Spinal Tap II: The End Continuesis almost here, with the highly anticipated sequel to the classic rock mockumentaryThis Is Spinal Tapfinally releasing on August 12, 2025. The originalThis Is Spinal Tapis one of the most beloved mockumentaries of all time, and after over four decades of waiting since the 1984 original, a sequel is only three months away.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' first trailerfinally gives a look at the upcoming comedy film, revealing that many of the original movie’s famous gags, characters, and moments are back.Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all returningfor the mockumentary sequel, meaning that the team that made the first movie so good is back for another round.
Very little is known aboutthe story ofSpinal Tap II: The End Continues, but the story isn’t the most important part of the franchise anyway. The film will likely check in on the titular band over four decades past their prime, showing the wacky antics that the characters are once again getting up to. So, here is everything there is to know aboutSpinal Tap II: The End Continues.
This Is Spinal Tapis a 1984 comedy movie directed by Rob Reiner, the mind behind other classic comedies likeThe Princess BrideandWhen Harry Met Sally. Rob Reiner actually acts in the film as well, with him playing documentary filmmaker Martin “Marty” Di Bergi, a character who is making a film about Spinal Tap’s 1982 tour and upcoming album.
The Spinal Tap band consists ofDavid St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), Viv Savage (David Kaff), and Mick Shrimpton (Ric Parnell), with the bumbling band members struggling to make their way back to the top. The documentary highlights the fictional character’s incompetence, with memorable bits such as the amp that goes up to 11.
This Is Spinal Taphad a budget of only $2 million, and while its $4.7 million box office return means that it was profitable, it was still an incredibly small movie. While it received critical praise across the board, it took a while for it to gain steam, giving it the cult classic label that the film now bears.
Despite the film’s small box office,This Is Spinal Tapbecame incredibly influential. In fact,many audience members falsely believed that Spinal Tap was a real bandat the time of the movie’s release. This shows the brilliance of the film’s satire, as it managed to trick people while still being incredibly silly.
This Is Spinal Tap’s Sequel Is Finally Coming Out In September
After A 41-Year Wait
After 41 years, a sequel toThis Is Spinal Tapis finally coming out.Spinal Tap II: The End Continueswill release in theaters on July 29, 2025. The movie has a significantly bigger budget, with it costing $22.6 million. However, this is still small considering factors like inflation and the increased notoriety of the actors who are involved.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continuesis bringing back most of the original film’s cast. Plus, it has also already confirmedcameos from musicians like Elton John, Questlove, Paul McCartney, and more.
Why It Took So Long For Spinal Tap II: The End Continues To Happen
It Wasn’t The First Sequel (Technically)
Spinal Tap II: The End Continueswasn’t announced until 2022, and it hasn’t been revealed why the film took so long to happen. Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, and some of the other actors in the film filed a lawsuit against rights owners StudioCanal and Vivendi in 2016. While it was settled out of court, this could have contributed to the long wait.
Interestingly, a sequel of sorts was released back in 1992. The filmThe Return of Spinal Tapwas released on video, with it being comprised of footage from the Spinal Tap concert at Royal Albert Hall. However,Spinal Tap II: The End Continuesis the first properThis Is Spinal Tapsequel.
