John C. Reilly Likes the 'Cirque du Freak'
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Casting, Family Films
For a while, "Freak Show" meant a gathering that showcased anyone who was a bit different. Perhaps they had much excess hair, or were particularly tiny or tall. Maybe they were twins who were bonded by more than sibling love, or dudes missing appendages. But times have changed, and that's not really acceptable anymore. So, if you want to delight in all things freak, you've got to be able to stomach seeing dudes nail things into their body, or, in the case of cinema, see a Freak Show that's more fantastical than "freakish."The Hollywood Reporter has posted that Cal Naughton Jr., aka John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia), and Chris Kelly (Boys Life) are in final negotiations to star in Cirque du Freak -- a kidlit adaptation that's being put together by Universal. Based on a series written by Darren Shan, the story focuses on best friends (Hutcherson and Kelly) "who visit an illegal freak show, where an encounter with a vampire and a giant deadly spider forces them to make life-changing choices that result in vampire servitude and vampirism itself." (The show also has a really bitey werewolf.) Believe it or not, Reilly will play "Larten Crepsley, the centuries-old vampire and owner of Madame Octa, the spider." This crazy, yet weirdly appealing, story is the brainchild of About a Boy writer/director Paul Weitz, who wrote the script and will direct it when production starts in February. So, what do you think? Are you ready to see Reilly get his bite on?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-15-2007 @ 12:31PM
DragonNeoReborn said...
I'm pretty sure the writer is Brian Helgeland (Man on Fire, Mystic River, L.A. Confidential), unless they scrapped his script. I remember reading in an interview somewhere that it was his kid's favorite book, so he wrote the script for it.
In fact, on his website's faq it lists Brian as the writer: http://darrenshan.com/facts/faq.html#movie
Also, personally, John C. Reily doesn't look anywhere near as tough as Larten Crepsley is supposed to be. His casting has me kind of worried about the direction of this film (the books are very violent and mature).
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11-15-2007 @ 1:44PM
Kit said...
I think that John C. is one of the best character actors of our time. While I have never read this series I have faith that Riley can step up the evil and dark for this production.
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11-15-2007 @ 2:42PM
Sam said...
no no no no no!!!!!!
you haven't read the series! there horrible!
they are complete junk writing. Ok, maybe the first one was up to snuff, but it went downhill from there. A recommended do not read.
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11-22-2007 @ 6:15PM
Ellen said...
Don't listen to that junk Cirque du freak is an incredibly well written series, i personally doubt that anyone who says that even read them, as for the casting i am nervous about the guy playing mr, crepsley but the actors playing darren and shan seem promising. As for Reily im pretty sure it will work out they don't want to ruin the movies
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11-22-2007 @ 6:16PM
Ellen said...
First off cirque du freak is an inceredibly well written series and anyone who disagrees did not read the whole series. As far as the casting goes Reily doesnt look stern enough but who knows what makeup artist will do to him, as for the actors playing the boys steve and darren they seem very fit for the role...I can't wait till the movie comes out, they are due to start filming in February.
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