The first teaser and release date have just been revealed for the long-awaited Spinal Tap sequel.
Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues, is set to come out on September 12 in the US – a UK release date is yet to be announced.
The Spinal Tap 2 teaser features an amp being turned up to 11, a reference to the famous joke in the first film. The level is then turned up to an infinity symbol, before a union jack guitar is revealed, and the screen is set aflame with explosive graphics. We then see the classic Spinal Tap logo, as their famous folky hard rock number ‘Stonehenge’ plays.
The sequel will follow up the iconic comedy film, This Is Spinal Tap. The original followed the fictional rock group and their often-futile endeavours, travelling on a US tour full of gags and mishaps, with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer portraying the main band members.
The original was a modest success in theatres in 1984 but became a cult classic after its VHS release. It’s since been noted as kickstarting the ‘mockumentary’ genre and frequently placed as one of the greatest comedy films of all time. In 2002, it was deemed “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
Those three lead actors are set to reprise their roles, as well as Paul Shaffer and Fran Drescher who will also return. Some new names set to star are John Michael Higgins, Chris Addison, Kerry Godliman and Nina Conti. There will also be cameo appearances from Elton John, Questlove, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Last year, director Rob Reiner gave Empire a rundown of the premise behind the return of Spinal Tap, and what its fictional band have been up to since the last film: “Nigel has been running a cheese and guitar shop in Berwick-upon-Tweed,” Reiner told the outlet. “He’s also been performing with a local folk band in the village that play penny whistle and mandolin, and he plays electric guitar with them. We show a little clip of that.”
“David St. Hubbins has been living in Morro Bay in California, and he’s been writing music for podcasts, particularly this one true-crime podcast called ‘The Trouble With Murder.’ He also writes the music that you hear when you’re on hold on the phone.
“Derek is living in London and is now the curator of the New Museum of Glue. He’s curated glue from every country in the world – the whole history of glue – and he shows me around. He’s also been performing with a philharmonic orchestra, and he’s written this kind of symphony about the fact that the devil wears a bad hair piece. It’s called Hell Toupée.”
Film company Bleecker Street have secured the rights for US distribution.
In a joint statement, Andrew Karpen, the company’s CEO, and Kent Sanderson, the company’s president, expressed their excitement for the film.
“We feel privileged for the opportunity to work with Rob Reiner and the brilliant minds behind the original This Is Spinal Tap, and to be part of a film that has resonated with so many. This Is Spinal Tap isn’t just a movie — it’s a cultural touchstone that pioneered the mockumentary genre and left an indelible mark on both film and music. Returning to this world through Spinal Tap II is an extraordinary chance to celebrate its legacy while creating something fresh for both new and devoted audiences,”
