Kevin Zegers Joins Fantasy Epic 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones'

Kevin Zegers has signed on to join the fantasy epic The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones for Constantin Film and Screen Gems.

Zegers (Transamerica) will play Alec Lightwood, a reluctant Shadowhunter who would rather read about demons than fight them. Lily Collins stars in the film, based on Cassandra Clare’s mega-bestseller. Zegers joins a cast that also includes Jamie Campbell Bower, Lena Headey and Jared Harris.

Set in modern-day New York, the plot centers on Clary Fray (Collins), who discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret tribe of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect the world from demons.

Constantin had been in talks with Ed Westwick for the role, but those discussions broke down over a scheduling conflict due to Westwick's Gossip Girl commitments.   Mortal Instruments is scheduled to begin shooting this month in Toronto.   Harald Zwart is directing Mortal Instruments from a screenplay written by Jessica Postigo (the upcoming Tarzan film) and Pretty Little Liars showrunner Marlene King.   Zegers is repped by ICM.