Exactly forty years after becoming an iconic cult hit and creating the mockumentary genre, the boys of Spinal Tap are finally returning for a sequel. Via Deadline, we’ve learned that Castle Rock has begun production of the sequel to This Is Spinal Tap in New Orleans. Original director Rob Reiner is once again returning, as are original stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” DiBergi. The film will feature plenty of music industry cameos like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks. and Trisha Yearwood.
Christopher Guest, McKean, Rob Reiner, and Harry Shearer came up with the concept for the sequel. The storyline will focus on the British heavy metal band reuniting for one last concert after a 15-year hiatus. We imagine that like most real-world rock bands, there was some kind of interpersonal drama in the interceding years. Reiner famously went on to a very prolific directing career after This Is Spinal Tap. Yet it was Christopher Guest who really took the baton this film handed to him. He went on to direct several similar mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind.
Speaking for his character, director Rob Reiner said “I recently spoke to Marty DiBergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to ensure their place in the pantheon of Rock and Roll.” Honestly, we want to know more about this Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts. Without naming names, we know some modern-day directors who are probably graduates. The plan is for the Spinal Tap sequel to premiere sometime in 2024, the original film’s 40th anniversary.