Spinal Tap’s Stonehenge Film Put on Hold After Rob Reiner’s Passing
Plans for the much-anticipated Spinal Tap concert film have been paused after director Rob Reiner’s death, with the IMAX release now uncertain. Find out what’s next for the project and those involved.
The release of Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale has been shelved for now, following the sudden death of director Rob Reiner. The film, a follow-up to last year’s Spinal Tap II, was shot over the summer at the iconic Stonehenge site in England, a nod to the band’s classic tune. The concert event brought together the group’s core trio—Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer—alongside big names like Shania Twain, Eric Clapton, and Josh Groban, making for a star-studded affair.
Distribution Plans in Limbo
Distribution outfit Bleecker Street had picked up the rights to the film in October, with an eye on a major IMAX rollout in 2026. Those plans have now been put on ice, as the team behind the project takes stock after recent events. A source close to the situation said,
“the best path forward is decided with those closest to Rob and his family”.
There’s no word yet on when, or if, the film will see the light of day.
Tributes and Reflections
Rob Reiner’s enthusiasm for the project was well known among his mates and collaborators. Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, shared his thoughts after Reiner’s passing, writing,
“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 added,
“This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Family Tragedy and Legal Fallout
The shock didn’t end with Reiner’s death. On December 14th, both Rob and his wife Michele were found dead, and their son Nick Reiner, 32, was taken into custody by Los Angeles police soon after. Two days later, Nick was formally charged with two counts of murder, with an added allegation of multiple murders. Authorities also allege he used a knife in the incident. Given the gravity of the charges, Nick could be facing either the death penalty or life without parole if convicted, according to police officials.