NYCC 2016: A Conversation With Shadowhunters’ Author Cassandra Clare and Showrunners Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer

I very much enjoyed getting the chance to discuss the new season of Shadowhunters with new showrunners Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, as well as hear Cassandra Clare’s take on their vision for the show adapted from her well-known book series.

Both Slavkin and Swimmer were delighted to join the Shadowhunters family and were already big fans of both the show and cast. Slavkin says they wanted to expand on where the series left off by adding “more emotion” as well as “more depth to the characters.” He strongly states the stunts are more astonishing this season, as well as having bigger sets. Swimmer adds that the show is “a little bit darker, a little bit grittier” and believes fans will be excited by this. Slavkin wholeheartedly believes it’s important to write scenes “the actors can get excited about” and is proud of the work the cast is doing this season.

As far as what’s ahead for our favorite Shadowhunters and Downworlders, Swimmer teases we will see an “uneasy alliance” between all parties and Swimmer adds we will get a scene between all the heads of the Downworlders that’s very “Godfather-like.”

Cassandra chimes in that there’s a great scene between Alec Lightwood and Magnus Bane in the first episode of the season where Alec is explaining the importance of him parabatai relationship with Jace Wayland. Cassandra was very pleased the show tapped into what it means to be parabatai, and loved Alec’s line explaining it by saying, “Jace is a part of me and if he dies a part of me dies too.” Slavkin notes we will see a flashback to Jace & Alec’s parabatai ceremony.

Everyone is equally ecstatic for the addition of Maia Roberts to the show, and Slavkin spent a few minutes raving about Alisha Wainwright’s portrayal of her. He’s thrilled for fans to see her “total awesomeness” and all around b*dassery, as well as watch her kick Jace’s butt! We will also delve into her dynamic with Simon.

Cassie was more than happy to have a little more input in this upcoming season of Shadowhunters, and very much wanted them to include Sebastian Morgenstern – which they will. She’s also excited for all the scenes between Jace and Alec, as well as how the new showrunners would adapt her book series in season two.

With so much to look forward to in this upcoming season of Shadowhunters, I don’t know how we’re going handle waiting until January 2, 2017 for new episodes to air! At least we know it will be worth the wait!