Harrison Ford Signs on for 'Anchorman 2' (Exclusive)

The actor, who is expected to reprise his role as Han Solo in the "Star Wars" sequel, first will play a legendary newscaster in the Will Ferrell starrer.

Before dusting off the Millennium Falcon for a Star Wars sequel, Harrison Ford will sharpen his comedic chops for a role in Paramount's Anchorman 2.

Ford will play a legendary newscaster a la Tom Brokaw in the Adam McKay-helmed comedy, which begins shooting this month in Atlanta. He previously played an anchorman in the film Morning Glory, the 2010 comedy produced by J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk.

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The sequel to 2004's Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy stars returnees Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate and David Koechner, as well as a new-to-the-property Kristen Wiig.

Ferrell and McKay wrote the screenplay and are producing the film. Judd Apatow and Kevin Messick also are aboard as producers.

Though plot details on Anchorman 2 are being kept under wraps, the level of secrecy pales compared to the new Star Wars films, for which Ford is expected to reprise his role of Han Solo in some capacity.

Ford has a trio of films in the can: the Jackie Robinson biopic 42, which bows April 12; the Relativity thriller Paranoia; and the franchise hopeful Ender's Game.

He is repped by UTA.

Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27