Heavy metal band Spinal Tap is set to return with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a sequel to Rob Reiner’s 1980s mockumentary about a fictional rock band whose members often disagree. The first trailer for the sequel has been released. The movie is scheduled to open in theaters on September 12. It will bring back the original cast and introduce new faces. A key question is whether the band will get the iconic Stonehenge stage prop in this film.
The original cast members Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Fran Drescher will reprise their roles from the 1984 film. Rob Reiner returns as director and will appear on camera playing the journalist who documents the band’s comeback. Elton John and Paul McCartney will join the cast as they support the band’s stage return.
Sorry, not watching anything Rob Reiner worked on.
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The plot centers on David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls, played by McKean, Guest, and Shearer, who reunite after being estranged for many years to perform one final concert. The documentary filmmaker Marty Di Bergi, played by Reiner, returns to film the band as they face their past while trying not to lose their 12th drummer to death. The band hopes this concert will secure their place in rock history with help from McCartney and John.
This Is Spinal Tap, the original mockumentary, was an early influence on the mockumentary genre seen later on television and in films. Reiner’s directing method involved improvisation and a clear vision for the story. He did not have to negotiate creative control. The project received financial backing from television producer Norman Lear. The film explored the world of rock musicians and their behaviors with humor, while also making the characters interesting. The songs featured in the film became popular outside the movie.
Spinal Tap grew so popular that the cast members performed live concerts in character for fans. The idea to bring the band back came after the death of actor Tony Hendra, who played the band’s manager Ian Faith. According to Rob Reiner, the death of Hendra inspired the reunion concept.
Reiner said, “It came from a very real place, which was that Tony Hendra, the actor who played Ian Faith, their manager in the movie, passed away. And in reality, the guys — Harry, Chris and Michael — hadn’t played together as Tap for 15 years. So we thought, ‘Maybe there’s something in that, a reunion concert.’ And we came up with this idea that Ian Faith had willed his daughter, Hope, this contract that called for one more performance. She thinks initially, ‘Well, this is not really worth anything, because the band hasn’t played together.’ But then some big music star, while screwing around at a sound check, is filmed on an iPhone singing a Tap song, and it goes wild on social media. All of a sudden, the contract is worth something.”
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues hits theaters September 12.
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English (US) · 