’s storyline that he believes everyone will enjoy.

Both Matthew and Dominic are eternally grateful to the fans and their dedication to the cast and show, and it does not go unnoticed. Matthew wholeheartedly believes the love they receive from the fans is “one of the best parts of the job” and is humbled by how much people enjoy his work. Dominic adds that the excitement from the fans is their way of saying “you’re doing a good job and we enjoy what you do.”

I think it goes without saying this is a delightful, talented bunch and everyone should start the new year right by tuning into season two of Shadowhunters on January 2, 2017. Trust me, this is sure to be a season everyone will be raving about!