Spinal Tap Is Back! New Trailer With Paul McCartney and Elton John
via Sony Pictures Releasing Australia / YouTube
41 years on, the trailer for the sequel to the original Spinal Tap movie is finally upon us. The cult classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap is getting a long-awaited follow-up with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and the first official trailer has just dropped—bringing with it a healthy dose of nostalgia, satire, and star power.
The two-minute teaser features none other than Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Questlove, all making cameo appearances alongside the returning core trio: David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls. Now older but no less ridiculous, the fictional band is set to reunite for a chaotic final concert in New Orleans.
According to the film’s synopsis, this sequel follows the estranged bandmates as they begrudgingly come together one last time, guided again by the fictional filmmaker Marty Di Bergi (played by director Rob Reiner). As they face their legacy and advancing age, one thing remains uncertain: will their 12th drummer survive the gig?
Rock Royalty Joins the Chaos
One of the most eye-catching details from the trailer is the inclusion of real-life legends Paul McCartney and Elton John. Their participation elevates the sequel from a niche revival to a full-blown rock event. Even if their roles are brief, their presence serves as a nod to the original film’s enduring impact on musicians and fans alike.
The trailer also hints at Spinal Tap’s struggle to stay relevant in a modern world that’s left them behind. “Why New Orleans?” Di Bergi asks. “There was a cancellation,” replies Derek Smalls, deadpan as ever. When asked who was originally scheduled to perform, the answer—“An evening with Stormy Daniels”—is pure Spinal Tap absurdity.
These moments signal that Spinal Tap II is keeping the same self-aware, deadpan humor that made the original such a gem. And with the help of rock icons and cleverly written satire, the sequel looks to skewer both aging rockstars and the music industry all over again.
From Rumors to Reality
Fans have been asking for a sequel for decades, and Rob Reiner has finally answered the call. Back in May 2022, Reiner told Deadline that he constantly gets asked why he hasn’t done another one. “For so many years, we said, ‘nah,’” he admitted. “It wasn’t until we came up with the right idea… You don’t want to just do it, to do it.”
That “right idea” seems to revolve around aging, legacy, and the absurdity of rock mythology—a perfect continuation of the first film’s themes. The reunion is framed not as a triumphant comeback but as a reluctant obligation, filled with comedic tension and over-the-top antics.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is set to hit theaters on September 25, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. If the trailer is anything to go by, the sequel will blend old-school mockumentary charm with fresh cameos and just enough chaos to make it all worthwhile.
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A Legacy That Goes to Eleven
When This Is Spinal Tap debuted in 1984, it was a game-changer. What began as a fake documentary about a fictional British metal band became one of the most beloved cult comedies of all time. The film’s dry humor, improvised dialogue, and unforgettable lines—like “these go to eleven”—inspired a new genre of mockumentary and influenced generations of musicians and filmmakers.
The characters of St. Hubbins, Tufnel, and Smalls became symbols of rock excess and clueless bravado, resonating far beyond the screen. Real bands admired it, laughed at it, and even saw parts of themselves in it. For decades, Spinal Tap wasn’t just a comedy—it was a mirror to rock’s most ridiculous moments.
Now, with Spinal Tap II, the band that blurred the line between parody and homage is back. Whether it can live up to the original is anyone’s guess—but one thing’s for sure: the amps are still cranked, the egos are still huge, and the legacy is still loud.
