Dominic Sherwood to star on 'The Mortal Instruments' series

LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- Dominic Sherwood has joined the cast of Shadowhunters.

The 25-year-old actor will portray Jace Herondale on the new ABC Family drama, which is based on The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. Jamie Campbell Bower originated the role in a film adaptation, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, in 2013.

"Looks like the word is out!!! ARRRGGGHHH! cannot contain my excitement! Xx," Sherwood wrote Monday on Twitter. "I'm so overwhelmed by all of your support!! I love every last one of you!!!!"

"Welcome to the ABC Family Family, @DomSherwood1! We can't wait to see you in our new series @ShadowhuntersTV!" the network tweeted in response.

The wait is over! Congrats to @DomSherwood1, he'll be playing Jace on #Shadowhunters! #WhoIsJace pic.twitter.com/IPYzYuNeIy

— Shadowhunters (@ShadowhuntersTV) April 20, 2015

In The Mortal Instruments, Shadowhunters are humans with angelic blood tasked with controlling demons in the Shadow World. Jace is a skilled Shadowhunter who falls in love with series protagonist Clary Fray (portrayed by Lily Collins in the film) after she discovers she, too, possesses powers.

Director McG (Terminator Salvation) will helm the pilot episode for debut in 2016. Sherwood is best known for portraying Christian Ozera in an adaptation of Richelle Mead novel Vampire Academy, which co-starred his current girlfriend, Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland.