'Mortal Instruments' First Look: Magical Magnus Bane

Check out an exclusive image of newcomer Godfrey Gao in the big-screen adaptation of Cassandra Clare's best-selling novel.

Sparkly eye-liner? Check. Posh threads? Yep. Flashy nail polish? You bet. He may not be a rock star but he sure as hell could be: Meet Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn.

The big-screen adaptation of Cassandra Clare's best-selling urban fantasy"The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones" doesn't hit theaters until August 23, but MTV News is giving you an exclusive first look at the flamboyant fan-favorite character, played by newcomer Godfrey Gao.

"City of Bones" centers around Clary Fray (played by Lily Collins), a seemingly average teen, who uncovers her secret roots in a society of half-angel, half-human warriors known as Shadowhunters, who are tasked with ridding the world of demonic forces. Along with her newfound Nephilim allies, Clary gets assistance from the magical Bane, who knows a lot more about her past than he leads on.

Magnus is a multi-layered character, to be sure, and it was a role Gao said he relished.

"I love Magnus Bane's character because [he] can live forever and never age a day, and who doesn't want to live forever?" Gao told MTV News. "I also love that Magnus is a flamboyant party animal, and it's fun to be described that way compared to the other characters I've portrayed previously. Magnus is so out there, he's definitely a character I will never forget!"

Magnus' "out there" persona boasts plenty of theatricality in his dress and personal grooming (evidenced by our first look photo). And, surprisingly, Gao said the transformation didn't translate to hours in the makeup chair.

"Magnus' extravagant style of dress and makeup was quite the hot topic when I arrived to shoot in Toronto. All the glitter, nail polish, eye-liner and the outfits combined made Magnus the character that everyone loves and envisioned in their minds," Gao said. "While I never spent more than 30 minutes for hair and makeup, the results for Magnus' style ... let's just say the hair, makeup and costume team/departments did a fantastic job of styling my character, and I enjoyed every single moment of transforming into Magnus! The warlock outfit with the black cape and hoody was very intriguing as well!"

Those interested in the warlock's backstory (beyond Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" and "The Infernal Devices" series) should keep an eye out for a spin-off, e-serialization called "The Bane Chronicles," which will be released in 10 installments starting April 16.

Check out everything we've got on "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones."