(Image Source: Castle Rock Entertainment)
Veteran director Robert Reiner, known for classics like "The Bucket List" and "When Harry Met Sally...", surprised fans three years ago by announcing a sequel to his mockumentary comedy "This Is Spinal Tap." After three years in production, the follow-up, officially titled "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," has now released its first official trailer, stills, and a teaser poster (pictured below) during its promotional run for this year's San Diego Comic-Con.
Reiner once again co-wrote the script with the three original stars — Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Christopher Guest. The film is slated for a September 12 release in North America.
※ Watch the first trailer below: ▼
Returning cast members include Reiner, Shearer, McKean, Guest, Fran Drescher, and Paul Shaffer. The sequel also boasts an impressive lineup of new additions, featuring music legends such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Questlove of The Roots, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and country stars Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks.
(Image Source: Castle Rock Entertainment)
Reiner had previously shared the plot outline for the sequel in an interview three years ago, explaining that the premise revolves around Spinal Tap, who have performed at iconic venues like London's Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium and toured across the UK and Europe, but haven't rehearsed together recently. He revealed that the idea for the film stemmed from the death of their manager, Ian Faith — a nod to the real-life passing of actor Tony Hendra, who played Faith. In the story, Ian's widow inherits a contract stating that Spinal Tap still owes them one concert, and she threatens to sue if they don't fulfill it. Despite years of internal disputes, the band is forced to reunite, tolerate each other, and complete the show.