Shadowhunters season 2 release date: Producer teases 'giant transformation' in characters

The season one finale of Shadowhunters had some intense moments as Jace Wayland chopped off Hodge Starkweather's hands after learning that the latter had attacked Lydia Branwell. Jace then tried to take on evil Valentine Morgenstern, but to save Clary Fray and the others he is forced to join the darkside. The episode also saw Clary finally save her mother Jocelyn Fairchild.

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead

Now, showrunner Ed Decter has teased what fans can expect when the show returns for season 2. "We should be very worried about Jace (Dominic Sherwood)," Decter told TVLine. "As fans of the books know, he's about to take a very dark journey."

When asked whether the upcoming season will see the introduction of new characters, Decter said: "Some characters we've met go through giant transformation. Simon's girlfriend Maureen has a lot in store for her, and there's a lot in store for Jocelyn and Luke."

"There will be new characters we meet as well, including the Seelie Queen. We'll start building into each of the realms in a different way," he added.

Speaking about the how the premiere season had taken liberties from the book, Decter said: "The goal in the writers' room is to make the fans feel like we're not going to end up in the place they're expecting, then surprise them with how we get there.

"We try to keep some surprises for the hardcore fans who initially ask 'What are they doing? Why are they doing this?' The hope is that they eventually come to a point where they say, 'Oh, I get it. I see what they were doing before'."

Freeform has not revealed the official release date for the season 2 as yet, however, Bustle has reported the show will premiere in late fall this year or early 2017.