Spinal Tap Sequel Postponed After Rob Reiner’s Passing
Plans for the IMAX release of Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale have been suspended following the death of director Rob Reiner. The film’s future remains uncertain.
The much-anticipated follow-up to Spinal Tap II, titled Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale, has seen its release plans abruptly halted in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death. The film, shot this past summer at the iconic Stonehenge site in England, was set to capture the fictional band’s legendary connection to the location, immortalised in one of their most recognisable songs. Audiences had been looking forward to a live concert performance featuring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, joined by a host of musical luminaries including Shania Twain, Eric Clapton, and Josh Groban.
Distribution company Bleecker Street had secured the rights to the film in October, with an ambitious IMAX release pencilled in for 2026. However, these arrangements have now been suspended indefinitely. According to a source familiar with the situation, “the best path forward is decided with those closest to Rob and his family”.
Tributes and Reflections
Rob Reiner’s enthusiasm for the project was well known among his peers. Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, shared his thoughts on social media following the director’s passing.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future.”
Idle’s message continued,
“This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Family Tragedy and Legal Proceedings
The shock surrounding Reiner’s death was compounded by subsequent events involving his family. On 14 December, both Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found deceased. Their son, Nick Reiner, aged 32, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department shortly after the discovery. Two days later, Nick was formally charged with two counts of murder, with an additional special circumstance relating to multiple murders. Authorities have also alleged that he personally used a knife in the incident.
Given the gravity of the charges, officials in Los Angeles have confirmed that Nick Reiner could potentially face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, should he be convicted. The future of Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale now hangs in the balance, as those closest to the late director consider the next steps.