Casting news for in development movies can come from a variety of sources. Though they tend not to be worth much until varied by the studio, some tertiary evidence is hard to ignore. Take for example, this casting call listing out of Atlanta. The listing is for Adam McKay's 'Anchorman: The Legend Continues,' which is currently shooting there. In addition to bringing back a majority of the cast from the first film, we've so far learned that Kristen Wiig and James Marsden are jumping aboard for the followup movie. If this listing is to believed, they aren't the only franchise acquisitions. Here's the skinny...

"Do you look like John C. Reilly? We’re seeking a caucasian male, 6’2″, any age. THIS SHOOTS TOMORROW, FEB 28th. Please submit your stats and 3 photos to TeachMan2ATL@gmail.com with the subject line JOHNNY DOUBLE."

Yup, it looks like John C. Reilly will be joining the cast, that is unless McKay wants a Reilly-resembling actor to double for someone else. It was also recently reported that part of the plot of the sequel will find our Channel 4 news team traveling to New York City. McKay revealed in an interview that, while San Diego will not be completely abandoned, New York will play prominently into the story. As the ultimate goal for both our male and female leads in the first movie was to land a national newscaster position, the venue change makes sense. As to Reilly's casting, there are both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, and I know I'm not alone on this, I find the guy incredibly funny. He's got great timing and presence, and has delivered some great moments working with Will Ferrell in the past. The danger here is that the projects on which Ferrell worked with Reilly represent a creative rut in which Ferrell was playing the same character again and again. The narcissistic fool man-child became Ferrell's go-to character after 'Anchorman' and, at least for me, the repetition cooled enthusiasm for the comedian's projects. My hope is that the casting of Reilly doesn't encourage Ferrell to fall back on comfortable tropes, especially given that he's already returning to a familiar universe. That being said, Reilly is really funny and may in fact end up in a cameo role as did so many actors in the first film.

What do you guys think? Excited John C. Reilly is joining? How do you rate the past Reilly/Ferrell collaborations?

Source: Bleeding Cool/Empire