Will Ferrell took over a real local newscast as his character Ron Burgundy to promote the upcoming "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues", set to hit theaters Dec. 18.
According to CNN, Ferrell went on the evening program for Bismarck, North Dakota's KX station completely in character.
"Ferrell never broke character as he read the actual local headlines alongside regular anchor Amber Schatz. The latest developments in Bismarck, population 64,751? A trash fire in the parking lot of a local Sam's Club and holiday shopping updates from local merchants," the Los Angeles Times reported.
"Around the edges of the actual news, Ferrell worked in bits of his character while the local on-air staff worked heroically to keep things moving along professionally. He leaned into shots and even noted the weatherman's possible recent weight loss," according to the LA Times.
Ferrell's co-anchor and producer Amber Schatz told The Bismark Tribune the actor's appearance on the show was kept quiet and had no idea he'd be on the newscast until rehearsals.
"He had me cracking up, just with his voice, his facial expressions," Schatz told the Tribune. "I loved the character. I had the hardest time keeping it together."
"I could never have guessed it in a million years," she added. "But I never, ever could have picked anyone I would rather be a co-anchor to than Ron Burgundy."
According to the Tribune, Ferrell arrived into Bismark for the tapping in the afternoon, and then went to Canada to cover the curling trials for the Olympics. However, Ferrell did take the time to sign autographs and poses for photographs at the news station.
The Los Angeles Times reported Ferrell will be hosting ESPN's "Sports Center" Thursday, Dec. 5 as his character Ron Burgundy.
Check out the video of Ferrell taking over the Bismark newscast below.
