The epic fantasy sequel 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' remains in the top position at the North American box office despite the release of the well-publicised comedy 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues'.

Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman as 'Bilbo Bagins' 

New Line Cinema's hit fantasy film is No.1 at the North American box office for a second straight week, earning $31.5 million this weekend.

On opening weekend it garnered an impressive $73.7 million from ticket sales and became the fourth biggest December opening ever, coming behind 'Avatar' ($77 million), 'I Am Legend' ($77.2 million) and 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' ($84.6 million).

Watch the trailer for 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' here

The sequel to 2012's 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' depicts 'Bilbo Baggins' (Martin Freeman) travelling with a group of dwarfs as their 'burglar' to aid them in entering the lonely mountain, where the dwarfs will face off against 'dragon Smaug' (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

Joining the current cast is Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom who reprises his role as 'Legolas' from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Lee Pace and Luke Evans.

Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom as Legolas in The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

See next page for 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' details