These days, nearly every ‘80s and ‘90s movie is getting or has already had a legacy sequel. But we bet this is one you did not expect to ever see. Rob Reiner is re-teaming with the original cast of his debut film This Is Spinal Tap for a sequel.
Aside from directing, Reiner will also star again in his role as filmmaker Marty DiBergi. Also coming back are David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) as the fictional British metal band Spinal Tap. The original is one of the all-time cult classics of the era, and is even part of the National Film Registry.
Rob Reiner gave a basic premise for the new film, saying the following:
When it was announced that Spinal Tap would reunite for one final concert, Marty DeBergi saw this as a chance to make things right with the bag who viewed This is Spinal Tap as a hatchet job. So he left his position as visiting adjunct teacher’s assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts in pursuit of film history.
This Is Spinal Tap pretty much invented the mockumentary format. The film’s screenwriter and star Christopher Guest even turned the format into a whole career. Especially with films such as Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. In the past, the fictional band has actually played several concerts, always leaving audiences cheering for the ridiculous songs from the film. We can’t wait to hear the songs they perform now that they’re all senior citizens trying to recapture their glory days.
The original film screens as part of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The current plan is for Spinal Tap II to release in time for the original film’s 40th anniversary in 2024.