The Lily Collins Movie That Should Have Started A Major Fantasy Franchise

By Steven Nelson | Published

lily collins mortal instruments

Attention, supernatural enthusiasts, urban-fantasy followers, and Lily Collins fans! If you’ve ever daydreamed about a hidden world lurking just beneath the surface of our mundane reality, then you’re in for a treat. Grab your rune-markers and dust off your demon-hunting gear because Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is about to whisk you away on a riveting adventure. Plus, it’s streaming on Netflix now. 

And who better to guide us through this world of shadowhunters, warlocks, and otherworldly beings than the ever-charming Lily Collins? Whether you’re a fan of the book series or just looking for a fantastical escape, this movie promises to deliver action, romance, and a whole lot of magical mischief. So, ready to jump into the fray?

Lily Collins stars in Mortal Instruments: City of Bones streaming on Netflix

Oh, get ready to dive deep into a world where your eccentric neighbor could very well be a vampire, and that cute barista? Totally a werewolf. When Clary Fray, portrayed by the doe-eyed Lily Collins, celebrates her 18th birthday, she doesn’t anticipate her gift to be the sudden ability to see mysterious symbols and sinister creatures. 

lily collins

Instead of college worries, she’s thrust into the hidden universe of the Shadowhunters—fierce warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons.

Things get even messier when Lily Collins’ mom is kidnapped. Cue a journey through New York City’s underbelly of werewolves, warlocks, and vampires. With the help of the dashing, yet somewhat broody, Shadowhunter Jace and her loyal BFF Simon, Clary must navigate this perilous world and unlock her true potential. 

And as if fighting off demons wasn’t tough enough, there’s love triangles, long-hidden family secrets, and a quest for a powerful cup thrown into the mix. If you’re thinking, “That’s a lot for a teen to handle!”, you’re absolutely right. But fear not, for Lily Collins as Clary is no ordinary teen. 

She’s got determination, a handy sketchbook, and, let’s face it, impeccable hair no matter the situation. Get ready for a wild ride through Mortal Instruments: City of Bones with Lily Collins. Because high school drama’s got nothing on ancient family feuds and demon battles!

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Was Supposed To Start A Lily Collins Franchise

Alright, so let’s spill the beans on what happened with Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. This film was prepped and pumped to be the “next big thing” in teen fantasy franchises, hoping to follow in the footsteps of titans like Twilight and The Hunger Games. But alas, Hollywood can be more unpredictable than a Shadowhunter’s love life.

Firstly, while the film was packed with magical realms, dashing warriors, and intricate love plots, it didn’t quite ignite the box office as hoped. It garnered a relatively lukewarm reception both in terms of ticket sales and critical response.

Some critics argued that it was a tad too convoluted for those unfamiliar with the source material, while others felt the Lily Collins movie was a bit too derivative, borrowing elements from other successful franchises.

Then there’s the faithful fanbase of Cassandra Clare’s books, who had certain expectations. And, let’s be honest, adapting a beloved book series is like walking through a minefield of fan expectations. Some elements in the film deviated from the source material or didn’t fully capture the depth and intricacies of the novels, leaving some fans a tad disappointed.

Lastly, let’s talk dollars and cents. While the movie had a decent global box office haul, it didn’t quite reach the numbers that would greenlight a full-blown franchise, especially considering its hefty production and marketing costs. The studio did initially announce a sequel, City of Ashes, but the project was eventually shelved.

But, every cloud has a silver lining! The story found a new lease of life in the TV adaptation, Shadowhunters, which gave the tale more room to breathe and expand over multiple episodes. So, while the cinematic universe of Mortal Instruments might have been short-lived, the Shadow World lived on, just on a smaller screen!

As the final credits roll on Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, it’s hard not to be entranced by Lily Collins’ portrayal of Clary Fray. While the film might not have spawned the expansive cinematic universe many had hoped for, it certainly showcased Lily Collins’ talent and her ability to carry a fantasy epic on her slender shoulders. Whether you’re a die-hard