After finishing up interviews with the cast of Priest at WonderCon, I chatted (informally, not an interview) with Screen Gems President Clint Culpepper about the film's conversion to 3D and about another one of the studio's upcoming huge projects: The Mortal Instruments. Culpepper said Priest's conversion to the format will have all the naysayers changing their minds, and even upped the budget to ensure the 3D version would look stunning and win over audiences. And, although I'm not a fan of 3D (the glasses are distracting and most 3D films are too dark), the extra time and money invested in Priest looks like it's paid off. Footage screened at WonderCon looked incredible, and it's impossible to tell the film wasn't shot in the format in the first place.
Culpepper also confirmed he's still very interested in getting Alex Pettyfer signed up to play Jace in The Mortal Instruments. Culpepper admires Pettyfer and believes he has what it takes to take on one of the lead roles in the film. The two have been exchanging texts, which Culpepper showed to me, about The Mortal Instruments, and the door appears to be wide open if Pettyfer wants to step up and take on the part. And although Pettyfer's had a fair share of bad press recently, Culpepper says the 20 year old actor isn't cocky at all.
As for the timing of The Mortal Instruments, Lily Collins ('Clary') will be working on Snow White prior to filming The Mortal Instruments which does allow the studio and director Scott Stewart more time to either get Pettyfer signed on or find another actor to fill the pivotal role.
Source: About.com