Anchorman 2 gets a release date

'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' will be released on December 20, 2013, it's been confirmed.

The anticipated sequel is set to start its principle photography in the New Year, according to actor Paul Rudd – who plays reporter Brian Fantana.

[Related story: Bridesmaids star lining up for Anchorman 2]

Rudd is already making his preparations for the role, telling Access Hollywood: “This is why my hair looks like John Taylor from Duran Duran right now.”

He joins the returning cast, with David Koechner as Champ Kind, Steve Carell as Brick Tamland, and Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy.

Director Adam McKay has previously said that the film will be set in 1978 around the advent of rolling news, looking at how the Channel 4 News team cope with the new demands.

There are also rumours that the plot may involve a custody battle over a child, thought to be Burgundy's, while McKay has confirmed that there will be 'whole song sequences'.

'Bridesmaids' star Kristen Wiig is said to be in talks for a role in the film as Brick Tamland's love interest, while it's also thought that Vince Vaughn will be back as Burgundy's antagonist Wes Mantooth.

But there is a still a question mark over Christina Applegate's return as co-anchor Veronica Corningstone.

The first film was unleashed in 2004.