'The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes' Back On for 2014 Due to Non-Existent Fan Outcry

By all accounts The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones was a complete failure. As far as launching a new YA franchise, that supposedly has millions of fans somewhere, it was an utter disaster, earning some of the year's harshest reviews and banking only $80M worldwide. And yet Constantin Film had been gung-ho despite the entire genre's collapse, planning a prequel series and a sequel, City of Ashes. But when the film did so badly they changed course and pulled the plug on any follow-ups last month. However, a few weeks of reflection appear to have convinced them further investment is worth it.

According to THR, production on City of Ashes is back on with a restart set for 2014. So what caused the change of heart when simple economics suggests this is a really bad idea? According to Constantin Film's head of film and TV Martin Moszkowicz , it was due to the fans. Oh, you mean the fans who decided en masse NOT to show up for the movie at all?

Moszkowicz: "The fan response, from the blogosphere and the thousands of mails we have received, has encouraged us to keep going. It's been overwhelmingly positive, in contrast to some other YA titles.”

Sounds like they received more letters than paying customers, but whatever. According to him the international grosses help justify the decision even though the total was below their expectations. The estimated cost of the first film was around $60M, plus another $60M thrown in by Sony for marketing (how about that return on investment?), so it definitely did not turn in a profit. He adds that they'll be looking at the marketing to see where any changes can be made. Here's a tip: throw out everything you did before.

It's unclear who in the cast will be returning, but Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower are probably locked into long-term deals. Sigourney Weaver was the first new addition for the sequel but it's unclear if the shift in schedule has affected her involvement.  Whether it comes out next year or in 2015, City of Ashes enters a crowded field at a time when YA adaptations are experiencing diminishing returns.