Reilly to play vampire in 'Freak' flick

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. actor John C. Reilly is set to play a vampire in "Cirque du Freak," a big-screen adaptation of Darren Shan's series of children's books, Variety.com said.

Reilly has starred in "The Good Girl," "Chicago," "Gangs of New York" and "Talladega Nights." He will next be seen in "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story."

"Cirque du Freak," which is slated to begin production in February, will be adapted and directed by Paul Weitz, the trade paper said.

Weitz wrote and directed "In Good Company" and "American Dreamz" and co-directed "About a Boy," with his brother, Chris.