‘Spinal Tap 2’ Debuts First Look at Long-Awaited Sequel

The loudest band in the world is back, louder — and older — than ever.

Approximately 40 years after the initial film significantly shaped a specific comedy genre, often referred to as faux documentaries (but not mockumentaries, as Christopher Guest finds that term distasteful), the original team behind This Is Spinal Tap have at last produced a sequel. Titled Spinal Tap II: The Saga Persists, it brings back the classic members of the band: David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls. In our world, they are recognized as Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer.

In both Spinal Tap movies, it was Rob Reiner who took on the director’s role, or, to put it another way, he went by the name “Marty Di Bergi” during filming.

For quite some time, it’s been common knowledge that the movie is under development, but we haven’t had many glimpses of it yet. Today, however, we were treated to three sneak peeks at Spinal Tap from the future – 2025, to be exact – and one of these images shows them performing with… Elton John?

Here’s one more first-look image of their typically demonic stage set-up.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but chuckle when revisiting the timeless comedy of Spinal Tap from the ’80s – it’s simply hilarious! Setting the bar high for any mockumentary that follows, This Is Spinal Tap remains one of the funniest films of its era. So, if The End Continues aspires to be on par with the original, it’ll need to be exceptionally good indeed!

Here is the Spinal Tap sequel’s official synopsis:

Originally released forty-one years ago, the iconic mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” brought us the band members David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (portrayed by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer). Now, due to unforeseen circumstances, these former bandmates must reunite for one last performance. The sequel, titled “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” also sees the return of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (played by Rob Reiner), who aims to record his beloved heavy metal legends as they ponder their own mortality and pray that their twelfth drummer doesn’t join them in the hereafter. In this comeback tour, Spinal Tap enlists the help of music legends such as Paul McCartney and Elton John, all while grappling with their tumultuous past to stage a concert they hope will cement their place among rock ‘n’ roll greats.

(I can’t believe the official synopsis calls it a mockumentary.)

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is scheduled to open in theaters on September 12.

The 10 Best Sequels of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

In a contrasting sequence, the remake, titled XXL, surpasses the original production, Magic Mike. By excluding certain characters, such as those portrayed by Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey, it discards the overused narrative of drugs and greed leading to downfall that weakened the latter half of the original film. This decision also allowed for expanded screen time for the rest of the Tampa Kings, who were previously marginalized, transforming them into a cohesive ensemble.

Unlike its predecessor, which primarily revolved around business, this sequel is centered on pleasure, as evidenced by the introduction of more captivating female characters that go beyond being mere targets for the Kings’ schemes. A significant shift from the first film, these men are no longer focused on scoring; instead, they aim to express themselves authentically. They abandon the stereotypical stripper personas in favor of performances and identities that reflect their true selves. The reprisal of “Pony” in XXL, for instance, is one of the most memorable dance sequences of the century. Unlike his stage acts at Xquisite for tips in the first movie, Channing Tatum dances this time simply for the joy it brings him. The audience is the only spectator, watching from the cinema.

9. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

In the continuation of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” this upcoming sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his group known as the “Spider Society.” They aim to safeguard the multiverse against threats like Spot, a dangerous new villain who can spontaneously open interdimensional portals. Despite the stunning visuals of its predecessor, “Across the Spider-Verse” promises an even more captivating and daring experience. For instance, the world of Spider-Gwen resembles a vibrant watercolor painting come to life, while the setting of Spider-Man India is reminiscent of a bustling city called “Mumbattan,” filled with hues of yellows and greens. However, it’s worth noting that as the first part of a two-part story, “Across the Spider-Verse” sometimes feels like it, giving us glimpses into its larger narrative arc.

8. Jackass Forever (2022)

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that the wildest sequel of the past decade brought back the wittiest and most ingenious creators of slapstick humor for another round of daring stunts and harmless pranks. Not to mention, it set a record for male full-frontal scenes in a mainstream Hollywood film! With age catching up (we’re talking 40s and 50s here), the Jackass crew might have lost a step or two, but they’ve never been funnier. Newcomers like Rachel Wolfson and Sean “Poopies” McInerney even managed to outshine the veterans by handling tasks as challenging as getting stung by scorpions or drenched in unsavory bodily fluids. If this is indeed their final hurrah, they certainly ended on a high note – though I must admit, it’s easy to reach new heights right after taking a hit below the belt!

7. John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum (2019)

John Wick: Chapter 3 is simply remarkable throughout, but its opening 40 minutes, during which Keanu Reeves’ tireless assassin flees New York City (both physically by running, biking, and horseback riding, and metaphorically by brutally killing a man with a book), might just be the finest uninterrupted cinematic work of the last decade. John Wick, though you may have been excommunicated, you will never cease to occupy a special place in my heart. I have a feeling we’ll meet again soon, at least on this list.

6. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In a remarkable feat, Blade Runner 2049 carried on the narrative of one of history’s cherished science-fiction tales without resolving the enigmas that made the initial film so captivating. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this visually stunning extension of Ridley Scott’s philosophy about life in a devastated future seamlessly incorporated advanced technology while preserving the original film’s aesthetic. Notably, Harrison Ford delivered an emotionally resonant performance – arguably his best in years – reprising his role as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049. This return by Ford seems to underscore one of the movie’s most profound themes: In even the darkest of times, there’s always a chance for something good to happen.

5. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

The John Wick series didn’t wrap up with Chapter 4, but it certainly peaked – quite literally so in the movie’s finale, where Keanu Reeves’ character John Wick battles his way to the summit of a colossal staircase leading to Paris’ Sacré-Cœur church. With an impressive runtime of three hours, and enough thrilling action scenes for three movies, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees its protagonist traversing the globe in search of a means to finally put an end to his brutal conflict with the High Table. Reeves demonstrates yet again his ability to portray a balletic and moving anti-hero, this time alongside the series’ most impressive lineup of action stars ever: Scott Adkins, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, and notably Donnie Yen as the blind swordsman/assassin Caine. I can’t even begin to imagine how Reeves and director Chad Stahelski could possibly surpass this, but I’d be more than delighted to witness their attempt.

4. Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018)

The movie “Fallout” combines the most thrilling aspects from all previous “Mission: Impossible” films: Agile action sequences, sharp dialogue, jaw-dropping spectacles, unexpected plot turns, ambiguous character loyalties, and a touch of complex romance between Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust, and his wife Julia. In typical Tom Cruise fashion, he performs helicopter flights and HALO jumps, though not necessarily in that sequence. (To be fair, considering it’s Tom Cruise, one might expect him to try to HALO jump onto a moving helicopter and then fly it himself!)

3. Creed (2015)

In this sequel-remake, titled “Creed,” Sylvester Stallone’s character Rocky Balboa transitions into a mentor role, similar to Mickey, training a fresh character: Adonis “Donnie” Creed, the son of Rocky’s former rival, Apollo Creed. The standout first installment of “Creed,” starring Michael B. Jordan as Donnie, portrays his journey from a secure life in finance to pursue his dreams and uphold his father’s legacy by becoming a boxer himself.

Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler drew inspiration from the deep history of the Rocky franchise to create a character study that rivals the original film. The fights, directed and choreographed with exceptional skill, are the best in this series. “Rocky” has always been about the victory of perseverance, emphasizing that going the distance is more significant than winning. After several decades, the franchise has finally regained its artistic peak, standing tall on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts’ east entrance, just like in the original film.

2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit it was challenging to imagine a more superfluous film in today’s era than a follow-up to the iconic ‘Top Gun’. However, Director Joseph Kosinski and the charismatic Tom Cruise, with an unwavering dedication to traditional cinematic artistry, managed to create a ‘Top Gun’ sequel that was not merely engaging but also resonated with our contemporary world. Despite steering clear of political commentary, it undeniably addressed the craving for visually stunning spectacles that can only be fully appreciated on a colossal screen. In the current era, such a perspective could rightfully be regarded as audacious.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Fury Road” stands out as one of the best sequels from the past decade, or even the entire century. The action sequences are impressive, to say the least. However, “Fury Road” is more than just a thrilling action movie; it’s also one of the most spiritually profound and Biblical films of recent times. It tells the story of a journey from a destroyed city (Sodom and Gomorrah) in search of a new paradise, led by Charlize Theron’s character Imperator Furiosa, who is like a modern-day Esther. Tom Hardy’s Max serves as a guide for this group of heroic women, helping them find safety, but he himself cannot share their sanctuary. George Miller’s chaotic masterpiece shows that sequels can indeed be both exciting and intelligent. If anyone argues otherwise, you should look them straight in the eye and say, “That’s a misleading argument.

2025-07-23 19:26