Rob Reiner returns to the world of cinema with the long-awaited sequel to This Is Spinal Tap 41 years after the original release in 1984. This iconic rock mockumentary, which has earned a place in film history as one of the greatest comedies of all time, will once again feature the original cast, composed of Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean.
We need to unite the band
The decision to make a sequel was influenced by the resurgence of Kate Bush’s music thanks to her appearance in the series Stranger Things. Reiner explained that Bush’s renewed popularity inspired them to bring Spinal Tap back to the stage. We thought about how a rockstar could play one of her songs and it would go viral, the director commented in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
However, the return is not only due to nostalgia but also to financial considerations. Shearer expressed his discontent with the lack of adequate compensation, which led them to sue to regain the rights to the film. With those rights in hand, Reiner felt compelled to explore a new narrative that reflected the reality that the actors had not played together in 15 years.
In this sequel, the script will focus on the unresolved personal conflicts among the band members, who are forced to reunite due to a contract left by their deceased manager. The pressure of Spinal Tap’s public resurgence raises the question: can they reconcile and perform one last concert?
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues will premiere on September 12, while the original film will be re-released in theaters from July 5 to 7 in a remastered edition for its 41st anniversary.