The highly anticipated sequel to Rob Reiner’s iconic mockumentary This is Spinal Tap is slated to be released next spring, when all three members of the world’s most famous fictional band will be forced to take the stage one last time after a 15-year hiatus from performing. According to Michael McKean — the bassist and vocalist of the most average musical group never to exist — Spinal Tap II will focus its trademark shenanigans on the band members’ significantly advanced ages, as nearly 40 years have passed since their initial debut in the rockstar world.
Spinal Tap II has been in the works for over two years — but given that the original film became a critically acclaimed cult classic with praise from rock icons like Jimmy Page, Ozzy Osbourne, and Dee Snider, it’s no wonder that Reiner wants to take his time with the sequel. Speaking to People about what fans can expect from the return of the struggling rock band, McKean failed to reveal any concrete details, but hinted that the members of Spinal Tap might be struggling more now than ever. “If you think those guys were sad when they were young…” McKean teased, referring to the four decades that have flown by since Spinal Tap first emerged onstage and into our hearts. He concluded by saying that the film would be “tragic in the funniest way — hopefully.”
Related
Christopher Guest Reveals Real-Life Inspiration Behind Spinal Tap
Christopher Guest finally explains the incident that lead to the notorious rockumentary Spinal Tap.
McKean also described some of the obstacles faced by the cast and crew when developing the first Spinal Tap. “It was such a struggle to get done,” he recalled, adding that “there weren’t many features like it at the time.” Although the mockumentary genre has since exploded thanks to the unprecedented success of This is Spinal Tap, matching that is no easy feat. Spinal Tap II will have to contend with its own incredible legacy, as well as the high expectations from fans who have waited all these years to see the band’s return.
All the Details of Spinal Tap II So Far
Spinal Tap II will follow the original Spinal Tap band members — played by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer — as they find themselves contractually obligated to play one last performance despite a 15-year hiatus from the stage. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher reprises her iconic role as the band’s publicist. Intriguingly, several other names have also been added to the film’s lineup, and fans can expect cameos from musical giants like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Garth Brooks, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.
Originally, Spinal Tap II was supposed to be released this year, but ongoing strikes by actors and screenwriters led to several delays — an unexpectedly fitting turn of events for the ill-fated band. The sequel is now expected to debut in late spring or summer of 2025. Filming officially commenced in New Orleans in March 2024, and although production is still ongoing, test screenings for Spinal Tap II reportedly began in late August. Meanwhile, This Is Spinal Tap can be streamed on Apple TV+.
