Released in 1984, This is Spinal Tap revolutionized the mockumentary genre. So many films have borrowed liberally from it that it’s easy to forget just how funny and original it was, with quotes and performances that will live on forever. Can the sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, possibly hope to measure up? We’re about to find out as the band is back together again.
The first trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is here, featuring the return of director Rob Reiner and stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer as the fictional metal band. You can expect a slew of celebrity guest stars, too, such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood who appear as themselves.
SYNOPSIS: “Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (McKean, Guest, and Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert. ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favorite metal gods as they contemplate mortality — and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ’n’ roll.”
Also in the cast are Paul Shaffer, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls, Fran Drescher, Don Lake, John Michael Higgins, Nina Conti, Griffin Matthews, Kerry Godliman, and Chris Addison.
Bleecker Street is fully committed to Spinal Tap at the moment. Not only is Bleecker Street the sequel’s distributor, but it is re-releasing into theaters a newly restored edition of the 1984 classic which will then be made available digitally.
This could be the first hit film for Reiner in decades. He had such an incredible run in the ’80s and ’90s with Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues opens on September 12th.
