Spinal Tap 2 release date, cast, plot and everything we know so far

Squeeze into your tightest leather pants and triple-check those Stone Henge measurements because Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls are finally reuniting for Spinal Tap 2.

The last time we saw these old-school rockers was in 1984 in director Rob Reiner’s cult classic This is Spinal Tap, a rock mockumentary that turned the comedy all the way up to 11.

In the four decades since the film’s debut, Reiner’s movie developed a die-hard fanbase and emerged as one of the most enduring and ahead-of-its-time comedies ever made.

Its fictional trio have popped up here and there in the interim too, appearing in The Simpsons and various in-character interviews. They even played the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in 2009.

However, despite their obvious popularity and staying power, behind-the-scenes legal issues prevented the band from returning to the big screen… until now.

With production on a sequel officially underway, here’s everything we know about Spinal Tap 2 so far.

When will Spinal Tap 2 be released?

Unfortunately, Spinal Tap 2 doesn’t have a release date just yet.

However, filming began in New Orleans in March 2024, which means we might be able to see trailers and footage towards the end of the year before the movie itself is released.

As it stands, we still don’t know when that’ll be but it’s a safe bet that Spinal Tap 2 will likely be available to watch at some point in 2025.

Is there a trailer for Spinal Tap 2?

Spinal Tap 2 does not yet have a trailer. In fact, we’re yet to see any footage of Tufnel, Smalls and St. Hubbins back on stage and doing what they do best. Maybe they’ve got lost in the backstage halls of the internet while trying to find their way to this page?

What is the plot of Spinal Tap 2?

While we don’t know many specifics regarding the plot of Spinal Tap 2, we do know that it will involve the band getting back together after an extended absence to play one final reunion concert.

The experience will once again be chronicled by filmmaker Marti Di Bergi, the same fictional director who captured their first feature film, This is Spinal Tap.

Di Bergi’s film followed the band on an American tour in support of their controversial new album Smell The Glove.

As we join Di Bergi, St. Hubbins, Tuffnel and Smalls on the road across the States, we get a glimpse into their frequently ridiculous lives as rock and roll bad boys and watch them spin comedy gold during heavily improvised to-camera moments and set pieces that skewer the comedically larger-than-life nature of 80s hair metal acts.

Despite becoming a hugely influential comedy movie, the talent behind it was embroiled in a lawsuit that claimed they were wrongfully cut out of profits made from the film and lasting success. Eventually, a settlement was reached in 2020 which paved the way for Spinal Tap 2 to enter production and finally become a reality.

Who is in the Spinal Tap 2 cast?

Original This is Spinal Tap stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are returning to their rockstar roots as Tufnel, St. Hubbins and Smalls respectively for Spinal Tap 2.

They’ll once again be joined by real-life filmmaker Reiner as Di Bergi, the fictional documentarian who captured their first outing and will chronicle their grand return to the stage.

While its titular band may be made up, we do know that Spinal Tap 2 will also feature some cameo appearances from some real-life musicians.

According to reports, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and American country singer Garth Brooks are all due to appear, with Questlove and Trisha Yearwood also spotted on the sequel’s New Orleans set.

Spinal Tap 2 is coming soon.