Harry Shum Jr.'s Transition From Shadowhunters to Grey's Anatomy
Actor Harry Shum Jr. reflects on his iconic role as Magnus Bane before Grey's Anatomy.
1Medical Drama to Fantasy
Harry Shum Jr. is currently recognized for his role as surgical resident Benson Blue Kwan on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. However, his career includes a significant tenure in the fantasy genre. Between 2016 and 2019, he portrayed the immortal warlock Magnus Bane on the Freeform series Shadowhunters, showcasing his versatile acting range.
2Source Material Origins
The series Shadowhunters was adapted from The Mortal Instruments, a popular young adult book series written by author Cassandra Clare. The narrative centers on human-angel hybrids known as Shadowhunters who possess unique abilities to hunt demons. This adaptation spanned three seasons, serving as the most successful live-action version of the six-book literary saga.
3Character Dynamics and Representation
As Magnus Bane, Shum portrayed a character with centuries of magical experience who assists the protagonist, Clary Fray. The character is notably bisexual, and his romantic relationship with Alec Lightwood became a significant focal point for the fandom. This representation resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community throughout the show's three-season television run.
4Previous Adaptation Attempts
Before the Freeform series, the franchise attempted a live-action transition with the 2013 film titled The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. That movie adaptation was based solely on the first novel and featured actor Godfrey Gao as Magnus. Plans for a film sequel were ultimately abandoned, leaving the television series as the primary adaptation.
5Author's Dream Casting
Harry Shum Jr. actually auditioned for the 2013 film role but was not cast at that time. Interestingly, author Cassandra Clare had previously identified Shum as her ideal choice for Magnus Bane on Tumblr years before the show began. She expressed that seeing her dream casting become a reality was a cool experience.
6Audition Success and Recognition
When Harry Shum Jr. auditioned for the television role, his performance impressed the production team and the author. Clare noted that his audition rocked the process, solidifying his position as the definitive Magnus Bane. Her public support validated his casting, linking his previous work on Glee to his new supernatural character role.
7Career Trajectory Evolution
Shum's career has evolved from playing supernatural beings to portraying grounded medical professionals. While his current work on Grey's Anatomy focuses on the high-stakes environment of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, his time as Magnus Bane remains a defining chapter. He is also currently participating in the competition show Dancing with the Stars.
8Legacy of the Adaptation
Shadowhunters remains the most prominent live-action iteration of Cassandra Clare's work, outlasting the singular film attempt. The show's ability to maintain a dedicated fanbase highlights the impact of faithful character casting. Shum's transition between these vastly different roles demonstrates the professional flexibility required to navigate both fantasy television and medical dramas.
Original article: TVLine — Harry Shum Jr.'s Transition From Shadowhunters to Grey's Anatomy