This Is Spinal Tap sequel starts filming starring several big-name cameos
Production has begun in New Orleans
The eagerly-awaited sequel to the 1984 movie This Is Spinal Tap has started filming in New Orleans, Louisiana.
American independent film and television production company Castle Rock Entertainment, which was co-founded by Spinal Tap director and actor Rob Reiner, has confirmed to our sister station Planet Rock today (11th March) that production recently commenced on the film.
Rob Reiner is once again directing and starring as documentarian Martin “Marty” DiBergi, while Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins) and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls) all reprise their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap.
The film will feature big-name cameos from music legends Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Rob Reiner, and Harry Shearer all conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, as England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
The film is being produced by Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Rob Reiner says: “I recently spoke to Marty DiBergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to ensure their place in the pantheon of Rock and Roll.”
This Is Spinal Tap was inducted into the US National Film Registry in 2002 after being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
Spinal Tap performed a series of reunion concerts in 2009 including Glastonbury Festival and a headline show at London’s Wembley Arena.
In May 2022, Ric Parnell, best known for playing calamitous drummer Mick Shrimpton in This Is Spinal Tap, died aged 70.
Take a look through singers who have made cameos in movies:
David Bowie, Zoolander
Legendary singer David Bowie played a crucial part in the original Zoolander film, briefly starring as himself to judge the "walk-off" between Derek and Hansel. Actor Ben Stiller later said he was "in shock" that David agreed to be in it.
Gwen Stefani, The Aviator
No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani portrayed 1930s actress Jean Harlow in the film starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Director Martin Scorsese cast her as his daughter was a huge No Doubt fan.
Alanis Morissette, Dogma
'Ironic' singer Alanis Morissette portrayed the character of God in the Ben Affleck/Matt Damon flick, with director Kevin Smith calling her "otherworldly" and "ethereal."
Jarvis Cocker, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the lead singer of wizarding band The Weird Sisters, who perform at the Yule Ball. The band also featured Jarvis' Pulp bandmate Steve Mackey as well as Jonny Greenwood and Phil Selway from Radiohead.
Ian Brown, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Stone Roses singer Ian Brown had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo in the third installment of the Harry Potter films as a wizard stirring his drink with magic whilst reading 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking sat in the Leaky Cauldron pub in the fictitious village of Hogsmeade.
Brown told NME, "The director is a friend of my girl and he said, 'I've got a part if you want it. I asked my sons, and they were like, 'Do it!' I did it for my sons. My brief was to be a romantic, bohemian wizard. I was into that."
Madonna, Die Another Day
After providing the title track for 2002 James Bond flick Die Another Day, Madonna also appeared in the film very briefly as fencing coach Verity who tutors Olympic hopefuls and tells Pierce Brosnan's Bond, "I see you handle your weapon well."
Dave Grohl, The Muppets
Nirvana and Foo Fighters musician Dave Grohl starred in the 2011 reboot film The Muppets as a drummer in rival band the Moopets named Animool. He later had a drum-off with Animal a few years later in the TV series.
Enrique Iglesias, How I Met Your Mother
Enrique starred in the series as Robin's exotic lover Gael who incites jealousy from Robin's ex-boyfriend Ted.
Jennifer Lopez, How I Met Your Mother
JLo had a brief cameo as a love interest for Barney Stinson, an author named Anita.
Carrie Underwood, How I Met Your Mother
The last of our HIMYM cameos, country singer Carrie Underwood starred as a love interest for Ted, a pharmaceutical representative who kept him hanging on.
Macy Gray, Spider-Man
'I Try' crooner Macy Gray featured very briefly as herself performing at a concert in the first Spider-Man film in 2002 starring Tobey Maguire as the main man.
Adele, Ugly Betty
Adele starred in beloved American sitcom Ugly Betty back in 2009 as herself taking part in a photoshoot for Betty.
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