In a world where reboots and sequels are proving to not only be commonplace, but often canvases for legitimately high-quality storytelling, now seems like the perfect time to bring back a cult classic likeThis Is Spinal Tap. The beloved rock mockumentary enjoys a respectable fandom to this day, so all those dedicated fans should be pleased to hear that the fictional band’s story isn’t quite done yet.
Courtesy of Rob Reiner, who directed and starred in the original comedy hit,This Is Spinal Tapwill finally get a proper sequel featuring a triumphantly returning cast.Better Call Saul’s Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, andThe Simpsons' Harry Shearer will reprise their roles as band members David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls, respectively. Meanwhile, Reiner will also star once again as documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi. Nearly 40 years after the original, clearly rock and roll carries on.
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“When it was announced that Spinal Tap would reunite for one final concert,” Reiner synopsized, “Marty DiBergi saw this as a chance to make things right with the band who viewedThis Is Spinal Tapas a hatchet job. So he left his position as visiting adjunct teacher’s assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts in pursuit of film history.” The reference to Ed Wood, director of some of the best"so bad they’re good" moviesout there, should be more than enough to hint that the tongue-in-cheek tone of the original is alive and well.
1984’sThis Is Spinal Tapfollowed DiBergi as he traveled with the titular fictional English band on their 1982 U.S. tour. The film spawned a number oflegendary comedy quotes and moments, including the famous “these go to eleven” scene where Nigel shows off the band’s custom amplifiers, whose volume dials go up to 11 rather than the standard 10, prompting DiBergi to ask why they didn’t simply make the 10th setting louder. Between spots like that and other points like the band accidentally ordering 18-inch stage props instead of 18-feet, it’s not difficult to imagine the made-up group getting a bit miffed at the original documentary.
This announcement comes only shortly after news that Ric Parnell, who played one of the band’s many drummers inThis Is Spinal Tap, had tragically passed away. Those familiar with the original will remember the running gag about how each of Spinal Tap’s drummers had died under mysterious (and often morbidly humorous) circumstances, with Parnell’s character literally exploding onstage at the end of the film. So while he wasn’t expected to return to begin with, his loss will still be felt by fans and stars alike.
Production on the sequel is expected to begin soon, with a number of currently unknownreal-life music guestsreported to appear as well. This is the sort of fun, escapist entertainment that sounds perfect for the current state of the world. So here’s hoping fans don’t have to wait too long to crank things up to 11 one last time.
