On 15th November 2007, Universal announced that filming of the Cirque Du Freak movie would begin in February 2008. They also announced the names of the first three actors cast in the movie. Here is one of the many media reports of that announcement.

FILM SCHOOL REJECTS - 15/nov/2007

Yahoo is reporting that John C. Reilly is in negotiations, along with Josh Hutcherson and Chris Kelly, to star in the film adaptation of the youth horror series Vampire Blood in the first installment, entitled Cirque du Freak. The book, which I was admittedly unfamiliar with, follows the tale of two best friends (and a few other kids for good measure) who venture to an “illegal circus” with extreme oddities and dangers. Reilly would reportedly play the role of a vampire named Larten Crepsley, owner of Madame Octa, a giant freaking spider, and presumably friends with the Wolfman. No, no, no I’m not joking Wolfman is in this! Sweet.After doing some research into this particular book and the series, it seems to hold a lot of potential. While written for the youth, the darker thematic elements may serve as a draw to older movie-goers as well. Count me in line to see a Wolfman bite a persons hand off and a giant spider harassing children! No word on when, where, or how this will get rolling, but don’t hold your breath - unless you can hold your breath for the better part of a year, or more.