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Tag: This is Spinal Tap

Every Rob Reiner Directed Movie, Ranked!

(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Tragic news from Hollywood as legendary actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner has passed away.

While be began his career as an actor on the groundbreaking 1970’s TV series ‘All in the Family‘, Reiner would go on to become one of the most celebrated directors of his generation helming such classics as ‘This Is Spinal Tap‘, ‘Stand By Me‘, ‘The Princess Bride‘, ‘When Harry Met Sally…‘, ‘Misery‘, and ‘A Few Good Men‘.
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In honor of his passing, Moviefone is counting down every movie Rob Reiner has ever directed, including his last movie, 2025’s ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues‘.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Filmmaker Rob Reiner Has Died at the Age of 78

22. ‘North‘ (1994)

Bruce Willis in ‘North’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Eleven-year-old North (Elijah Wood) has had it with his parents (Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus). They are always busy with their careers and don’t give North the attention he needs, so he files a lawsuit against them. The judge rules that North should either find new parents or return to his own parents within two months. Thus North starts off on a journey around the world to find parents that really care about him.
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21. ‘Rumor Has It…‘ (2005)

Jennifer Aniston in ‘Rumor Has It’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Sarah Huttinger’s (Jennifer Aniston) return home with her fiance convinces her that the sedate, proper, country-club lifestyle of her family isn’t for her – and that maybe the Huttinger family isn’t even hers – as she uncovers secrets that suggest the Huttingers are neither sedate nor proper.
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20. ‘Shock and Awe‘ (2018)

(L to R) James Marsden and Woody Harrelson in ‘Shock and Awe’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.

A group of journalists covering George Bush‘s planned invasion of Iraq in 2003 are skeptical of the presidents claim that Saddam Hussein has “weapons of mass destruction.”
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19. ‘And So It Goes‘ (2014)

(L to R) Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas in ‘And So It Goes’. Photo: Castle Rock Entertainment.

Nobody likes self-centered realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and he prefers it that way. He’s deliberately mean to anyone who crosses his path and wants nothing more than to sell one final house and retire. His life turns upside-down when his estranged son drops off a granddaughter he never knew existed. Suddenly left in charge of her and with no idea how to take care of a child, he pawns the girl off on his neighbor, Leah (Diane Keaton) — but he eventually learns how to open his heart.
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18. ‘Being Charlie‘ (2016)

Nick Robinson in ‘Being Charlie’. Photo: Castle Rock Entertainment.

Charlie (Nick Robinson) is a troublesome 18-year-old who breaks out of a youth drug treatment clinic, but when he returns home to Los Angeles, he’s given an intervention by his parents and forced to go to an adult rehab. There, he meets a beautiful but troubled girl, Eva (Morgan Saylor), and is forced to battle with drugs, elusive love and divided parents.
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17. ‘The Story of Us‘ (1999)

(L to R) Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer in ‘The Story of Us’, Photo: Universal Pictures.

After 15 years of marriage, Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her husband, Ben (Bruce Willis), have grown apart. While they keep up the facade of having a contented marriage, mostly to not worry their children, they aren’t happy together and argue frequently. While the kids are away at camp, Katie and Ben decide to separate and try to reassess their relationship to see if they should stay together or split up for good.
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16. ‘Alex & Emma‘ (2003)

(L to R) Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in ‘Alex & Emma’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Writer Alex Sheldon (Luke Wilson) must finish his novel within a month. If he doesn’t, he won’t get paid. And, if that happens, angry Mafia types to whom he owes money will come looking for him. In order to expedite things, Alex hires typist Emma Dinsmore (Kate Hudson) and begins dictating his novel. The book is about a doomed love affair between a character similar to Alex and a character named Polina Delacroix. But, as Alex falls for Emma, his work takes a different turn.
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15. ‘The Magic of Belle Isle‘ (2012)

Morgan Freeman in ‘The Magic of Belle Isle’. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.

In an effort to tap into his original talent, a wheelchair-bound author (Morgan Freeman) moves to a rural town, where he befriends a single mother (Virginia Madsen) and her three kids, who help reignite his passion for writing.
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14. ‘LBJ‘ (2017)

Woody Harrelson in ‘LBJ’. Photo: Castle Rock Entertainment.

The story of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson (Woody Harrelson) from his young days in West Texas to the White House.
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13. ‘Flipped‘ (2010)

A scene from ‘Flipped’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

When Juli (Madeline Carroll) meets Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) in the second grade, she knows it’s true love. After spending six years trying to convince Bryce the same, she’s ready to give up – until he starts to reconsider.
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12. ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues‘ (2025)

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Christopher Guest in Bleecker Street’s ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Credit: Bleecker Street / Kyle Kaplan.

The now estranged bandmates of Spinal Tap are forced to reunite for one final concert, hoping it will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
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11. ‘The Bucket List‘ (2008)

(L to R) Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in ‘The Bucket List’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.
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10. ‘Ghosts of Mississippi‘ (1996)

(L to R) Whoopi Goldbreg and Alec Baldwin in ‘Ghosts of Mississippi’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

A Mississippi district attorney and the widow of Medgar Evers (Whoopi Goldberg) struggle to bring a white supremacist (James Woods) to justice for the 1963 murder of the civil rights leader.
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9. ‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life‘ (2023)

Albert Brooks in ‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life’. Photo: HBO.

Reiner profiles Albert Brooks, comedic legend, acclaimed filmmaker, talented character actor and a lifelong friend, who Reiner first met in their high school drama club.
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8. ‘The Sure Thing‘ (1985)

(L to R) John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga in ‘The Sure Thing’. Photo: Embassy Films Associates.

Gib (John Cusack), a beer-guzzling slob, and Alison (Daphne Zuniga), an uptight Ivy-Leaguer, are an unlikely duo stuck together on a cross-country trip during Christmas break. At first they get on each other’s nerves but, as time passes, they find their divergent natures complement each other. Now they need to realize what they’ve already found before it’s too late.
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7. ‘The American President‘ (1995)

(L to R) Michael Douglas and Martin Sheen in ‘The American President’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Widowed U.S. president Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), one of the world’s most powerful men, can have anything he wants — and what he covets most is Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), a Washington lobbyist. But Shepherd’s attempts at courting her spark wild rumors and decimate his approval ratings.
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6. ‘Stand by Me‘ (1986)

(L to R) Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O’Connell and Corey Feldman in ‘Stand by Me’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

After learning that a boy their age has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie (Will Wheaton), Vern (Jerry O’Connell), Chris (River Phoenix) and Teddy (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys’ adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.
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5. ‘Misery‘ (1990)

Kathy Bates in ‘Misery’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued by a nurse (Kathy Bates) who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado home and forces him to write back to life the popular literary character he killed off.
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4. ‘When Harry Met Sally…‘ (1989)

(L to R) Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Sex always gets in the way of friendships between men and women. At least, that’s what Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) believes. So when Harry meets Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) and a deep friendship blossoms between them, Harry’s determined not to let his attraction to Sally destroy it. But when a night of weakness ends in a morning of panic, can the pair avoid succumbing to Harry’s fears by remaining friends and admitting they just might be the perfect match for each other?
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3. ‘This Is Spinal Tap‘ (1984)

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

“This Is Spinal Tap” shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
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2. ‘The Princess Bride‘ (1987)

(L to R) Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in ‘The Princess Bride’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and the dashing Westley (Cary Elwes) must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen (Christopher Guest), murderous princes (Chris Sarandon), Sicilians (Wallace Shawn) and rodents of unusual size. But even death can’t stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
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1. ‘A Few Good Men‘ (1992)

Tom Cruise in ‘A Few Good Men’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

When cocky military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and his co-counsel, Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), are assigned to a murder case, they uncover a hazing ritual that could implicate high-ranking officials such as shady Col. Nathan Jessep (Jack Nicholson).
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December 15, 2025
Filmmaker Rob Reiner Found Dead at 78
(L to R) Christopher Guest and Rob Reiner in Bleecker Street’s ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Credit: Bleecker Street / Kyle Kaplan.

Preview:
- Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, have been found dead at their home.
- Reiner was a noted director and actor.
- His work includes ‘Misery,’ ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally…’
Rob Reiner, the American filmmaker whose humane wit and classical storytelling helped define modern Hollywood comedy and drama, was found dead on Sunday at the age of 78. The cause has not yet been officially revealed.
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Among Reiner’s most enduring credits are ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ ‘Stand by Me,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ ‘Misery,’ and ‘A Few Good Men’ — a body of work remarkable not only for its success, but for its range.

Related Article: Udo Kier, Visionary Actor and Art-House Provocateur, Has Died Aged 81

Rob Reiner: Early life and Beginnings

(L to R) Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Carroll O’Connor and Sally Struthers in ‘All in the Family’. Photo: Sony Pictures Television,

Born March 6, 1947, in New York City, Reiner was raised inside the machinery of American entertainment. The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and actress Estelle Reiner, he grew up absorbing the rhythms of humor, performance, and timing almost by osmosis.

He first became a household name as an actor, playing the opinionated, self-assured Mike “Meathead” Stivic on ‘All in the Family.’ The role made him a cultural lightning rod in the 1970s — but behind the scenes, Reiner was already preparing for a different kind of authorship.

Rob Reiner: Films and Creative Reach

(L to R) Kathy Bates and James Caan in director Rob Reiner’s ‘Misery’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Reiner’s directorial debut, ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ announced a filmmaker with a rare gift for satire — one sharp enough to skewer ego and absurdity without cruelty. What followed was one of the most astonishing runs in modern American cinema.

With ‘Stand by Me,’ he captured childhood with aching tenderness. ‘The Princess Bride’ became a timeless fairy tale, balancing irony and sincerity with effortless grace. ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ redefined the romantic comedy, pairing adult intelligence with emotional vulnerability.

Reiner refused to be boxed into a single genre. He pivoted to psychological horror with Misery, courtroom drama with ‘A Few Good Men,’ and political movies like ‘The American President,’ each time bringing a classical sense of structure and character-driven storytelling.

Reiner also continued to act through his directing career, showing up in movies such as ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and a wide variety of TV series including ‘The Bear,’ ‘30 Rock’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’

Rob Reiner: Voice and Values

(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Beyond filmmaking, Reiner has remained an outspoken civic presence, unafraid to align his art with his convictions. His work often grapples with power, responsibility, and the cost of silence — themes that echo his own engagement with social and political discourse.

He has also been a tireless advocate for creative collaboration, frequently crediting writers, actors, and crew as equal architects of his films’ success. In an industry increasingly dominated by spectacle, Reiner’s reverence for story has only grown more pronounced.

Rob Reiner: Legacy

Jack Nicholson in director Rob Reiner’s ‘A Few Good Men.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Rob Reiner’s legacy is not defined by a single masterpiece but by an extraordinary consistency of craft. Few directors have moved so fluidly between comedy, romance, horror, and drama — fewer still have done so while leaving behind films that feel deeply personal and universally beloved.

Reiner was found dead at home alongside his wife, Michele. The couple is survived by their children, Jake, Nick and Romy.

(L to R) Christopher Guest and Rob Reiner in Bleecker Street’s ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Credit: Bleecker Street / Kyle Kaplan.

Movies and TV Featuring or Directed by Rob Reiner:
- ‘All in the Family’ (1971)
- ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984)
- ‘The Sure Thing’ (1985)
- ‘Stand By Me’ (1986)
- ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
- ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)
- ‘Misery’ (1990)
- ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)
- ‘The American President’ (1995)
- ‘The Story of Us’ (1999)
- ‘Rumor Has It…’ (2005)
- ‘The Bucket List’ (2007)
- ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
- ‘And So it Goes’ (2014)
- ‘LBJ’ (2016)
- ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ (2025)
Buy Rob Reiner Movies & TV on Amazon
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December 14, 2025
‘Spinal Tap’ Sequel Starts Shooting
(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Rob Reiner in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Preview:
- The cameras are now rolling on the ‘This is Spinal Tap’ sequel.
- Stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer will all reprise their roles.
- Elton John and Paul McCartney are among the celebrity music cameos.
There was much excitement among the ‘Spinal Tap’ faithful last year when Rob Reiner –– who co-created and directed classic mockumentary ‘This is Spinal Tap’ –– confirmed that the long-anticipated sequel to the comedy movie would finally start its cameras rolling in February 2024.

Of course, Tap being Tap (the band that is famously seen getting lost in the labyrinthine corridors of a Cleveland venue, and saw their Stonehenge set pieces constructed to slightly smaller scale than imagined), it hasn’t exactly worked out like that.

Still, production company Castle Rock has announced that the follow-up is now officially in production in New Orleans, as Reiner starts aiming to marshal that madness that comes when you have Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer making music together.

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What was the story of ‘This is Spinal Tap’?

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

To give its full title, ‘This is Spinal Tap’ was a mock doc following the titular heavy metal band around as they tour their new album. The comedy that ensues includes them securing second billing to a puppet show and much talk of the fates to befall various former drummers.

The film stars McKean, Guest and Shearer as the main members of the band, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls, and while there was an outline for each scene and certain points that had to be hit, a lot of the movie was improvised by the cast.

Reiner appeared on screen as Marti DiBergi, the filmmaker following the band around to document their few triumphs and many disasters.

Released in 1984, it makes regular appearances on or atop Best Comedy lists and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry and deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress.

Since the original film, there has been a DVD sequel, ‘The Return of Spinal Tap’, and an album, ‘Spinal Tap: Back from the Dead’ arrived in 2009.

The band has also toured a few times, but this marks the full reunion of Reiner with his stars.

What’s the story of the ‘Spinal Tap’ sequel?

(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Almost nothing has been revealed about the new movie, though the official announcement carries the following logline: “after a 15-year hiatus, England’s loudest and most punctual band reunite for one final concert.”

Here’s what Reiner says about the new movie:

“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.”

Who else is in the new movie?

Sir Paul McCartney, in Studio 2 Abbey Road in ‘If These Walls Could Sing.’ Credit: Mary McCartney.

Given Tap’s wide influence on music (albeit in a comedy sense), it’s perhaps not surprising that a variety of famous faces from the world of music would want to cameo. We can expect to see the likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood show up, though the hope is that the cameos don’t detract from the main trio.

Related Article: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer Returning for ‘Spinal Tap’ Sequel

When will the next ‘Spinal Tap’ be in theaters?

The ‘Spinal Tap’ sequel (could it be called ‘This is Spinal Tap… Again’? –– Rob, call us, we’ll figure out a payment plan for that idea) has yet to announce a release date.

‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘This Is Spinal Tap:’
- ‘Dont Look Back‘ (1967)
- ‘Let It Be‘ (1970)
- ‘Gimme Shelter‘ (1970)
- ‘The Song Remains the Same‘ (1976)
- ‘The Grateful Dead Movie‘ (1977)
- ‘The Last Waltz‘ (1978)
- ‘The Kids Are Alright‘ (1979)
- ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars‘ (1983)
- ‘This Is Spinal Tap‘ (1984)
- ‘Prince: Sign o’ the Times‘ (1987)
- ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare‘ (1991)
- ‘The Return of Spinal Tap‘ (1992)
- ‘Wayne’s World‘ (1992)
- ‘No Direction Home: Bob Dylan‘ (2005)
- ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story‘ (2007)
- ‘This Is It‘ (2009)
- ‘Pearl Jam Twenty‘ (2011)
- ‘Metallica: Through the Never‘ (2013)
- ‘Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese‘ (2019)
Buy ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ Music On Amazon
March 14, 2024
‘Spinal Tap’ Sequel to Shoot Next Year
(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Preview:
- Director Rob Reiner says he’s preparing to shoot the ‘Spinal Tap’ sequel in February.
- Stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer will all reprise their roles.
- Reiner is likening the tone to Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Waltz’ documentary.
‘Spinal Tap’ fans, prepare to set your excitement dial to 11. Why so? After years of teasing and talking about it, the team behind the legendary mockumentary are officially getting the band back together on big screens for a sequel.

At least, that’s what director Rob Reiner –– who also appeared in the original as faux documentarian Martin “Marty” Di Bergi –– is saying, when asked for an update on the sequel.
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What was the story of ‘This is Spinal Tap’?

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

To give its full title, ‘This is Spinal Tap’ was a mock doc following the titular heavy metal band around as they tour their new album. The madness that ensues includes them being second billing to a puppet show, a Stonehenge prop designed to entirely wrong specifications and much talk of the fates to befall various former drummers.

The film stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer as the main members of the band, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls, and while there was an outline for each scene and certain points that had to be hit, a lot of the movie was improvised by the cast.

Released in 1984, it makes regular appearances on or atop Best Comedy lists and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry and deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress.

Since the original film, there has been a DVD sequel, ‘The Return of Spinal Tap’, and an album, ‘Spinal Tap: Back from the Dead’ arrived in 2009.

The band has also toured a few times, but this marks the full reunion of Reiner with his stars.

Related Article: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer Returning for ‘Spinal Tap’ Sequel

What is Rob Reiner saying about the new sequel?

(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Talking to comedian Richard Herring on his ‘RHLSTP with Richard Herring’ podcast, Reiner talked about the planned schedule for the new movie:

“We’re making a sequel. We’re going to start shooting in the end of February and everybody is back.”

Reiner hinted that the plan for the film is to mimic the style of Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Waltz,’ the legendary concert film that documented the farewell tour of the Canadian American rock group The Band.

And from the sound of it, it’ll be a farewell to the Tap. At least, for now. Here’s what Reiner said:

“You don’t want to overstay your welcome. This is like stand-up — you leave them wanting. You go off on a big laugh and go out. The worst thing you could do is just load it up with, even if they’re funny things, they may be tangents and things that take away from the drive of the film.”

In the same interview, Reiner revealed that the likes of music icons Paul McCartney and Elton John would make an appearance in the new movie, representing just two people in the industry who are big fans of the original.

When will the next ‘Spinal Tap’ be in theaters?

While the movie had been scheduled for March 19, 2024, the actors’ strike put an end to that. As it stands, the film does not have a release date set.

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ Photo: Embassy Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘This Is Spinal Tap:’
- ‘Dont Look Back‘ (1967)
- ‘Let It Be‘ (1970)
- ‘Gimme Shelter‘ (1970)
- ‘The Song Remains the Same‘ (1976)
- ‘The Grateful Dead Movie‘ (1977)
- ‘The Last Waltz‘ (1978)
- ‘The Kids Are Alright‘ (1979)
- ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars‘ (1983)
- ‘This Is Spinal Tap‘ (1984)
- ‘Prince: Sign o’ the Times‘ (1987)
- ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare‘ (1991)
- ‘The Return of Spinal Tap‘ (1992)
- ‘Wayne’s World‘ (1992)
- ‘No Direction Home: Bob Dylan‘ (2005)
- ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story‘ (2007)
- ‘This Is It‘ (2009)
- ‘Pearl Jam Twenty‘ (2011)
- ‘Metallica: Through the Never‘ (2013)
- ‘Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese‘ (2019)
Buy ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ Music On Amazon
November 28, 2023
Rob Reiner Making ‘This is Spinal Tap’ Sequel

(L to R) Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’

‘This Is Spinal Tap’ is widely considered to be one of the funniest movies of all time. Comedians cite it as a huge influence and musicians are quick to praise it too.

The pressure, then, to make a sequel to the 1984 release must have been huge on director Rob Reiner and stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, who largely improvised their way through comic chaos, undersized set designs and an ever-changing roster of drummers as England’s “loudest” band go on tour.

While all involved have resisted such ideas until, Guest, McKean and Shearer have toured from time to time. Yet with the 40th anniversary of the first movie approaching in a couple of years, Reiner and co. have come up with something, sprung partly from those real-world concerts (or the relative lack of recent gig).

The plan is to do a sequel that comes out on the 40th anniversary of the original film and I can tell you hardly a day goes by without someone saying, why don’t you do another one? For so many years, we said, ‘nah.’” Reiner tells Deadline. “It wasn’t until we came up with the right idea how to do this. You don’t want to just do it, to do it. You want to honor the first one and push it a little further with the story.”

(L to R) Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest in ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’

And that idea? “They’ve played Albert Hall, played Wembley Stadium, all over the country and in Europe,” Reiner said. “They haven’t spent any time together recently, and that became the premise. The idea was that Ian Faith, who was their manager, he passed away. Ian’s widow inherited a contract that said Spinal Tap owed them one more concert. She was basically going to sue them if they didn’t. All these years and a lot of bad blood we’ll get into, and they’re thrown back together and forced to deal with each other and play this concert.”

The band aren’t the only ones returning as Reiner, in addition to directing once more, will also grace the screen again as Marty DiBergi, the fake filmmaker who was chronicling the band’s latest tour in the mock-rock-doc. Turns out, there’s some ill will there too… “The band was upset with the first film. They thought I did a hatchet job, and this is a chance to redeem myself,” says Reiner of his character. “I am such a big fan and I felt bad they didn’t like what they saw in the first film. When I heard they might get back together, I was a visiting adjunct teacher’s helper at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts. I drop everything to document this final concert.”

While returning to the world of a nailed-down comedy classic invites unwelcome comparisons and the risk of tarnished legacies, the idea of this bunch making merry, and music, again certainly appeals.

The original will be screened at the Cannes Festival next week as part of the Cinema de la Plage sidebar, and rights to distribute the sequel will be on sale. The current plan is to have the new movie in theaters on March 19th, 2024. No word yet on whether it’ll have to share the bill with a puppet show.
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May 12, 2022