Rob and Michele Reiner's death in December 2025 is still sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry, especially as their son Nick is going through the legal system as the prime suspect and defendant in their case. Reiner's attorney Alan Jackson ended up withdrawing from the case, and now we have more information about what went into that decision. And yes, money seems to be involved.

The public wondered how Reiner was paying for his attorney, given how expensive representation can be. TMZ acquired a declaration that Nick Reiner reportedly wants Alan Jackson back as his attorney, although he'll need to make sure the money is available. As the outlet reports, Jackson and his legal team started working on Reiner's case because they were under the impression that the money was coming. As the attorney put it:

When the money never came, the lawyer ended up removing himself from Nick Reiner's defense team. While he originally got to work thanks to the "urgent need" of representation, the lack of funds reportedly forced his hands. But if things change and Reiner gains access to the trust fund money that was originally set up for him, Jackson is seemingly open to representing Rob and Michele's son.

As People reports, Nick Reiner is trying to gain access to those funds that were saved for him by his late parents. He's filed a petition to try and get that money, and therefore pay his legal team. The outlet quoted his petition, part of which reads:

Rob and Nick Reiner had an argument shortly before the Reiner's death, and Nick has maintained he was struggling mentally prior to allegedly killing his parents. He'd like access to a trust fund his late parents set up for him, because the lack of money has negatively impacted his legal team. And if Alan Jackson is going to return to work, Reiner is going to need more money to pay him.

Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the death of his parents. He plead not guilty due to insanity, thanks to his poor mental state. He maintains he should have access to at least half of his trust fund, which comes in at a reported $1.5 million.

We'll just have to see how things shake out with the trust, and how the money shakes out when Nick Reiner's next pretrial hearing happens in September. Smart money says both the public and Rob and Michele's loved ones will continue monitoring the situation.

While the cast and crew of The Princess Bride were making the film, they may not have had an inkling of just how popular it would eventually become. Rob Reiner's classic film has since become a classic with what feels like an endless list of quotable lines. To this day, Cary Elwes is still cited for his role as Westley and still discusses it. On that note, Elwes, recently recalled one priceless item from the set that he passed off to Reiner when the movie wrapped production.

In 1987's The Princess Bride, Elwes’ character is inseparable from his sword throughout the film. However, the actor ultimately parted with the cool accessory, giving it to Reiner. And Elwes had a great take on why he did that:

So, during his recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Elwes said he was less interested in actual keepsakes and more so on he memories he'd made on set. With that, I can completely understand why Elwes gifted the prop to the movie’s valiant director. Now, I can't help but wonder what Reiner did with the sword!

Sweetly enough, it was love at first sight for Rob Reiner regarding Cary Elwes taking on the role of Westley. Per Vice, he had seen the actor in an early screening of 1986 costume drama Lady Jane and thought he was instantly perfect for the role. During the casting process, Elwes was out in Germany shooting a film called Maschenka, so Reiner actually the director flew all the way to Europe to meet with him.

Sadly, Rob Reiner died at the age of 78 alongside his wife, Michelle (who was 70), back in December. They were found stabbed to death in their home in Brentwood, California. Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested hours later and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder as part of what remains an active homicide investigation.

Cary Elwes was one of the first celebrities to react to the Reiners' deaths after the news broke. He posted a black and white photo of his and Rob's chairs on the set of The Princess Bride with the caption “No words…” Here it is below:

Cary Elwes also talked about Rob Reiner on the late director's birthday back in March. Aside from pointing out that Reiner would've been 79, Elwes also said at the time that it was “still hard to believe you’re gone,” and he also said he'd been “missing” the director “so much.” These sweet tributes and anecdotes (including the mention of the Westley's sword) further emphasize the bond that Elwes and Reiner forged while working together. And, with Reiner now gone, I can imagine Elwes holding onto those "keepsakes" even closer.

Months on, the Hollywood community continues to mourn the Reiners. Still, it's been lovely to see all the sweet tributes and hear the wonderful stories that have been shared about them, including the anecdote Martin Sheen recently shared. Those who are feeling particularly nostalgic for Elwes and Rob's collaboration on The Princess Bride can check out the movie now using a Disney+ subscription.

Following the shocking and tragic death of Rob and Michele Reiner, the tributes poured in in a big way. Then, during one of the touching highlights of the 2026 Oscars, the filmmaker's friend and collaborator, Billy Crystal, brought out a stage full of stars to honor the Reiners. If you’re curious what inspired the veteran actor to pitch that memorable Oscars tribute for his longtime friend, Crystal credited one of his last chats he had with Reiner.

Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner had been friends ever since the City Slickers actor guest-starred on a 1976 episode of Reiner's sitcom, All in the Family. Crystal then began to work with the director in This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally… So, it’s clearly fitting that he’d be the one to honor his old pal at The Academy Awards.

On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Monsters Inc. actor got real about what inspired his tribute to Reiner, and it has to do with Conan O’ Brien’s Christmas party, which happened the night before he died:

That’s truly so beautiful. After the heartbreaking news came out of Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths, celebrity tributes poured in from those who were lucky to know them. A-listers like Meg Ryan opened up about Rob Reiner in his “faith in the best of people,” and Jerry O’Connell credited his Stand By Me director for shaping his Hollywood career. Seeing many stars take to the Oscars stage to honor the great director is the perfect way to praise Reiner’s important message of a great ensemble of people having a profound effect on your life.

Billy Crystal made sure to mention on The Late Show the many great movies his friend made had stellar casts like The Princess Bride, Misery, Stand By Me, and more. The comedian made sure to explain why that was all the more reason he wanted the star-studded casts of these memorable movies to be part of the moving Oscars tribute:

What a lovely way to bring everyone together! With each person who got to be there to celebrate Rob Reiner’s impact on their lives, I’m sure the late Oscar nominee would have been incredibly touched by the tribute made by his friend.

You’re never prepared for the last conversation you have with your best friend before their passing. But in a bittersweet way, Billy Crystal used his final talk with Rob Reiner as a way to pass down the important message the filmmaker/actor had about the amazing people who shape your life. Based on Crystal’s heartwarming Oscars tribute, the world got to see the many friends Reiner made who, in turn, felt the same way about him.

Before Martin Sheen played the American president in The West Wing, he played the chief of staff in Rob Reiner’s movie, The American President. Now, that great rom-com did lead him to the beloved series set in the White House. However, Sheen wanted to remember the late director by making it clear that he landed the part in the film where Michael Douglas played the commander-in-chief because of a conversation he had with Reiner about The Princess Bride.

It’s not a secret that The American President inspired The West Wing, seeing as both were penned by Aaron Sorkin. There was some cast crossover, too, as Sheen went from playing Chief of Staff AJ MacInerney in the movie to President Jed Bartlet in the show. However, he got the role of AJ because he had a meeting with The American President’s director, Rob Reiner. But they didn’t talk about the Oval Office. No, they discussed a far-off and beloved fantasy land instead, as Sheen explained during a panel at C2E2 (via Josh Horowitz):

Now, while we cannot really agree on Rob Reiner’s best film (because he simply has too many masterpieces), I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t adore The Princess Bride. The movie, which you can stream with a Disney+ subscription, is hilarious and whimsical. It’s fun and action-packed and also deeply romantic. In short, it’s wonderful, and I can see why Sheen only wanted to talk to the director about it when he met with him for The American President.

I also love that this meeting led to Sheen’s casting in the rom-com starring Douglas and Annette Bening. As someone who grew up on both movies and loves The West Wing (you can stream it with an HBO Max subscription), this story makes my heart swell.

The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner also make it that much more emotional. In the months since their passing, tons of artists who worked with them shared tributes and stories. This also included a wonderful tribute at the Oscars for the Reiners, which featured Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Fred Savage, Carol Kane and Billy Crystal from The Princess Bride and Annette Bening from The American President, among many others.

Sheen was not at the ceremony. However, his love and adoration for Reiner are clear. He also explained why it's so important for him to share stories about the late director:

I think we all want to “remember him very lovingly,” and I love that Sheen took a moment to do just that. It’s worth noting that he wasn’t asked about Reiner. He was asked about how Reiner and Sorkin's movie, The American President, led to The West Wing. However, he took a moment to first tell this story about the director who hired him for the movie. Hopefully, more stories like this will come up as actors continue to discuss projects that Rob Reiner helped make iconic.

Now, if you want to go back and watch the movie that helped Martin Sheen land The American President, you can stream The Princess Bride on Disney+. If you are looking to see his collaboration with Reiner, The American President is available to rent.

As the 2026 Oscar winners were announced, the show paused for a moment to pay tribute to the people we lost in the last year. This segment included a major section devoted to Rob and Michele Reiner, who died in December 2025. During that moment, a bunch of actors who worked with the late director came out on stage to honor them. However, Corey Feldman was not one of them. Now, the Stand By Me actor has opened up about not being included in the in memorium.

For the tribute to Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal – who was in When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap – gave a speech about the director, his work and his legacy. Then, after that, 17 actors who had all worked with Reiner came out on stage together to honor him and Michele. Corey Feldman was not there; however, his Stand By Me co-stars, Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton and Kiefer Sutherland were. Speaking about all that, the Goonies actor told EW:

During this segment, Conan O’Brien, who was hosting the Oscars and was a close friend of Reiner, introduced the in memorium and Billy Crystal. The When Harry Met Sally star then came out and gave a speech that touched on key moments and films throughout the director’s career. He was the only person to speak on stage about Rob and Michele.

After Crystal’s speech, 17 actors came out together. This group was made up of performers who starred in This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Misery, The American President and The Sure Thing, and you can see the full list of them below:

• Michael McKean
• Christopher Guest
• Jerry O'Connell
• Wil Wheaton
• Fred Savage
• Cary Elwes
• Mandy Patinkin
• Carol Kane
• Billy Crystal
• Meg Ryan
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Demi Moore
• Kevin Pollak
• Kathy Bates
• Annette Bening
• John Cusack
• Daphne Zuniga

Overall, the group starred in some of the best movies from the ‘80s, great films from the ‘90s, and a few of the best rom-coms ever made. So, it was lovely and overwhelming to see them all on the stage at the same time.

However, there were plenty of notable stars missing from this lineup. While we don’t know why some people weren’t there, Feldman did share his take on the whole situation. He made it clear that he was very happy it happened. But he also did feel like he wasn’t invited to “a family reunion,” as he explained:

Again, while the Stand By Me actor felt a bit left out, that’s not what he’s choosing to focus on.

Rob and Michele Reiner were tragically killed in December, and since then, tons of people who have worked with and admired them have paid tribute. Then, at the Oscars, the in memorium kicked off with this moment involving Crystal and lots of actors they had collaborated with, before it moved on to honor other greats we lost through a classic in memorium as well as two more breakout sections dedicated to the late Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, which was done by Rachel McAdams, and the late Robert Redford, which Barbra Streisand came out for.

Sadly, this tribute didn’t include everyone. However, as Feldman said, it was still a lovely and moving way to pay homage to the great stars we lost in 2025.

Because of weird inside reasons, IT: Welcome To Derry hasn't gotten the official green light for a Season 2 from HBO yet, but that's not stopping work from getting underway. There is a big picture vision for the show, with seasons that travel further back in the canon's timeline, and while we don't know when production will begin on future episodes or when they will premiere, wheels are turning, filmmakers are planning, and writers are writing. And that's not the only current goings on when it comes to the world of IT either, as director Andy Muschietti is also still making promises about his planned IT: Chapter One and Chapter Two supercut.

The filmmakers most recent comments about the blockbuster Stephen King project leads this week's edition of The King Beat, but there is actually a plethora of other developments to highlight as well – including an in-depth interview with Wil Wheaton about "The Body" and Stand By Me; comments from Heather Graham about Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie miniseries; and a warning that one of the best Stephen King movies of all time is about to leave Netflix. This is a packed column, so let's dig in!

Andy Muschietti Doubles Down On Supercut Promises Even While Welcome To Derry Takes Precedence

The IT franchise is presently in a very good place. The reason why work is continuing on IT: Welcome To Derry without a renewal is because all of the success experienced at the end of 2025 speaks for itself: the show got a very positive reaction from both critics and fans alike, and ratings only grew during Season 1's eight-episode run, with the finale being the biggest hit. There exists plenty of juice for the brand to try some big swings, and Andy Muschietti is very aware of that fact – but for now, the filmmaker is opting to stay laser focused on the future of the show… instead of side projects like the IT supercut.

The filmmaker himself has multiple irons in the fire (as one example, he's a producer on the new action horror film They Will Kill You, which arrives in theater this Friday), but when it comes to IT, he recently told SlashFilm that Welcome To Derry has his sole focus for now. Said Muschietti,

Muschietti has been talking about making an IT supercut since before IT: Chapter Two was released, and on paper, the idea is pretty simple: instead of IT: Chapter One and IT: Chapter Two being experienced as independent features, he intends to not only edit the existing films together, but to also add back in deleted material. All together, it will be a roughly six-and-a-half hour cinematic experience that properly reflects its epic Stephen King source material.

The big hold-up in making this cut a reality is that not all of the material needed exists: it will require some additional filming. Clearly Muschietti doesn't think it would be any kind of challenge to acquire a proper budget for the work, but there's apparently no time to schedule the work required amid work on IT: Welcome To Derry Season 2.

The danger here should be obvious: if the HBO series ends up petering out in future seasons and loses its audience, that would make it much harder for the director to get the money that he would need for the supercut. There's an argument to be made that he should strike while the proverbial iron is hot, but he clearly has a great deal of confidence in the future of IT: Welcome To Derry (Season 1 of which is available to stream now with a HBO Max subscription).

Stand By Me's Wil Wheaton Discusses His Favorite Scenes In Stephen King's "The Body"

This is a big week for Stand By Me fans. As of two days ago, Stephen King fans everywhere can now purchase and listen to the new audiobook of "The Body" narrated by Wil Wheaton, and starting tomorrow, you can also go to theaters to see the film adaptation on the big screen, as the Rob Reiner movie is getting a domestic re-release to celebrate its 40th anniversary. For some, that might be enough, but if you can't get enough of Stephen King's beloved coming-of-age tale, allow me to recommend a wonderful piece from The New York Times.

In celebration of the new audiobook, the newspaper has published a new multimedia feature centering on Wil Wheaton and his special relationship with "The Body" – which began in the mid-1980s when he was cast as Gordie LaChance in Stand By Me. The interview, featuring film clips and audio excerpts, digs into the actor's favorite scenes from the story, memories from set, and mourns the tragic loss of the adaptation's director.

It's a quick, fun read that is entertaining to explore and insightful about a literary and cinematic masterwork.

Heather Graham Discusses Her Role In Mike Flanagan's Carrie And How It Updates The Classic Stephen King Story

In Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie series, Heather Graham is joining the FlanaFamily in what should be a fascinating role – in part because it's one that has been created for the show. People familiar with the Stephen King book and the previous adaptations will remember the evil bully Chris Hargensen, and you may even remember her dad, who complains to the principal when she is barred from prom. One character we've never met is Chris' mom, but that will change with the latest take on King's seminal novel.

Graham has confirmed to Collider that she will be playing Mrs. Hargensen in Mike Flanagan's new series, and while she didn't offer much insight regarding how the character fits into the story in the interview, she did shed some light on how the new take on Carrie will stand apart from both the book and the three feature versions audiences have previously seen. She said,

Obviously even the concept of "cyberbullying" didn't exist when Stephen King wrote Carrie over a half-century ago, and it's not at all surprising that Mike Flanagan is working with a contemporary setting for the show – but Heather Graham's mention of "guns in school" is intriguing. In previously writing about the book and its adaptations, I've made the argument that Carrie White is essentially a supernatural school shooter, and I now wonder how that comparison might be significant in the show's vision.

We'll have to wait and see, as while Heather Graham may have seen the first three episodes of the show, it's been recently suggested by co-star Katee Sackhoff that the Carrie limited series won't be debuting until the fall.

Rob Reiner's Misery Is Leaving Netflix At The End Of The Month, So Watch It While You Can

I'll wrap up this week's King Beat by circling back to the subject of Rob Reiner-directed Stephen King movies. While Stand By Me is playing in theaters this weekend, opening it up to audiences who may never have seen it on the big screen, a particular window is closing for 1990's Misery. The Oscar-winning film is currently available to watch with a few clicks if you have a Netflix subscription, but that won't be the case for long as the brilliant thriller is leaving the library at the end of the month.

March 31 (this coming Tuesday) will be your last day to stream the brilliant classic, which stars James Caan as an author who finds himself the captive of his number one fan… who also happens to be totally out of her mind. Even if you've seen the movie a hundred times, it's worth screening again if not only to witness the genius that is Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes. And after you watch it, you can check out my piece about the history of both the movie and the novel it's based on.

And if you don't have time to watch Misery in the next few days or simply don't have Netflix, I have great news: it's still widely available to watch elsewhere as well… though you'll have to pay for it. In addition to digital rental and purchase options, Kino Lorber put out a 4K UHD edition in the last few years that is absolutely beautiful.

That brings us to the end of this edition of The King Beat, but there is always more to discuss about Stephen King, and I'll be back here on CinemaBlend next Thursday to highlight all of the most interesting stories that crop up about the author and his beloved work.

The 2026 Oscars have come and gone, with a new batch of artists taking home the coveted Academy Award. There were a number of memorable moments this year, including the In Memoriam segment, which honored folks like late filmmaker Rob Reiner, Catherine O'Hara, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. While the Oscars still left out some names, I absolutely loved the format change to this emotional segment.

The Oscars In Memoriam always leaves some folks out, and this year fans noticed both James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were missing. While one can debate who should and shouldn't have been included in the telecast, I think that the way certain individuals were memorialized should stick around for future Academy Awards. Hear me out.

The Oscars Special Tributes Were Moving And Beautiful

The In Memoriam segment started off with a emotional gut punch, as a number of the stars of Rob Reiner's movies united on stage, holding hands. His death was a shock, especially with his son Nick being held as the prime suspect of the apparent homicide. Billy Crystal offered a heartfelt message, and seeing all of the late director's collaborators stand in solidarity was very moving.

From there the In Memoriam video began playing, but Reiner wasn't the only one who was given a special honor during this segment. Rachel McAdams took the stage to honor Catherine O'Hara and share a touching story about late actress Diane Keaton during their time working together on The Family Stone and Morning Glory. After that, the video resumed... until none other than Barbra Streisand hit the stage.

Streisand joined the In Memoriam segment to pay tribute to the late actor/filmmaker Robert Redford. The living legend shared stories about their longstanding friendship, and even sang a bit of "The Way We Were" to end the tribute. I mean, who doesn't want to hear the great Streisand sing one of her most iconic songs?

While there were some folks out there disappointed at the absence of certain actors, I really appreciated the way the In Memoriam was handled this year. Having big names be honored in this way felt appropriate, and it was far more personal with their surviving loved ones sharing stories. Personally, I think this is a format change that should stick around for the foreseeable future. Obviously, this might depend on what film icons pass away over the next year, but you can't deny that this adjustment made the segment especially emotional for those in attendance, as well as folks like me watching from home.

We'll just have to see if this format change becomes permanent when the Oscars return next year, available exclusively with a Hulu subscription. Only time will tell what adjustments will be made.

The 2026 Academy Awards are a celebration of a big year in Hollywood, but amidst all of that, there was considerable tragedy as well. It's fitting that Billy Crystal kicked off the "In Memoriam" segment and paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle in a touching tribute that included many stars.

Reiner and his wife died in late December, and while their son Nick spends time in prison awaiting trial for their murder, Crystal took the stage along with many actors who starred in his films to talk about the director's impact. Check out a photo from the moment below, with all the stars onstage together:

The stars of This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery, and many other classics directed by Rob Reiner were represented onscreen as a large image of the famed director and his wife adorned the screen behind them. For those who weren't able to catch all the talent onstage, here's a quick rundown:

• Christopher Guest
• Michael McKean
• Kathy Bates
• Meg Ryan
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Demi Moore
• Jerry O'Connell
• Wil Wheaton
• Annette Benning
• Mandy Patinkin
• Fred Savage
• Cary Elwes
• Carol Kane
• John Cusack
• Daphne Zuniga
• Kevin Pollak

It was a great way of honoring the director, after months of headlines detailing the events leading up to his tragic death. This included mentions that he was at a party hosted by Oscar's host, Conan O'Brien, who delivered plenty of laughs throughout the night to offset this especially heavy but necessary moment.

To bring out the stars of his most beloved movies was not just a fitting tribute, it was a great show of just how much Rob Reiner impacted Hollywood throughout his long career. I'd like to believe that even with the tragic circumstances surrounding his story excluded from the equation, his eventual Hollywood tribute would've gone down in a similar fashion.

Rob Reiner's tribute kicked off a lengthy in memoriam segment, which highlighted other notable figures in Hollywood who passed away. Rachel McAdams came out onstage to pay tribute to Diane Keaton, while Barbara Streisand came out to honor her former co-star Robert Redford. These were just a few of the amazing talents that left us in the past year, leaving a hole in Hollywood.

And while other notable actors like Catherine O'Hara didn't get as large a tribute, they still heard thunderous applause in celebration for their work in Hollywood. Thus far, there hasn't been any glaring outcry from the internet about people left off the list, so it feels this year got the job done better than previous ones.

The 2026 Academy Awards are almost over, though CinemaBlend will have plenty to say following the end of the event, and stuff to say about the winners and losers of the night. Stick with us for more on that and other television and movie news.

The film adaptation of Stephen King's Stand By Me is stacked with formerly up-and-coming actors like Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O’Connell, and Corey Feldman. After the recent tragic death of their director, Rob Reiner, the cast of the ‘80s flick reflects on being fortunate enough to work with him and at such young ages at that. One story that got my attention involved Reiner yelling F-bombs at the actors, which culminated in a truly sweet moment.

During their interview with Empire, some of the main surviving Stand By Me cast members spoke about one of the movie’s greatest moments—the all-time train dodge. On screen, it looked like a dangerous moment for the child actors to run away from an incoming train.

However, Vern Tessio actor Jerry O’Connell said there was actually nothing scary about filming the anxiety-inducing scene, as camera tricks made it look like the train was hurling towards them. That aside, though, Wil Wheaton (who played Gordie Lachance) recalled the situation getting somewhat serious when Reiner provided some feedback on how he and O’Connell were performing the scene:

When I think back on the scene, all of the boys genuinely looked hysterically scared with tears running down their faces. Thanks to the magic movie filmmaking, some may have thought there really was a train about to kill them. It's interesting to think that O’Connell and Wheaton weren't really scared and that Reiner had to light a fire under them to get the reactions he needed.

Reiner's decision to drop F-bombs may sound harsh, but he brought up a fair point regarding the crew working hard as it was. Someone might be tempted to assume that the atmosphere was brought down by Reiner cursing at the kids. That wasn't the case, though, as Wheaton revealed a sweet ending that I didn’t see coming:

Aww, I think I might cry! That right there shows what a loving director Rob Reiner was. Ultimately, he made sure that his young cast knew that he appreciated the work when they were putting forth their true effort. Reiner's ability to reach his collaborators (no matter their ages) was arguably why he was one of the best to ever stand behind a camera.

Following the confirmation of Rob Reiner’s death, the Stand By Me cast paid tribute to their late director. Corey Feldman sentimentally expressed his shock and sadness, saying, “U WILL B 4EVER MISSED.” Jerry O’Connell credited the Stephen King flick as the reason for his later success and expressed gratitude for Reiner taking his then-12-year-old self to lunch months after the movie came out. These comments are a testament to the indelible mark Reiner left on the actors.

As time goes on, I hope the public at large gets to hear more sweet anecdotes about Rob Reiner and he sheer honesty and warmth. The fact that he put so much care into the making of Stand By Me was also to our benefit, as the film remains a classic.

Stand by Me will also be returning to theaters amid the 2026 movie schedule for its 40th anniversary. Screenings will start on March 27 and run for a week in major theater chains.

Awards Season is coming to its grand finale this weekend, as the 2026 Academy Awards are airing this Sunday. While folks are looking forward to seeing which movies take home Oscars, the ceremony is also expected to honor some of the celebrities who have passed away since last year. And host Conan O'Brien recently confirmed that something special is being planned for the In Memoriam segment, specifically honoring Rob Reiner.

The death of Rob Reiner shocked both his fans and the public in December, especially since the prime suspect for the apparent homicide is his son. Rob and Nick Reiner argued at a party at O'Brien's the day before his death, and in a recent interview with Extra, the host was asked what was being planned for his late friend. Conan struggled to find the words, but offered:

Conan was careful with his words in order to not sound glib or make light of a truly tragic circumstance. Given his personal connection to both Reiner and his death, you can't blame him. And I assume that emotions are going to be high during the ceremony's In Memoriam, especially where Rob and Michele Reiner are concerned.

While the Reiners' death happened back in December, the Hollywood community is still reeling from the tragedy. Tributes to Rob and Michele came rolling in immediately, and the public has been following as the legal situation plays out with their son Nick, who is currently incarcerated as he awaits trial.

Either this month, Rob Reiner would have turned 79, which no doubt brought up a ton of emotions for those who knew the late filmmaker/actor. The Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment seems like a great way for the community to honor him and to be with each other in their feelings of mourning. We'll just have to see what Conan O'Brien and company have planned, and how emotional things get in the room.

The Oscars' In Memoriam usually makes headlines after it airs, often because fans are bummed that certain actors weren't included. It's more than possible that this will happen again on Sunday, but there are a number of recent celebrity deaths that will raise the stakes this year. In addition to Rob Reiner, folks are expecting other names like late actress Catherine O'Hara to get their moment as well.

The 98th Academy Awards will air Sunday, March 15th, on ABC or streaming with a Hulu subscription as part of the 2026 TV schedule. Given Conan O'Brien's comments, I assume it's going to be an emotional evening.

The death of Rob and Michele Reiner rocked the entertainment industry, and went especially viral since the apparent homicide was seemingly perpetrated by their son Nick. Reiner would have been 79 this week, which has put even more eyes on what's happening with Nick. An anonymous source revealed what it's like in prison for him, and it's not exactly a pretty picture.

Shortly after their deaths, tributes to the Reiners started rolling in. And in the month that followed, fans have been paying attention to the legal process their son Nick is going through for allegedly killing his parents. An anonymous insider recently spoke to The Daily Mail about the conditions he's seemingly living in. They spoke about the food in the Los Angeles prison, claiming:

Silverware isn't the only way that Nick Reiner's reportedly being protected from harm. According to Former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, he's in "administrative segregation", which is meant to keep him safe from both other inmates and himself. This limits everything from his uniform to the way he's able to interact with others. There were previously reports thats Nick was was struggling mentally in prison, and per these insider he's being monitored to ensure he can't harm himself.

The same anonymous insider spoke more about how Reiner is reportedly being handled while incarcerated ahead of his forthcoming trial. They claimed:

Nick Reiner was arrested shortly after his parents' deaths, and has been incarcerated ever since. He's been reportedly struggling mentally, both before and after being taken in. And if the anonymous source is to be believed, he hasn't gotten any real visitors. They said:

Of course, Nick hasn't necessarily had an easy time when it comes to legal representation. Specifically because one of Reiner's lawyers stepped down back in January.

So what is it like being imprisoned for so long? Per the same source, the most challenging part of being in mental observation housing is the fellow inmates. They claim:

That certainly sounds like exhausting, especially if Reiner is also struggling with his mental health. Overall these claims don't paint a pretty picture about what Nick's life is like in prison. We'll just have to wait for his impending trial, and see how long he ends up staying in that specific unit.

For many fans, The Princess Bride is a comfort movie that never gets old. Beloved for its hilarious cast of characters, fantastical epic of true love, and extremely quotable lines, this ‘80s classic hits even harder since the death of its director, Rob Reiner. The Stand By Me director and his wife, Michelle Reiner, were found dead in their home in December 2025, and their son, Nick, was arrested on murder charges shortly after. Reiner would have been 79 this week, and PB star Cary Elwes shared a sweet tribute to the director who gave him his breakout role.

Countless admirers and past collaborators posted tributes to the Misery director immediately following the news, but the loss has clearly remained raw for many of his friends, including Cary Elwes. The 63-year-old actor played the masked menace-turned-hero Westley in Reiner’s 1987 adaptation of The Princess Bride. The Twister actor took to Instagram this week to honor his late friend and mentor on his would be birthday, and the caption has me in my feels:

The swords and the broken heart? I’m going to cry. Anyone who has seen The Princess Bride knows Westley is a master swordsman but, at his core, he's a lover, not a fighter.

Reiner and Elwes first met on the set of Princess Bride, but that was only the start of a long friendship. Though their next film together wasn’t until 2015's Being Charlie, the two remained close. Elwes expressed in depth what the All In The Family icon meant to him in an Instagram post a few weeks after Reiner’s death and, before that, Elwes simply shared a BTS photo with a brief caption that felt understated but poingnant:

Elwes writes in one of his posts that The Princess Bride is about “love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Things that Rob held dear. Which is among the many reasons he was the perfect person to direct it.” All of Reiner’s work have these markers, and his filmography is full of movies that tug at your heartstrings. When Harry Met Sally will make any cynic believe in soulmates and fate, and Stand By Me might just make someone text that childhood friend they lost touch with.

While it is devastating to lose an iconic storyteller such as Reiner, it’s comforting to know that so many people such as Elwes cared for him, and will continue to look after his other children, Jake and Romy Reiner.

As for Rob Reiner’s legacy, it looks like his classic fantasy tale will remain untouched, as stars Cary Elwes and Robin Wright have confirmed there is no sequel on the horizon, and they don’t support a remake of the classic fantasy tale. I have to agree, it’s a movie that stands the test of time, and I can’t imagine rebooting it into a film franchise nearly 40 years later, especially without its esteemed director.

Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride is available to stream now with a Disney+ subscription.

Ryan Coogler stunned the world last year with the release of the horror/crime epic Sinners, and while the movie has been lauded as an incredible piece of modern original filmmaking, it’s also noteworthy that the writer/director was not shy about sharing his inspirations – including From Dusk Till Dawn, Salem’s Lot, No Country For Old Men and The Thing. Along with his own sensibilities and ideas, he synthesized special elements from all of those titles in the making of his 2025 feature, and that leaves me extremely intrigued to hear his aspirations to tell a story within the romantic comedy space a la the Rob Reiner classic When Harry Met Sally.

Coogler spoke about this idea in a Deadline interview alongside Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo – all of whom are up for major awards at the upcoming Oscars ceremony. When the conversation turned to exploring spaces previously untouched in his experience, the filmmaker explained that he hopes to make a wide variety of movies in what he hopes is a very long career:

With his first five movies, Ryan Coogler has gotten to make an intimate drama (Fruitvale Station), a sports movie (Creed), a pair of superhero blockbusters (Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and most recently the aforementioned horror/crime blend in Sinners. But he is a movie-lover who loves all kinds of movies, and he doesn’t want to limit himself as a storyteller.

As far as specifics, he cited his very real interest in making a romantic comedy, and he cited When Harry Met Sally as an influence on a big picture scale. In addition to being remembered for its humor and the wonderful chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the film has staked a place in pop culture history for its examination of male-female friendships, and Coogler noted the immortality of its subject matter while paying tribute to the recently departed Rob Reiner:

We have seen romance in Ryan Coogler’s work – Michael B. Jordan forging memorable on-screen relationships with Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, and Tessa Thompson in Sinners and Creed – but comedy would be a mostly fresh arena for the filmmaker (excluding the moments of levity that are featured in all of his movies). That being said, recognizing the man’s extreme talent, I have zero doubt that the man could make a rom com that is equally sweet, meaningful and hilarious.

We’ll have to wait and see what ultimately develops on the rom-com front for Coogler, and it may be a minute: in addition to developing a third Black Panther movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is also now working on a X-Files reboot for Disney+/Hulu subscribers that just got a pilot order and is set to star Danielle Deadwyler.

The death of Rob Reiner shocked both the public and the late filmmaker's loved ones, especially as it was ruled an apparent homicide... with his son Nick being the prime suspect. Rob and Nick had an argument shortly before the killing, and more details about their relationship have come out in the time since the news broke. And the son's alleged roommate from rehab recently issued some new statement about his anger issues and resentment towards his father.

Tributes for Rob Reiner arrived online shortly after his death, as well as reports about Nick's substance and mental health issues. In addition to claims he threw a rock through a window to get access to meds in rehab, an alleged roommate from one such fatality spoke to The Daily Mail about his experience with Nick. The individual's name is Danny Svilar and he claims:

Ouch. This person certainly didn't mince his words, and didn't have very nice things to say about his experience sharing a room with Nick Reiner. Svilar seemed to take umbrage with his attitude as a whole, especially in a setting like rehab where folks are trying to get healthy.

Nick Reiner is allegedly struggling mentally while in jail, and only time will tell how things will go down if/when he goes to court. Later in the same interview, Svilar revealed where things went south between the two: when he told Reiner that he looked like John Travolta's late son Jett. As he went on:

Talk about a tense incident. It sounds like Nick Reiner didn't appreciate that comparison, and got violent with his roommate as a result. In the same interview he went on to share his perspective of Reiner's relationship with his late parents. In his words:

While more stories about Nick Reiner continue coming out online, he's got a great (and expensive) defense lawyer representing him. Given his mental health issues, there are rumors that they might try to take an insanity plea. But all that remains to be seen.

Due to Rob Reiner's legacy in film and TV, smart money says the public will continue paying attention to this story as it develops. We'll just have to see how the legal system shakes out in this case.

“You can’t handle the truth!”

Delivered by an enraged Jack Nicholson to a demanding Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men, that’s a line that will be remembered for as long as people are watching films, and it’s one of many special parts of the legacy of director Rob Reiner – who we sadly lost late last year. It’s an iconic moment in an iconic film, with two bona fide movie stars going head-to-head, and as great as it is to see on screen time after time, it’s even better when you know a sweet bit of trivia from the day that it was shot.

In the wake of Reiner’s passing. CBS News aired a special title Rob Reiner: Scenes From A Life that features interviews with those whom the filmmaker worked with and was close to, and one segment concerns the creation of his beloved Aaron Sorkin-scripted, marine-centric courtroom drama from 1992. Kiefer Sutherland, who played 2nd Lt. Jonathan Kendrick in A Few Good Men (a few years after working with the director on Stand By Me), recalls being on set the day that the production was shooting the scene where Nicholson’s Col. Nathan R. Jessep took the stand, and he reflected on a memorable silence after Reiner called cut:

It didn’t sound like Rob Reiner was really desperate for a second take from the man who is widely considered to be one of the best actors of all time, but it never hurts to get one for safety. And they didn’t exactly end up having a super long day either.

According to Sutherland, the production had a full day of shooting planned following the big standoff between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, but Reiner was perhaps a bit too happy and wowed to keep working, so he shut it all down and sent everyone home early. Said the actor,

It was proper and earned satisfaction, as recognized by how that famous scene exists in pop culture. Despite only having three scenes in the movie, Jack Nicholson went on to earn a Best Supporting Actor nomination – though he ended up losing the trophy to Unforgiven’s Gene Hackman.

If you have not done yourself a favor and rewatched A Few Good Men recently (either in memory of Rob Reiner or just as a film to throw on), you really should do so, as it really is a tremendous work, and no matter how many times you may have heard it, the “You can’t handle the truth” scene still sends chills down one’s spine. The movie isn’t currently available to stream on any of the major subscription services, but it is available for digital rental and purchase from online retailers and has been released on 4K UHD and Blu-ray for physical media collectors.

As the legal case surrounding Nick Reiner continues to unfold, new comments from someone with close ties to the late Rob and Michele Reiner are adding another layer to an already devastating situation. An insider with firsthand knowledge of the Reiners’ values and long-standing commitment to justice is now offering a perspective on how the couple might have felt about what lies ahead for their son.

The new insights come from a People interview with Nanon Williams, a close family friend who has spent decades incarcerated and formed a deep bond with the legendary director and his spouse in the years before their murders. Williams shared:

Williams, who has been incarcerated since 1992 over a murder for which he still maintains his innocence, first connected with the Reiners after they saw his one-man stage production, Lyrics From Lockdown, in Los Angeles in 2016. The performance, drawn directly from his experience behind bars, sparked a relationship that grew into a lasting bond.

According to Williams, he became “like family” to the Reiners through years of daily emails and weekly phone calls, and he told the outlet that he believes Rob and Michele would not want to see their son suffer, even under the weight of the serious charges he now faces.

Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents, and he has previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Reiners were deeply aware of Nick’s mental health challenges, says Williams, and spoke openly about them. In his view:

The family insider also reflected on the When Harry Met Sally director’s long-held beliefs about justice and legacy. Williams described the family patriarch and filmmaker as someone who fought for what he believed in. He continued:

Williams suggested, the Reiners outlook on justice naturally extends to what they would want for Nick and how he's treated now, with an emphasis on help, treatment, and humanity rather than purely punitive outcomes.

The comments are particularly striking given Williams’ own history. The entertainment industry power couple were active supporters of his efforts to seek freedom through the Georgetown University Making an Exoneree program. Williams credits the couple with giving him hope and treating him as family long before their advocacy became public.

He emphasized that Rob and Michele operated as a genuine partnership, both personally and in the causes they supported. Williams described them as inseparable, highlighting that Rob's leadership was balanced by Michele's equal presence and influence, noting that their shared joy, humor, and empathy were fundamental to their approach in all aspects of life, including parenting.

That sense of continuity appears to be carrying on through the Reiner children. Williams reported that Jake and Romy Reiner have remained in contact with him following their parents’ deaths, reaffirming their commitment to the causes their parents supported and emphasizing that he remains part of their family.

The legal process surrounding Nick Reiner is still ongoing. What lies ahead for Reiner, whose own lawyer recently stepped away from the case, is unclear, but one thing is for sure: Williams’ perspective adds a profoundly human dimension to the story.

The death of Rob Reiner and his wife shocked Hollywood and his countless fans. What shocked many just as much was the arrest of their son, Nick Reiner, for the crime. There were already so many questions regarding what could have possibly happened. The number of questions has only increased after Nick Reiner’s attorney stepped away from defending him.

Nick Reiner was originally set to be defended by Alan Jackson, a well-known defense attorney who has defended Kevin Spacey from sexual assault allegations and was the lead attorney during Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial. Last week, Jackson removed himself from Reiner’s murder trial. In an appearance on Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Jackson was asked why he stepped away. Jackson said…

While Alan Jackson can’t speak as to why he left the case, many suggestions have been made. Some have wondered if Reiner simply couldn’t afford Jackson, who is likely quite expensive. An alleged insider claimed Reiner wasn't cooperating with Jackson and his team, to the point the lawyer felt he could not continue.

Others have suggested that the attorney may have made a judgment call based on his client’s perceived guilt. However, Jackson addressed that topic specifically, making it clear that the guilt or innocence of his client is simply not something he considers in a case he has taken. He explained…

Jackson stated that his ultimate duty is to the Constitution and the trial by jury system. He believes he has a duty to perform as part of that system, which means the question of guilt simply isn’t relevant. Therefore it appears nobody should read anything into Jackson stepping down.

While Jackson’s involvement in the case meant that he could not talk about details of any possible defernse, there was a significant conversation between the lawyer and the host about mental illness. While Jackson was careful to make it clear that he was not talking about Nick reiner specifically, he did discuss that there are situations where mental illness could be a factor in determining guilt. Jackson said…

There have been questions about Nick Reiner’s mental state since he was arrested. He was initially placed on suicide watch when placed in jail. While Jackson may not have been specifically discussing Reiner here, mental illness may be a topic at trial.

Without Jackson as Nick Reiner’s attorney, the case is being taken over by the public defender’s office. Reiner’s arraignment, which was supposed to take place the day Jackson stepped down, has been delayed to late February, when the accused will enter a plea with his new lawyer, and the wheels of justice will begin to turn again.

The second weekend of the year marked the second weekend of awards ceremonies, with the 83rd annual Golden Globes honoring big winners like The Pitt, One Battle After Another and Adolescence, among many others. (If anyone was giving out awards for fashion winners like JLo’s sheer dress and Selena Gomez’s feathery look, it never would have ended.) Host Nikki Glaser spent much of the night poking fun at some A-list celebs while roasting others, and capped the night off with a tribute to the late Rob Reiner.

Former All in the Family co-star and Misery director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer were found dead in their home in mid-December 2025, the victims of an apparent homicide that son Nick Reiner is currently awaiting trial, having just lost his defense attorney. The past month has been full of impassioned reflections and anecdotes about Reiner’s lengthy and successful career, so Glaser was careful not to go overboard with her own hat-tip: she closed the show out with a Spinal Tap cap atop her head, and she opined that the night had reached an “11.”

The comedian’s somewhat subtle salute to the Hollywood icon was in stark contrast to the amusing and occasionally scathing jokes made during her opening monologue. Speaking with USA Today ahead of the ceremony, she addressed that she wanted to bring in that nod in part due to the Golden Globes not featuring an “In Memoriam” segment honoring those in the industry. As she put it:

At the time, she wasn't eager to share the specfics behind her plans, but I think her own way was a perfectly sweet and non-disruptive way to handle things. Would it have also been cool to have Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer take the stage as Spinal Tap for a full-length tribute concert? Well duh, but I can't imagine that would properly count as a Golden Globes event.

In any case, Nikki Glaser further explained why she wanted to pay respects on-screen to the director, despite not having the lengthiest and closest relationship with him. As she put it:

Now I'd love to know what kind of hat Rob Reiner would wear to celebrate Glaser's career. Maybe a "Sure, I'll Tap" hat utilizing the This Is Spinal Tap font? Or maybe he would have delivered the most softballed roast since Norm Macdonald's dad-joke tribute to Bob Saget.

One week prior to the Globes, at the Critics Choice Awards, Sinners director Ryan Coogler shared his own emotional tribute to Rob Reiner. Meanwhile other celebs have stepped up in helping Rob and Michele’s other children, Jake and Romy Reiner, during the aftermath of the shocking crimes.

In the aftermath of Rob and Michele Reiners’ deaths, a legal situation continues to unfold, and the late couple’s son, Nick (32), is at the center of it. Shortly after the Reiners’ bodies were discovered in their Brentwood home, Nick was arrested on suspicion of murder, and he’s now facing charges. Attorney Alan Jackson eventually took on the younger Reiner’s case yet, just days ago, Jackson confirmed he and his team were withdrawing from the case. Now, sources are dropping alleged details about what led to Jackson’s decision.

The announcement from Alan Jackson and his team was revealed during a press conference held on Wednesday, 7 and, as a result of that move, Nick Reiner’s arraignment was postponed. At the time, Jackson stated that he and his colleagues had “no choice but to withdraw.” The lawyer further said that “circumstances beyond [their] control—beyond Nick’s control—made it impossible to continue.” On that topic, Rob Shuter spoke to insiders who claimed Jackson and his collaborators had a difficult time working with Reiner:

In addition to these allegations, Rob Shuter’s sources also allege that the Reiner family recently caught Nick off financially. It’s alleged that Nick’s relatives are "devastated" over making that decision but that “they realized they cannot support him anymore—not financially, not emotionally, not morally.” If another insider is to be believed, Nick’s supposed conduct towards his now-former legal team (which supposedly wasn’t cheap) contributed to his family’s decision to stop playing legal fees:

A number of alleged details about Nick Reiner began to surface following his parents’ death, which have since been ruled homicides. It was said that on Saturday, December 13 – the day before Rob and Michele’s bodies were found – the couple attended a Christmas party at Conan O’Brien’s house with Nick. During that get-together, Rob and Nick allegedly got into a loud argument, which prompted Rob and Michele to leave the event. Nick also reportedly dealt with addiction and mental health struggles for years and, in an interview given shortly before his death, Rob said his son was doing well.

It’s been reported that after leaving his parents’ house on December 14, Nick Reiner checked into a hotel, and employees later found blood in his room. Reiner was later taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Reiner is being held at the Los Angeles-based Twin Towers Correctional Facility without bail. Sources recently claimed Reiner’s mental health was suffering during his prison stint. And, though he’s apparently aware of his link to his parents’ death, Reiner thinks he’s the victim of a conspiracy theory.

All the while, Nick Reiners’ siblings – brother Jake (34) and sister Romy (28) – are allegedly navigating life after their parents’ deaths and receiving support from family and friends. Claims about the Reiners cutting off Nick should be taken with a grain of salt at this time as should the purported reasons as to why Alan Jackson and co. decided to step away from the case.

Almost a month ago, the public was shocked to learn about the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, especially given the grisly nature of their apparent homicide and the fact that their son Nick was the prime suspect. While tributes for Rob Reiner rolled in, his generations of fans have been paying attention to the way things have been shaking out in the legal system, including Nick's arrest and current incarceration. And according to a new report, the 32-year-old writer isn't doing very well behind bars.

While Rob Reiner praised his son's sobriety shortly before his death, the two apparently had an argument right before the alleged homicide. Nick Reiner checked into a hotel after the alleged incident, and afterward was promptly arrested. A new report by TMZ claims that Nick is struggling mentally in jail, and allegedly believes that he is the victim of a conspiracy theory.

Per this report, Nick knows he is responsible for his parents' deaths, but thinks that his jail time is due to a conspiracy against him. He'll reportedly be pleading not guilty due to insanity, citing a change in his schizoaffective medication. And apparently, he doesn't understand why he's been arrested, and is "delusional" about his current incarceration.

It remains to be seen if claiming insanity ends up being a successful defense strategy. Nick Reiner's defense lawyer, Alan Jackson, is well-known, famously representing Karen Read while she was in court. And given just how famous his father, Rob Reiner, was, the ongoing story will also likely be judged by the court of public opinion.

Since the apparent homicide, information about Nick Reiner's struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues has been trickling out. That includes a resurfaced podcast appearance, where Reiner admitted to throwing a rock through a window in rehab in order to procure meds. While his father Rob claimed he was doing well shortly before the incident, this latest report by TMZ offers a very different perspective on how he's holding up mentally.

According to the outlet, Nick's "mental spiral occurred about a month before the murders", due to a change in his medication. Per that same source, the meds are still not working properly, resulting in him having "delusions, hallucinations, and mania." One can only imagine how being in jail might have further exacerbated, while the public follows along and collectively grieves his late parents. Meanwhile, Rob and Michele's kids, Romy and Jake, are reportedly being supported by loved ones during this unfathomable time.

It's currently unclear how the legal system will shake out regarding Nick Reiner, but he's reportedly set to be arraigned in late February. In the meantime, the public is following along while also re-watching Rob Reiner's many classic movies and TV projects.

Both Hollywood and the general public is still reeling from the news of director Rob Reiner's death, largely thanks to the grisly nature of the apparent homicide. His son Nick was arrested as the primary suspect, after reports that he and Rob had an argument shortly before the death. A legal expert recently claimed that Nick's lawyer was quite expensive, and theorized about how he might be paying for the representation.

Attorney Matt Murphy recently spoke to Fox News about the ongoing situation surrounding the Reiners. He claimed that with Nick's defense lawyer Alan Jackson "skill and his talent, he, as they say, ain't cheap", especially after recently taking on a big client like Karen Read. As he put it:

So exactly how he is affording such a high-profile defense attorney? Murphy theorized that Nick Reiner has "access to money somewhere", possibly though a family member of a trust fund set up in his name. After all, Jackson is a well-known lawyer who has only gotten more famous after defending Karen Read in her highly publicized trial.

The public has been closely following the ongoing situation, especially since Rob Reiner praised his son's sobriety shortly before his death. Fans are curious about exactly what led to the apparent homicide, with a trial potentially offering answers. Later in his same appearance, Matt Murphy went on to speak highly of Reiner's choice of lawyer, saying:

Looks like Nick Reiner found the right person to defend him. Of course, we'll have to wait and see how the legal system shakes out, and if he ends up being convicted for the death of his parents. One thing is clear: the public will be paying attention.

Since his death, tributes to Rob Reiner have rolled in from celebrities who worked with him throughout his long and accomplished career. That includes those who admired him like Ryan Coogler. The couple's loved ones have also rallied around their children Romy and Jake, who are no doubt going through an unimaginable time right now.

It's unclear exactly when Nick Reiner might go to trial, but the prolific nature of his father's work, as well as the grisly nature of the apparent homicide, basically guarantees that the public will remain invested in how it all shakes out.

The entertainment community is still reeling from the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, last month. Many celebrities have shared their reactions and tributes to the couple in the weeks following their passing, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Cary Elwes. Sinners writer and director Ryan Coogler is the latest to do this, as he recently talked about how his heart broke upon learning what happened to Reiner.

Coogler shared his thoughts on the late actor and filmmaker while speaking with Extra at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 red carpet. Although he and Rob Reiner never had the chance to work together, the creative mind behind movies like Creed and Black Panther shared how meaningful Reiner’s movies meant to him growing up, particularly a certain 1989 romantic comedy:

When Harry Met Sally… still ranks as one of the best romantic comedies over 35 years after its release for good reason. Whether we’re talking about people who’ve been repeatedly watching it over the decades to folks who recently watched it for the first time, the Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan-led feature has all kinds of fans, including Ryan Coogler. It makes me wonder if he agrees that When Harry Met Sally… is a New Year’s movie.

But that’s just one entry on Rob Reiner’s filmography that Coogler grew up enjoying, and he remains impressed by how well the All in the Family alum was able to tell compelling cinematic stories. In his words:

It’s a shame that Ryan Coogler and Rob Reiner’s paths never crossed, as I’m sure the former would have appreciated the opportunity to tell the latter how much his work has meant to him. Who knows, maybe they even would figured out how to collaborate on a project. It’s no wonder Reiner’s death hit Coogler so hard.

Rob Reiner’s final movie ended up being last September’s Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which, as with its predecessor, he wrote and starred in alongside Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. A few months before its release, he also guest starred as in The Bear Season 4 as Albert Schnur, a business consultant who ended up being more important to the Hulu subscription-exclusive series than I originally thought. Other popular Reiner movies include Stand by Men, Misery (which can now be streamed on Peacock) and A Few Good Men.

As for Ryan Coogler, Sinners ended up being one of the most critically-acclaimed movies of 2025 and made a respectable $368 million worldwide off a budget somewhere in the $90-100 million range. The vampire flick can be streamed with an HBO Max subscription, and Coogler is turning his attention to Black Panther 3 next, which doesn’t have a release date on the upcoming Marvel movies schedule yet.

Bill Maher is calling out Hollywood, following the death of Rob Reiner, whom he interviewed right before his death. Joining other celebs in reflecting on the loss of the legendary filmmaker, the former Politically Incorrect host zeroed in on what he sees as a much larger and more troubling issue in Hollywood: how even industry icons can find themselves pushed to the margins because of their age.

The comments came during a recent episode of Maher’s Club Random podcast (via TV Insider), where he spoke with John Stamos about Reiner’s passing and the strange emotional whiplash that comes from losing someone you’d only just spent time with. The HBO mainstay had interviewed the Being Charlie director on the podcast mere months before his murder, making the loss feel especially immediate and difficult to process. The late-night host explained:

The Religulous lead explained that Reiner’s death has lingered with him in an unusually persistent way, not just because of their personal history, but because of who the late director was in the industry. If you ask Maher, the iconic sitcom actor was far more than just a director; he was also a force of personality whose charisma and presence filled a room. Whether he was directing a set or sitting across the table at dinner, The Wolf of Wall Street star was a standout.

The conversation eventually turned to a frustrating reality Reiner faced late in his career. The sad fact was that despite his decades of moviemaking success, securing funding for new projects wasn’t always possible. The longtime comic suggested he knew exactly why, explaining:

This wasn’t just a sad footnote in the All in the Family icon’s final chapter, but, per Maher, a clear sign of what he sees as a systemic problem in Hollywood. Even a proven storyteller like the Stand by Me filmmaker seemed to have an unspoken expiration date. The Vice executive producer continued:

The politically-focused comedian makes a solid point. Reiner’s career includes some of the most beloved and influential films of the past several decades. From the mockumentary groundbreaking This Is Spinal Tap to the legendary romantic comedyWhen Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and Misery, his movies weren’t just box-office successes but also became cinematic touchstones that reshaped pop culture.

Maher’s comments tap into a growing frustration among veteran creatives who feel sidelined in an industry increasingly driven by algorithms, franchises, and youth-focused branding. If someone with Rob Reiner’s track record can’t get a project off the ground, it raises uncomfortable questions about who the system is really built to serve.

Real Time with Bill Maher returns to the 2026 Television schedule for a 24th Season on January 23, 2026. All you need to enjoy it is an HBO Max subscription.

It’s now been several weeks since acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner was found dead at 78 in his California home alongside his wife, Michele (70). Further details on the situation have emerged since the news of the couple’s deaths first became public knowledge. Shortly after, the Reiners’ son, Nick, was arrested on suspicion of murder. All the while, Rob and Michele’s other two children, Jake and Romy, have reportedly been navigating the situation and, though they’re facing challenges, at least one thing is said to be helping them at this time.

An insider shared alleged details with People in regard to how Romy (28) and Jake Reiner (34) have been handling their parent’s deaths. The unnamed individual asserted that the two siblings were dealing with a “nightmare” scenario. However, it’s also said that the pair have a tremendous support system surrounding them right now. While speaking out, the source also shared another element that’s apparently kept the Reiner siblings centered as of late:

Per this source, Jake and Romy Reiner have been relying on each other, and their personal bond is what’s reportedly been helping them through this family tragedy. The person also went on to make claims about how the pair have been keeping themselves busy over the past few weeks:

The bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner (who were reportedly stabbed to death) were found on Sunday, December 14 and, at the time, authorities didn’t immediately confirm their identities. Details from the days leading up to the homicide have also surfaced, as it’s been said that the Reiners visited a restaurant with good friend Maria Shriver the Friday before they died. It was also reported that on that Saturday, Rob and Nick got into a “loud” argument during a party held at Conan O’Brien’s house. Said confrontation allegedly prompted Michele and Rob to leave the event.

Much has been reported about Nick Reiner (32), who has apparently struggled with mental health issues and addiction. Per the authorities, after Nick left his parents’ house on December 14, he checked into a hotel, and staff members reportedly found significant amounts of blood in the room. Upon being taken into custody, Nick – who Rob spoke about shortly before his death – was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He’s currently being held without bail in Los Angeles’ Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

All the while, Jake and Romy Reiner have since shared a statement and, with it, they thanked the public for the well wishes and tributes to Rob and Michele. While Jake confirmed later on that a public memorial service is being planned, he and his sister also asked for privacy as they continue to mourn and process the situation.

Last month, it was absolutely devastating to learn about Rob Reiner’s death, which was ruled a homicide alongside his wife in the same incident on December 14, 2025. Since the actor/filmmaker's passing, Hollywood has shared a lot of tributes to Reiner, who famously helmed When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Spinal Tap and so many more movies. However, I don’t think we’ve been talking enough about one movie from his career in particular, which just dropped on a new streaming service.

Rob Reiner’s Misery Just Became Available On Peacock

In 1990, Rob Reiner directed an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Misery starring James Caan, Kathy Bates and Lauren Bacall. The psychological horror film is about a famous romance novelist who gets held captive in a remote home by an obsessed fan of his. The movie was just added to Peacock. It’s also available to stream with a HBO Max subscription as well, but Peacock has a cheaper monthly plan starting at $7.99, whereas HBO Max is charging $10.99 for their basic plan.

Misery boasts an incredible Rotten Tomatoes score, which is at 91% from critics and a very similar 90% from audiences. Critics and fans agreeing that a movie is pretty much perfect is rather rare, so I’d say this one’s a must watch, whether it’s your first time or one you’re viewing again.

It’s A Great Time To Rewatch The Acclaimed Classic

Misery is one of those movies I’ll literally never forget. When I first saw it, it was on cable when I was too young to be the fan of horror movies I’ve since become. Kathy Bates is absolutely chilling as Annie Wilkes, and it’s considered her most iconic role ever. Apparently Stephen King loved Bates' performance so much that he wrote two more roles for her in the form of 1994's The Stand and 1995’s Dolores Claiborne.

Reiner is known and celebrated best for his comedy movies, but I love Misery for showing a different side of the late filmmaker’s skills, and ability to direct a variety of material. No wonder it seems like fans can’t seem to agree on his definitive movie, lately.

In all seriousness, I haven’t seen Misery since the first time I watched it when I was younger on cable. Now that I’ve watched a lot more of the best horror movies of all time, I’m excited to appreciate the specific way that Rob Reiner chose to contribute to the genre. And considering there were six King adaptations in 2025 alone, it’s worth your time to go back to past adaptations from other filmmakers. Oh, and Reiner also made another famous Stephen King adaptation too – 1986’s Stand By Me, which is currently streaming with a Netflix subscription.

Happy viewing!

After Rob Reiner tragically died at the age of 78 earlier this month, I, like many people familiar with the man, started thinking back on his work as an actor, writer and director. However, rather than my mind going to one of his career classics, like All in the Family, This is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride or When Harry Met Sally…, I instead keep going back to his guest appearances on The Bear earlier this year. In fact, upon rewatching his scenes in the Hulu subscription-exclusive series, I realized that Reiner’s character is more important to Season 4 than I originally thought.

Rob Reiner appeared in three The Bear episodes as Albert Schnur, a business consultant who’s provided his expertise to “everything from Fortune 500 companies to strip-mall laundromats.” Edwin Lee Gibson’s Ebra seeks him out to be a mentor in his efforts to “create opportunity” for The Bear restaurant’s sandwich window. Impressed with the numbers Ebra provided, Albert pinpoints that the best way forward is “expansion through replication,” i.e., opening two more beef sandwich-specific locations in Chicago’s north and south suburbs, respectively, along with a commissary kitchen somewhere in the middle. He also pitches himself as a consigliere to arrange this expansion, comparing himself to Robert Duvall’s Tom Hagen in The Godfather.

At first, it’s unclear if Albert Schnur sincerely wants to help Ebra or if he’s trying to swindle him, but upon meeting the other workers from the Beef window and chatting with Computer outside of the restaurant, it seems pretty evident it’s the former. It’s a shame we won’t see more of this character, especially since his advice may be what dictate’s The Bear's future. Throughout the show’s fourth season, there’s a clock counting down the 60 days Carmy and the others have to save the restaurant. That clock zeroes out in the final seconds of the Season 4 finale.

Since The Bear is returning for Season 5, it’s safe to assume that the restaurant won’t automatically close. Still, with the exception of Marcus being named in Food & Wine’s class of Best New Chefs, not much has really changed. So unless this next season chronicles the restaurant slowly being shuttered as we follow along with Carmy retiring to figure out who he is outside of being a chef, where do we go from here?

Albert Schnur’s idea likely holds the key. Computer was intrigued by Albert’s pitch of opening up more sandwich locations, and this is a man driven by numbers above all else. If he’s willing to extend The Beef’s restaurant in time to reach profitability and convince Cicero that investing more money into this expansion is the right call, this could be just the thing to keep the lights on at the restaurant.

Hopefully this plot thread is allowed to properly wrap up whenever The Bear Season 5 arrives on Hulu, rather than just abandoned since Rob Reiner is no longer with us. If selling more sandwiches around Chicago is what allows the restaurant to finally flourish, then Albert Schnur will be the one to put this all together and could be rewarded for his contribution, even if we don’t see that happen onscreen.

It’s long been an understood truth that When Harry Met Sally… is one of the best romantic comedies of all time. Written by the late Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, whose death we’re still trying to process, this legendary rom-com starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is a lot of things to a lot of people. A go-to friends-to-lovers story, a classic ‘80s movie that gave birth to some of the most quotable lines of all time, a great fall film, and the list goes on. However, I’d like to add another descriptor: an iconic New Year’s Eve movie.

I know, I know, When Harry Met Sally… takes place over the course of a decade, has summer scenes, fall moments, Christmas, and just about everything else, but at the end of the day, this is an NYE movie for a number of reasons. Hear me out…

The Movie’s Climatic Moment Takes Place At A New Year’s Eve Party

From Harry Burns and Sally Albright’s first meeting to the classic “I’ll have what she’s having” scene to those adorable interviews with elderly couples, there are just too many wonderful moments. All of those take place throughout the year (or years, really), but the big scene, the one where Harry and Sally finally get together and share a passionate kiss, happens on… You guessed it, New Year’s Eve.

Everything about the final few minutes of the movie is just perfect. What starts as Harry walking through Washington Square Park (the spot where they first went their separate ways upon arriving in NYC) while looking sad and lonely, turns into a confrontation and perhaps the best back-and-forth interaction of all time:

• Sally Albright: I'm sorry, Harry. I know it's New Year's Eve. I know you're feeling lonely, but you just can't show up here, tell me you love me and expect that to make everything all right. It doesn't work this way.
• Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes, and I love that you are the last person I wanna talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

However, When Harry Met Sally… isn’t a great NYE movie simply because of its final scene…

New Year’s Eve Is About Remembering The Past While Looking Toward The Future

It’s not just the climactic New Year’s Eve scene. If anything, the holiday is about looking back on cherished moments from the past year while looking toward the future, and that’s pretty much what this movie is about. Though there were as many bad times (and awkward moments) as there were good times over the course of the 10 years they’ve known each other, they simply can’t let go. Instead, they take what they’ve learned and experienced and use it to get to a better tomorrow, one where they are finally together. However, they still can’t agree on the meaning of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Before I go, I would also like to just add that a local movie house is playing When Harry Met Sally over the holidays. Can you guess when it’s playing? If you guessed New Year’s Eve, you would be right…

It’s been almost two weeks since Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically murdered, and in that time, I’ve had a lot of in-person conversations with family and friends about his career. I’ve also read a ton of tributes and obituaries and watched a lot of podcasts and interviews that featured people talking about his career. Mostly it’s been affirming to hear how much actors loved working with him and how many people were touched by his warmth and wisdom in real life. Beyond that, however, it’s also caused me to realize something about his career: I don’t see it the same way as most other people. At first it was kind of frustrating, but as I’ve sat with that realization, I’ve started to realize how special that is.

I’ve probably seen The Princess Bride fifty times. I think it’s one the funniest, quirkiest, most quotable and triumphant movies of all time. I like to watch it when I’m sick. I like to watch it when I’m sad or happy or bored or bemused. I like to watch strangers watch it for the first time on YouTube. It would easily make my personal top five, and yet, a lot of obituaries for the director didn’t even mention it, not even in passing. I spoke to several friends and family members who haven’t even seen it. Some have seen it and don't really like it.

I also love This Is Spinal Tap. I say “such a fine line between stupid and clever” at least once a week. It was a go-to movie for my friends and I to put on in high school, and I’ve watched so many interviews with musicians over the years who have talked about how scary accurate and hilarious it is. Anderson Cooper just gave an interview where he said he’s “obsessed” with it, and yet, I saw tweet after tweet talking about how many brilliant movies Reiner made in the 80s and 90s, and many of them didn’t even mention Spinal Tap. Easily more than half the people I’ve talked to about Reiner have never seen it or just watched it recently.

To me personally, those are the Rob Reiner movies. They’re the reasons why I consider him an all-time fantastic director, and yet, to a lot of other people, they’re just footnotes in his career. They have very little or nothing at all to do with why they were touched by Rob Reiner’s life.

For other people, the movie that matters is When Harry Met Sally or Stand By Me. For others, it’s A Few Good Men or Misery. One of those is the movie they watched over and over in high school, or it’s the one they put on for company when no one else is around. One of those cheers them up or helps them cry out their feelings. One or two or all four of them are meaningful in a special and emotional way.

You might be saying this is just an example of having preferences, but if you really think about it, there aren’t many directors in the history of Hollywood who have made as many different movies with completely separate fanbases as Reiner. He’s not a Wes Anderson who has an overt visual style and relatively consistent tone that cuts through many of his movies. He didn’t make films for his specific fans. He made different movies that were likely to appeal to different types of people.

At first I thought that was a little lonely and disconcerting, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized how special and affirming that is. In real life, we connect with different people in different ways. We have a friend who also loves the Bears and another who also loves going to fancy restaurants. We have a family member we can be really raw and emotional and sad with and another who shares a really disturbing sense of humor. Different people bring different sides of our personality out, and in a special way, Rob Reiner’s career shows that.

The entertainment industry is still reeling from the news of Rob and Michele Reiner's death, which was an apparent homicide that their son Nick was arrested for. While tributes to Rob Reiner continue to roll in, more information about Nick's struggles with substance abuse are trickling out. And in a resurfaced podcast, he shared a story about throwing a rock through a window to get access to meds in the midst of his addiction.

Given the grisly nature of the Reiners' death, Hollywood and the public are both invested in every bit of news to come out of the situation. That includes Rob and Nick reportedly had an argument shortly before the homicide, as well as details about the younger Reiner's history with drug use. Back in 2016 Nick appeared on Dopey, a podcast about drug addiction and recovery. He shared how he was at a care center, and the lengths he went to get access to Wellbutrin. He shared:

Wellbutrin is typically used for issues like depression, but sometimes addicts can seek it out for euphoric affect it can have. While Rob Reiner said Nick was off drugs just months before his death, it took him a while to get to that place. And he went to great lengths to try and get some meds while at an addiction treatment facility.

In the podcast, Nick Reiner spoke highly about his relationship with his parents, which is definitely another reason why it's going viral right now. He got real about his desperation to get access to Wellbutrin while at rehab, saying:

This idea was a moment of desperation, and Nick Reiner recalled what went down when he eventually did take a rock to a window in hopes of getting access to medication. As he put it:

In the end, this stunt was successful and Nick was reportedly given access to the meds he wanted. He was honest about this story on the podcast, which has been going viral recently in the wake of the Reiners' death. Indeed, every bit of press that the family has done is being re-examined as the public tries to wrap their minds around the alleged homicide.

Prior to his arrest, Nick Reiner reportedly checked into a hotel, which he left bloody upon departing. He remains in custody, and all eyes are on how the legal system will play out in this very sobering story. Only time will tell how things ultimately go down, and how the late couple's loved ones are holding up.

Some movies shape careers, while others shape lives and generations. For Jerry O’Connell Stand By Me did all three, and his recent reflections on Rob Reiner make it painfully clear just how deep that impact ran. In the wake of the When Harry Met Sally director’s tragic death, the child star-turned-leading man has been opening up about the director who gave him his first real shot and, in many ways, set the entire course of his future in Hollywood.

O’Connell recently spoke about the mockumentary pioneer while appearing on CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes From a Life (via US Weekly), and his emotion was impossible to miss. The 51-year-old actor broke down while recalling a moment after filming Stand by Me, the former All in the Family star heard O’Connell was in Los Angeles and took the then-12-year-old out to lunch. According to O'Connell:

For a young actor still trying to find his footing, hearing that kind of affirmation from someone like Rob Reiner meant everything. Looking back, the actor credits not just Stand By Me but also his relationship with the A Few Good Men director for opening every door that followed in his career. He continued:

For a young actor still trying to find his footing, hearing that kind of affirmation from someone like Rob Reiner meant everything. Looking back, the Jerry Maguire alum credits not just Stand By Me but also his relationship with Reiner for opening every door that followed in his career. That gratitude hits even harder now, as the circumstances surrounding the filmmaker’s death continue to unfold.

Each new detail about the tragic killing of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, feels darker than the last. The couple was found dead in their Brentwood, California home earlier this month. Authorities have since arrested their son, Nick Reiner, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder. As the investigation continues, reports have revealed more about the Hollywood couple’s final days, including a dinner with close friend Maria Shriver just 48 hours before their deaths and a Christmas party where Rob and Nick were reportedly involved in a heated argument. Nick was later taken into custody and now faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted, as tributes for Rob and Michele continue to pour in from across Hollywood.

The Kangaroo Jack star has repeatedly described the sitcom staple-turned-moviemaker as the best director he has ever worked with, praising not just his filmography but also the way he treated people. The late director's career spanned genres with ease, but what stood out most to O’Connell was the trust he placed in young actors. Stand By Me wasn’t treated like a “kids' movie.” It was handled with genuine care and seriousness, helping cement it as one of the greatest Stephen King adaptations of all time and launching the careers of its young cast.

That includes O’Connell’s own performance as Vern Tessio, the often-overlooked, frequently teased member of the group, but also one of its emotional anchors. Vern’s kindness and vulnerability helped ground the story, and the actor brought a quiet sincerity to the role that’s still remembered decades later.

As he continues to process the loss, Jerry O’Connell has spoken openly about how deeply the late Oscar nominee’s death has affected him, once saying it felt like losing a parent. He’s also admitted that every professional experience after Stand By Me carried a strange sense of absence, as if something essential were missing without the American storyteller there with him on set. It’s a sentiment that says as much about Rob Reiner the person as it does the filmmaker.

Stand By Me is available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

It’s been nearly a week since actor and director Rob Reiner was found dead at 78 alongside his wife, Michele, in their Brentwood home. Since then, the couple’s son, Nick, has been taken into custody and is facing murder charges. More information has also been reported as of late, including details regarding the Reiners’ activities in the final few days before their deaths. Apparently, that included a dinner outing with friends, and a restaurant owner is now speaking out about his encounter with the pair 48 hours before they were killed.

The Reiners Reportedly Visited A Restaurant Two Days Before They Died

On Friday, December 12, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner reportedly had dinner at Amici, an Italian restaurant located in Los Angeles. At the time, the two were apparently accompanied by their good friend, former First Lady of California Maria Shriver. Tancredi DeLuca – the owner of the eatery – spoke with Daily Mail, during which he shared his recollections of seeing the Reiners and Shriver at his establishment. DeLuca shared some kind words about the couple before sharing his reaction to their murders:

According to the report, the Reiners were regulars at the restaurant (where the staff knew them for being genial) and commonly ordered the artichoke salad, which was apparently their favorite menu item. During their final visit to the establishment over a week ago, Michele and Rob reportedly enjoyed the Sogliola Alla Mugnaia, a special meal consisting of imported Dover sole covered in lemon caper sauce, broccolini and roasted potatoes. They allegedly enjoyed pasta with their meal as well.

More Has Been Said About The Reiners’ Final Few Days

The day after they dined at Amici, Michele and Rob Reiner attended a Christmas party held by comedian Conan O’Brien, and Nick was also in attendance. Allegedly, it was there that Nick and Rob got into a “very loud argument,” which was supposedly loud enough for other guests to hear. Per a source, Rob and Michele left the party after the former’s exchange with their son.

Nick Reiner reportedly checked into a hotel room after leaving his parents’ home on December 14, and staff members found blood in his room. Authorities later determined Reiner was “responsible” for his parents’ murders, and he was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. It’s since been reported by KTLA 5 and others that the younger Reiner was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. Rob spoke about Nick in an interview from this past September, which recently resurfaced and, at the time, he said he was “in a really good place.”

Since their deaths, many have paid tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner, including celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Cary Elwes, Kathy Bates and Ron Howard. At the same time, it’s been reported that family friends like Billy Crystal and Albert Brooks have been supporting the Reiners’ other kids – Jake (34) and Romy (27). As the situation continues to unfold and information continues to surface, we extend our condolences to the Reiner family at this time.

It was a heartbreaking shock to discover that Rob Reiner and his wife died. Of course, tributes came pouring in from actors and creatives who were impacted and deeply moved by the filmmaker. One of Reiner’s first assistant directors, Dennis Maguire, was another person in his life who didn’t shy away from shining a light on what he learned from him, saying, “as a human being, [he] did everything he could.”

The world lost a talented actor-turned-director in Rob Reiner. Rising to prominence playing Mike in All in the Family, his feature directing career soared on the first try with the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. His directorial career continued growing from there with Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, When Harry Met Sally, and more.

First AD Dennis Maguire, who worked with Reiner on Misery and the reshoots for Stand By Me, reflected on the late filmmaker's talents and career, too. He made sure to tell Business Insider a memorable story of when they filmed in Lake Tahoe, and the snow machines weren’t working. Feeling like Maguire let his director down, the Misery filmmaker offered him words of encouragement to ease his worries:

Rob Reiner made a great point in that there’s only so much that crews can control. It’s an admirable quality that the A Few Good Men director handled obstacles with ease and didn’t allow that to ruin his day. That’s all the more reason why Maguire said he felt grateful for their past collaborations:

Maguire continued to go on about other lessons he learned from the Wolf of Wall Street actor, like how he was open to suggestions to make a scene great, as well as shooting short days to avoid the cast and crew being burned out. Reiner may have broken into the entertainment industry as an actor first, but he clearly left a massive mark behind the camera and on those he worked with.

In the days since news broke that Reiner and his wife were killed, tributes and reflections have poured in left and right. All this is to say, the impact these two left on the entertainment industry is insurmountable and incredibly positive.

Rob Reiner clearly impacted AD Dennis Maguire by teaching him about controlling what you can and not worrying about the rest. While his death proved to be a heartbreaking loss to loved ones and fans, we should follow the advice of When Harry Met Sally's Meg Ryan, who said his story “will not end with this impossible tragedy.” Overall, Reiner’s legacy is legendary, and his impact will live on forever in the films he created and the artists he inspired.

Both the Hollywood community and moviegoers in general are still reeling from the shocking deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The pair were killed in an apparent homicide, shortly after Rob and his son Nick Reiner (the prime suspect) argued at a party. Details are till trickling out, and while some people can't believe that Nick was arrested, celebrities like Billy Crystal are reportedly rallying around their other children.

Information about the alleged homicide has been consistently coming out, including reports Nick Reiner left behind a bloody hotel room. But what's been happening with the family Rob and Michele left behind? People is reporting that those kids Jake and Romy are being cared for by their parents' Hollywood friends, as an anonymous source claimed:

One can only imagine the grief and complicated feelings that Rob and Michele Reiner's kids are feeling after their parents violent deaths. And the news that their brother was arrested for the homicide makes things all the more complicated. So the fact that they've got folks in their corner is sure to be a relief to the many fans who are following this story as it unfolds.

Rob Reiner gave a positive update about Nick just months before his death, which is another reason why the grizzly nature of the alleged murder is so shocking. One can only imagine how their surviving children are feeling, but apparently they're getting a ton of support from the loved ones the Reiner left behind. As the same source claimed:

In addition to folks like Billy Crystal and Albert Brooks, Rob Reiner is also survived by his daughter Tracy from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall. That's yet another person who Jake and Romy can seemingly lean on during this impossible time. Regarding how those two siblings are doing, that source allegedly close to the family said:

While the tragedy of these deaths is unimaginable, it's definitely heartening to hear just how much love is around the Reiner family. What's more, sweet stories about the late couple are also coming out as a result, including Rob Reiner accidentally buying his friend Norman Lear's home.

Tributes to Rob and Michel Reiner started rolling in shortly after their deaths, showing how loved the were in life. Fans have also been re-watching the director/actor's work on TV and film, showing the legacy he left behind. Hopefully that will be a comfort to the Reiners' loved ones during this time.

The entertainment industry and world as a whole was shocked when it was revealed that director/actor Rob Reiner and his wife were killed in an apparent homicide last week. The story was made all the more shocking because their son Nick was arrested as the primary suspect in their deaths. Nick and Rob reportedly had an argument shortly before the murder, and now an interview that the director did before his death is making the rounds, especially thanks to the encouraging statement he gave about his son's issues just months ago.

New details about what went down after the Reiners' deaths are still trickling out, including reports that Nick left behind a bloody hotel room before his arrest. His mental health and addiction issues actually took center stage in the 2015 film Being Charlie, which starred Nick and was directed by Rob. In a resurfaced interview with NPR from September, the Harry Met Sally icon spoke about a difference between the father character in that film and his own experience trying to support his son IRL. In his words:

In Being Charlie, the father character, played by Princess Bride collaborator Cary Elwes, had some resentment about caring for his addict son and balancing his own career ambitions. But per Rob Reiner, that wasn't the case, as Nick was struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Since his death, tributes to Rob Reiner have been rolling in from his many friends and collaborators. Folks are also likely going to re-watch Being Charlie, which was at least partly inspired by their actual relationship. During that same interview with NPR, Reiner offered an encouraging update about how his son is doing, saying:

This was certainly a hopeful message, especially in relation to what moviegoing audiences might have seen in Being Charlie. While the circumstances around Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths are still revealed, these comments offer a much different look at the family's interpersonal dynamic from the grisly homicide that's been dominating the news cycle.

The world is still in shock from Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths, and folks like Meg Ryan have issued statements about the tragic loss. Only time will tell how the justice system will play out, but the moviegoing public is definitely looking back on Reiner's legacy in TV and film. That includes Being Charlie.

Being Charlie is currently available to stream for free over on Tubi.

Following the tragic and shocking deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer, tons of his collaborators, friends and fans mourned this loss by posting tributes for the couple and the director's work. Now, Meg Ryan, who was one of the stars of Reiner's movie When Harry Met Sally, which is widely considered one of the best rom-coms ever made, has opened up about these deaths with an emotional tribute.

The day after Nick Reiner was charged with the murder of his parents, Meg Ryan posted about their deaths. She uploaded a sweet photo of herself and the director dancing together on Instagram, and wrote a long and heartfelt caption, which reads, in part:

When Harry Met Sally is a classic romance, and the ending was even inspired by Reiner and his wife’s love story. For many, myself included, this film is a favorite, and in the days since the couple’s passing, there’s been a lot of appreciation shown to both this rom-com starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal and the director’s other iconic work.

Many others who worked with Reiner have also shared emotional tributes for the late director and his wife, including Ryan’s co-lead, Billy Crystal, who released a statement to AP News with many of the couple’s other friends, including Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Larry David, and many more. Along with Ryan and Crystal, other stars from Reiner’s movies shared tributes, too, including Cary Elwes, who starred in The Princess Bride, Misery’s Kathy Bates, Stand By Me’s Jerry O’Connell and Corey Feldman and many, many more.

In the actress’s post, she wrote about how tragic these deaths are. She also explained that she hopes this story will not end in “impossible tragedy.” Here’s the rest of her statement:

In the comments of Meg Ryan’s emotional tribute to Reiner and Singer, many celebrities shared their support. This included her son, Jack Quaid, who commented:

Alongside him, other prominent actors and performers showed their love and support. Here are a few more comments:

• so sorry for your loss meg. thought of you instantly ❤️ -Rachel Zegler
• 🤍 -Julianne Hough
• 🤍-Jaimie Alexander

Overall, in the wake of this tragedy, there’s been a lot of celebration of Rob Reiner’s work. This has included posts and statements about his iconic films, like When Harry Met Sally. To this day, it’s considered one of the finest movies of the ‘80s, and it, along with other classic films like Stand By Me and The Princess Bride have cemented the director as one of the greats.

In the days since Reiner and Singer’s deaths, an investigation into their murders has been conducted. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and appeared in court, per the NYT. It was reported that Nick was seen arguing with his dad at Conan O’Brien’s party days before his death, and blood was found everywhere in his hotel room following his parents’ passing.

This is still a developing story, so as we learn more about their murders, we’ll keep you updated. Meanwhile, those who worked with Rob Reiner and those who loved his movies will continue to mourn the passing of him and his wife.

The list of beloved Rob Reiner movies is hardly a short one, but for me, the top of the list has to be This Is Spinal Tap. I adore the original mockumentary, but only slightly lower on my personal list is The Princess Bride, which I’ve watched dozens of times over the years. That film, which you can watch with a Hulu subscription, also has one of my favorite movie easter eggs of all time. If you didn’t know, the hat that Marty DiBergi (Reiner) wears in This Is Spinal Tap makes a subtle appearance in The Princess Bride. Here’s how that happened.

How The Hat Got There

The story has become a bit of a legend in recent years, but Reiner first laid out the basics of the story in the liner notes of the soundtrack for The Princess Bride. Reiner approached Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler about handling soundtrack duties for the fantasy film, and Knopfler, like almost every rock star, loved Spinal Tap. The guitarist had one request, however: he would do the music, but the hat would have to make an appearance in the movie.

Reiner took him seriously, though in those same notes, Knopfler admitted he was only joking. One problem Reiner had was that the actual hat from This Is Spinal Tap was missing. No worries, he simply got the prop department for The Princess Bride to recreate the blue Navy hat with “USS OORAL SEA OV-4B” written on it (with the very ’80s laurels on the bill). If you’re wondering how Reiner would work a modern hat into a fantasy movie set in ye olden times, look closely at the wall in the grandson’s room; it’s back there with all the other stuff behind Fred Savage.

It’s Not The Princess Bride's Only Connection To Spinal Tap

While the hat may be the most subtle connection to Spinal Tap in The Princess Bride, it’s not the only one, of course. Obviously, Rob Reiner directed both movies, and two cast members from Spinal Tap are part of The Princess Bride cast. Christopher Guest, who plays Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, also plays the villain Count Tyrone Rugen in The Princess Bride. Billy Crystal, who you might not even recognize at first as a mime in Spinal Tap, of course, plays Miracle Max in The Princess Bride.

Reiner loved working with the same actors over the years. Crystal and Reiner also teamed up for arguably the best rom-com of all time, When Harry Met Sally, and Guest and Reiner have worked together on these two movies, and what will now be Reiner’s final film, the 2025 movie release, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Guest himself is semi-retired now.

The world lost an icon with the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, and it was little things like this, sticking a small prop from an earlier movie in a new one, that endeared him to so many people around Hollywood and, indeed, around the world.

The world, and the entertainment industry, are still reeling from the death of actor/filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele from an apparent homicide. The story has sent shockwaves through the community, especially since their son Nick has been arrested and is the primary suspect. Information about the alleged incident are still trickling out, and a new report claims Nick checked into a hotel and left it full of blood.

Given the grisly nature of the Reiners' deaths, the public has been following every new update. Nick reportedly had an argument with his parents at a party before they were killed, and TMZ recently offered an update about what happened after the apparent homicide. Sources tell the outlet that he checked into the Pierside Santa Monica Sunday morning and "left a trail of blood behind" him.

He apparently checked in at around 4AM and never actually checked out of the room. Per an anonymous source, the staff reportedly found his shower "full of blood", with blood also on found on his bed. The cops were eventually called and collected evidence as well as interviews from employees of the hotel.

Tributes to Rob Reiner started rolling in after news of his death, making it clear just how much he and his wife met to those they interacted with in the entertainment industry. As are BTS stories like how his wife Michele inspired the ending of When Harry Met Sally. Their legacy is being honored while more information about their deaths arrive. And each new detail is as grisly and sobering as the next.

Nick Reiner was eventually arrested near downtown Los Angeles, and the public is invested in seeing how the legal system plays out in this high profile case. The violence involved with Rob and Michele's deaths was shocking, particularly since it was allegedly perpetrated by their own son. Nick reportedly had been struggling with substance issues, in addition to whatever argument conspired between him an his parents right before the incident. Still, there are countless questions about how and why this all happened.

While the public continues to monitor this situation, stories about the filmmaker's life and career are also being shared online. That includes Reiner accidentally buying his friend Norman Lear's home, as well as behind the scenes information about his various movie and TV projects. He's leaves behind a long resume and legacy, as well as countless friends and fans who have been touched by his work over the years.

CinemaBlend will continue to provide updates are more information about Reiner's death and Nick's arrest are revealed. For now, fans can re-watch his beloved projects like Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, and When Harry Met Sally among many others.

In the wake of the shocking deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, attention has inevitably turned to the Brentwood home where the couple spent more than three decades. The house carries a history that’s personal for the When Harry Met Sally filmmaker. To him, it was the real-life version of a dream shaped by television, friendship, and mentorship. It also came with a twist: the home once belonged to his boss and longtime friend Norman Lear, and without meaning to, the Spinal Tap helmer ended up buying it.

In a 2015 PBS American Masters digital interview, Reiner remembered the days when he’d go over to Lear’s place to play tennis while working on one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, All in the Family. He was taken with the house from the start, the kind of place that lodges itself in your mind. The comedy mainstay said he’d look around and think:

Years later, after the Stand by Me director married Michele Singer, that offhand dream quietly became reality. Singer began looking for a house that matched everything her husband had talked about over the years. When she found one that felt right, she didn’t immediately tell him whose house it was. Only after showing it to him did she reveal that it had been the former home of Norman Lear. The Princess Bride director recognized it instantly.

The house itself was already storied. Built in 1936, it had once been owned by Henry Fonda, where Jane and Peter Fonda were born, and later by actor Paul Henreid before Lear purchased it. Lear added a screening room and hosted political and creative gatherings that brought presidents, artists, and activists through its doors. When the Reiners bought the house, they became the latest custodians of that history.

The pop culture fixture marveled at the coincidence but also at the continuity of the home’s legacy. Political discussions, creative debates, and laughter had always filled the space, and that didn’t change when the family moved in. The director reflected on the experience:

The house represents a through line of comedy and activism, tied to people who believed entertainment could do more than entertain. Lear showed Reiner that a sitcom could confront bigotry head-on, that a filmmaker didn’t have to stay on the sidelines, and that success came with an obligation to engage. Those ideas stayed with the Oscar-nominated director long after All in the Family ended.

As Hollywood share their condolences and reflects on the influential movie maker’s life and legacy, the Brentwood house feels less like a piece of real estate and more like a living record of American television history. It’s a place where humor, politics, and creative risk overlapped for generations. And it’s where a young actor’s passing thought about “the kind of house I would like” quietly turned into the home that came to define his life.

Details surrounding the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner continue to emerge, but much remains unresolved. For now, the focus remains on honoring their lives and the legacy they leave behind — in film, in television, and in the personal histories tied to the Brentwood home they shared for so many years. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and all those who loved and admired them during this difficult time.

It was reported at the tail end of this past weekend that prolific actor and director Rob Reiner died at the age of 78 and that his body had been found next to that of his wife, Michele Singer (70) in their home. Since then, new information on the situation has been released by law enforcement and, on Monday, it was confirmed that the couple’s son, Nick (32) had been arrested on murder charges related to his parents’ deaths. Now, a new report alleges that Rob and Nick got into a heated discussion a day prior at Conan O’Brien’s house.

The Reiners were allegedly present at Conan O’Brien’s house in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 13 for a Christmas party. Sources told TMZ that, at some point, during the get-together, Nick and Rob began to engage in what became a “very loud argument” that was supposedly loud enough for others to hear. It’s said that following that confrontation, Rob and Michele left the party, though it’s unclear if Nick left around that same time. Representatives for the Reiner family have not verified these claims, as of this writing.

Sources for the outlet also alleged that this situation came after months of Rob Reiner and his wife purportedly contending with their son’s personal issues. Nick has reportedly dealt with addiction as well as mental health-related challenges. It was also alleged that Michele, in particular, was unsure of how to handle her son’s supposed situation.

According to reports, the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the Reiners’ residence in Brentwood around 3:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, December 14. It was reported around that time that two bodies were found on the premises, though authorities didn’t confirm the identities of the two people at that time. Per the police, the deceased had wounds that were caused by a knife.

Nick Reiner was arrested on Sunday around 9:15 p.m., and he was initially being held at $4 million bail. However, per CBS News, authorities have now stated that Reiner is being held without bail. The Being Charlie writer is currently facing murder charges.

The son of famed writer, actor and comedian Carl Reiner, Rob began working as an actor in the ‘60s, landing bit roles in TV shows before breaking through in the acclaimed Norman Lear-produced sitcom All in the Family in 1971. As a cast member of what’s considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, Rob won two Emmys. Of course, in time, he’d also jump to directing and, throughout his illustrious career, he helmed iconic movies like This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, Misery, When Harry Met Sally… and A Few Good Men.

Since news of Rob Reiner’s death broke, he’s been widely mourned in Hollywood, with many celebrities paying tribute who directed some of the best rom-coms and drama films of all time. Among those to offer their condolences were Cary Elwes, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kathy Bates, Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman and Ron Howard. Remembrances have also poured in for Michele Singer, who apparently impacted her husband’s work on a few occasions.

As it stands, information regarding the Reiners’ deaths and Nick’s current status is still gradually trickling down. While that happens, we at CinemaBlend continue to extend our condolences to the Reiner family and their loved ones at this time.

The film world is still grappling with the shocking reports surrounding the deaths of iconic director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner. As investigations continue and details remain fluid, the loss has prompted fans to revisit the body of work the Spinal Tap director leaves behind. And it’s an extraordinary one. From definitive Stephen King adaptations like Stand by Me and Misery to courtroom classics and the best romantic comedies, Reiner’s filmography helped shape modern Hollywood. What many fans don’t realize about one of his most iconic films, When Harry Met Sally, is that it almost had a depressingly different ending, until he changed it, and Reiner's wife is to thank.

As the former sitcom star explained in a past interview with CNN (via The Hollywood Reporter), the film began from a much more cynical place. Co-written with the late Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally was initially conceived during a period when Reiner had spent a long stretch alone, unsure whether lasting love was even possible. That uncertainty shaped the early drafts, including a far sadder trajectory for Meg Ryan’s Sally. He explained:

That single decision reshaped the original melancholy ambiguity of the ending, and was replaced with the now-iconic New Year’s Eve confession; Harry racing through a crowded party to tell Sally he loves everything about her, including the things that drive him crazy. It’s a declaration born from lived experience.

It’s one of those rare moments where real life doesn’t just inspire art — it actively rewrites it. As Reiner’s personal outlook shifted, so did the film’s emotional philosophy. Harry and Sally didn’t just end up together because the man telling the story had rediscovered faith in connection and long-term love.

It’s also a reminder of how collaborative and profoundly personal filmmaking can be. Michele Reiner altered the emotional DNA of one of the most beloved romantic films ever made. Without that relationship, When Harry Met Sally might still be clever, I mean, the iconic fake orgasm scene would still be funny, but it likely wouldn’t be the comfort-watch-classic, audiences return to year after year.

Revisiting that history now, amid heartbreaking and still-unfolding news, adds an extra layer of weight to the film’s legacy. Love didn’t just change Rob Reiner personally, but also changed his work. And in doing so, he gave generations of viewers an ending more hopeful than the one he once imagined.

As reporting around the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner continues to develop, fans and friends have taken to social media to share their grief. We at CinemaBlend extend our deepest condolences to the Reiner family and their loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.

Many in Hollywood and around the country are both shocked and in mourning following the tragic news that filmmaking icon Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner were the victims of an apparent homicide on Sunday, December 14. Details still have yet to be fully confirmed as far as what exactly went down and why, but the husband and wife were found dead in their Brentwood home reportedly with their throats cut. At this time, police have not made any arrests, and no suspects have been identified.

According to ABC7, Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David and When Harry Met Sally’s Billy Crystal both showed up in person at different times at the Reiners’ residence after the news broke. At this time, it doesn’t appear as if either comedy star has publicly commented on the incident, but plenty of other acting legends and A-listers have been paying tribute.

Jamie Lee Curtis And Christopher Guest (This Is Spinal Tap)

Christopher Guest most recently worked with Rob Reiner for the long-awaited rock-umentary Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the sequel to one of the funniest comedies ever, (At the time, Reiner even talked to CinemaBlend about famed musicians’ reactions to the first film’s release.) To be expected, both Guest and wife Jamie Lee Curtis were taken aback by the news.

Kathy Bates (Misery)

Kathy Bates, currently the star of CBS' Matlock reboot, worked with the director while portraying one of her most famous characters: Annie Wilkes, the obsessive reader/kidnapper in Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's Misery. Sharing her grief-filled statement about both deaths with NBC News, Bates said:

Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride)

Cary Elwes will forever be associated with the hilariousness of 1987's The Princess Bride, which Rob Reiner both produced and directed. The latter even took on the role of the grandfather for the celebrity-filled 2020 fan film Home Movie: The Princess Bride, which also featured his own father Carl Reiner in his final on-screen performance ahead of his death that same year. (Both Reiners separately starred in two of the greatest sitcoms of all time, All in the Family and The Dick Van Dyke Show, respectively,) and Elwes didn't share many words in his Instagram post, but he didn't really need them to make his point clear.

Jerry O'Connell (Stand By Me)

Another friend and past project co-star of Reiner's, Jerry O'Connell also kept his words nearly as limited as Elwes did, but they still packed quite the emotional punch. O'Connell's very first on-screen film role was for 1986's beloved coming-of-age drama Stand By Me, an adaptation of Stephen King's short story "The Body." So you know he probably has very strong memories about working with the director.

Corey Feldman (Stand By Me)

Jerry O'Connell's Stand By Me co-star Corey Feldman, who has publicly spoken out against filmmakers he worked with as a child actor, has long held Rob Reiner up as one of the good ones. His message on X reflects that sentiment, as he wrote:

Ron Howard

Fellow director and '70s sitcom star Ron Howard also took to social media to share kind words for his longtime friend and colleague. While the two didn't seem to share the screen in anything, Howard did address the fact that Rob Reiner co-wrote the pilot episode of Happy Days along with Garry Marshall and Philip Mishkin. As Howard put it on X:

Eric Idle

Eric Idle, a founding member of the iconic Monty Python troupe, also co-created The Rutles, a Beatles-spoofing musical group that has released a handful of albums across the past 40 years. The Rutles were also a direct inspiration for all things Spinal Tap, and Idle revealed that he'd been speaking with the director just hours before he was killed. As Idle put it:

Mira Sorvino

Oscar winner Mira Sorvino is one of the many actors who only co-starred with Rob Reiner in a project but wasn’t ever directed in anything by him, which possibly made it an even easier relationship to thrive in. Sorvino and Reiner co-starred in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama Hollywood, and she clearly had positive experiences with him there.

We at CinemaBlend send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of the Reiner family during this mournful time.

Update: This story has been amended to include new information regarding Rob Reiner and Michele Singer's son, Nick, as well as other additional details.

Hollywood has sadly lost yet another massive talent in Rob Reiner. The iconic actor and director is reportedly dead following a homicide that apparently unfolded at his home in California. It’s also tragically been reported that Reiner’s wife, Michele Singer, was also found dead at the scene. As of this writing, the situation is still developing and certain specifics have yet to be shared. Reiner and Singer were 78 and 70, respectively, at the time of their deaths.

News of Rob Reiner and his wife’s deaths was reported Sunday night, at which point it was said that two dead bodies were found at their residence in Brentwood. The Los Angeles Fire Department was apparently called to the house around 3:30 p.m PT that day. Early on, TMZ didn’t confirm the identities of the two people, though it was said that the deceased matched the descriptions of Reiner and his spouse.

The news outlet reported that Singer and Reiner suffered lacerations from a knife. Further wasn't initially divulged, as LAPD Robbery Homicide Division detectives are still looking into the situation. However, it was reported on Monday, December 15 that Nick Reiner -- Rob and Michele's son -- had been arrested and charged with murder in connection to his parents' deaths. Sources claim that Nick, who's alleged suffered from addiction and mental health issues -- also got into an argument with his dad on Saturday, December 13 during a party at Conan O'Brien's house.

Born to late comedian, actor and producer Carl Reiner and actress and singer Estelle Reiner on March 6, 1947, Rob began acting in plays in the 1960s. During that same decade, the budding actor landed small roles in classic shows like The Andy Griffith Show, The Beverly Hillbillies and Batman. He also carved out a space for himself as a comedy writer through his work on Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. However, Rob’s biggest break on the small screen would come in the ‘70s.

In 1971, Rob Reiner began starring in the groundbreaking Norman Lear-produced show All in the Family, which is considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Reiner played the character of Mike Stivic, a young liberal who often clashed with bigoted father-in-law Archie Bunker. Reiner was a main cast member during eight of the show’s nine seasons and won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor – Comedy Series. Also, Reiner reprised Stivic on the spinoff series, Archie Bunker’s Place.

Reiner would land a host of other acting roles over the course of his career via films like Where's Poppa?, Throw Momma from the Train, The First Wives Club, Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street. He also appeared in a host of TV shows beyond his stint on AITF, with some of his credits from the past decade or so being New Girl, Hollywood and The Bear.

Of course, Rob Reiner really made his mark on cinema through his work as a director and, in his time, he helmed movies that are now considered classics. He made his directorial debut with the hilarious mockumentary film This is Spinal Tap, and he helmed the long-gestating sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which opened in theaters this past September. Other films of his include the Stephen King adaptations Stand By Me and Misery, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally… (one of the all-time rom-coms), The Princess Bride, Misery, A Few Good Men and The American President.

While promoting Spinal Tap II, earlier this year, the late New York native regaled the press with stories about his body of work. For instance, he spoke about how famous musicians reacted to Spinal Tap upon its release and what it was like filming When Harry Met Sally… 's iconic fake orgasm scene in the presence of his mother.

Tributes have since poured in for Reiner and Singer, as a host of celebrities and fans have been sharing their remembrances. Cary Elwes, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kathy Bates and Ron Howard are among those who've reflected on Reiner following his death.

In terms of his personal life, Rob Reiner was married to late actress and director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and, during that union, he adopted Marshall’s daughter, eventual actress Tracy Reiner. It was the ‘80s that Reiner met Michele Singer, and the two tied the knot in 1989. The couple had three children – sons Jake and Nick as well as daughter Romy.

Rob Reiner leaves a vast legacy and a firm body of work that is sure to be enjoyed for generations to come. We here at CinemaBlend extend our deepest condolences to Reiner and Michele Singer’s family and friends during this difficult time.

It’s a famous story. Back in 1989 when Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner were coming up with When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan swapped some of the tight writing to move the scene about faking orgasms to a diner. She also suggested she fake an orgasm publicly, which was not in the script. Rob Reiner then cast his already-famous mom Estelle in the scene, and she ended up with one of the most iconic lines in the movie, and in rom-com history as a whole. But filming an orgasm scene in front of your mom is not for the faint of heart.

Rob Reiner recently appeared on 60 Minutes as part of the press run he’s been doing for Spinal Tap 2, but forget exploding drummers, because what I was really interested in was the story about his mom and how it impacted one of the best rom-coms of all time. Luckily, CBS’ Lesley Stahl had to ask him about the famous scene from the room-com starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. While the scene ultimately became iconic, it was more than a little awkward filming it in front of cameras and other people.

Intriguingly, a few years back, Ryan thanked Crystal for making the "orgasm" scene so easy to film. Sounds like it may have been easier for the actors than the director...

This isn’t the only time the scene, filmed at Katz’s Deli in New York, would lead to awkward moments. Ryan went on to have kids, including The Boys’ Jack Quaid, who had to confront the fact their mom was responsible for one of the most famous “orgasm” scenes ever in their own childhoods. Eventually, Quaid watched When Harry Met Sally when he signed on for a rom-com in Hollywood himself, but it was a long path to get there.

Still, It Was Rob Reiner's Own Idea To Sign On His Mom

Meanwhile, Katz’s Deli is still a popular establishment, and Billy Crystal himself went a couple of years ago on When Harry Met Sally’s anniversary. It was Crystal who ultimately wrote the “I’ll have what she’s having” line while they all collaborated on the scene, as Nora Ephron revealed in an interview years ago. Then, as the ideas continued flowing, Ephron remembered Rob Reiner suggested his mom.

He said of the epiphany moment:

Giving your mom the gift of an iconic movie line is priceless, but it sounds like what Estelle Reiner really cared about was the day with her son. I love that both things worked out exactly as they were intended.

When we talk about the best ‘80s movies, it’d be inconceivable for The Princess Bride not to come up. The 1987 comedy adventure is endlessly quotable, and a huge part of pop culture, even though it's been over 35 years since its release. When a movie is as successful as The Princess Bride, the Hollywood question that always comes up is whether it will get a remake, a sequel or be left alone. Robin Wright has just weighed in on that conversation.

These days, it feels like just about every classic is coming back around. But, could (or should) that happen for The Princess Bride? Here’s what Wright had to say:

When Robin Wright talked about the possibility of a sequel to AARP, she briefly commented on why she thinks a Princess Bride sequel will “never” happen. It sounds like she thinks the cast is too old at this point to embody their characters again. Wright herself is 59, Cary Elwes is 62, Mandy Patinkin is 72, Christopher Sarandon is 83 and Wallace Shawn is 81. André the Giant sadly died at the age of 46 back in 1993 due to congestive heart failure.

While Wright’s words suggest the time has long passed for another Princess Bride movie to happen, there are also a couple of points to make here. What would even be the point of bringing the whole cast back for another Princess Bride? What story needs to be told? And, considering the unique magic of the original film, it would likely seem simply impossible to recapture that magic as well.

The movie’s director Rob Reiner spoke about the topic to CBR while at San Diego Comic-Con, saying that he would never direct a sequel unless the writer William Goldman was on board, and he apparently tried to write a book called Buttercup’s Baby, and three chapters in he said it wasn’t “working” and decided he didn’t want to “go there.”

Cary Elwes shared his thoughts on more Princess Bride back in 2021, saying he felt it was “best left alone” while calling out Hollywood for making so many reboots and remakes so “they don’t have to spend as much on marketing”.

While a lot of famous movies do find a way into a reboot or remake, it definitely seems like the creatives and cast agree that The Princess Bride shouldn’t become a franchise. The movie is so iconic and fun that one time stormin’ the castle is enough.

Movie bands don’t get much bigger than Spinal Tap. Original introduced as part of a live TV special, they became a part of pop culture history with the release of the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap – which followed their exploits amid the release of a new album and a series of concert performances. Bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls are properly recognized the world over as legends it was thusly a thrill that CinemaBlend was recently invited to interview them in coordination with the release of the new sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

As captured in the video above, CinemaBlend’s Jeff McCobb had the chance to sit down with the bandmates and documentarian Marty DiBergi to discuss the most recent chapters of their lives (actors Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner never breaking character during the conversation), and they talked about a number of different topics, including outreach to Ringo Starr about potentially coming aboard as a drummer, the status of the percussionist that they hired for their reunion show in New Orleans, and how they view their influence on performers like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

There Was Outreach To Ringo Starr, But He Wouldn’t Accept Spinal Tap’s Calls

A notable part of the Spinal Tap legacy is that the band doesn’t have a terrific history with drummers. Many talented musicians have signed on to keep the beat for classics like “Big Bottoms” and “Give Me Some Money,” but they have a scary history of meeting with tragic ends – ranging from choking to spontaneous combustion. A standout sequence in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues sees David, Nigel and Derek try to find a new talent to set up a kit on stage with them, but one name we don’t see them approach on screen is Beatles great Ringo Starr.

Fellow Beatle Paul McCartney has a standout cameo in the new 2025 movie, arriving during a studio session and offering up notes on the band’s sound ahead of their big reunion concert, but did Spinal Tap ever turn to his drummer friend about collaboration? The answer is yes… but things didn’t exactly go as planned:

• David St. Hubbins: Yeah, we did, we did? Yes. He refused the call. Oh, he said, ‘You must be joking. I've come this far.’ And dot dot dot. And that was it.
• Derek Smalls: And then, you know, he's on tour all the time. He doesn't have time for a one off. He didn't express any interest.

It’s probably for the best. Given that there are only two members of The Beatles left, they have arrived in “precious resource” territory, and it’s definitely best that one of them doesn’t do anything as incredibly silly as sign on to be the drummer for Spinal Tap.

So What Happened To Spinal Tap’s New Drummer

In Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the bad gets “nos” from talent including The Roots’ Questlove, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, but they do eventually find a willing and gifted auditionee in Didi Crockett (Valerie Franco) – who not only has incredible skills as a percussionist but is also a big fan of the band.

The film leaves her fate uncertain, as the final shot has her receiving the Heimlich maneuver from a panicked Marty DiBergi in a freeze-frame… so is she doing ok? Apparently she is still alive, but DiBergi told CinemaBlend that she isn’t yet out of the woods:

A bit callous? Maybe. But the reputation for Spinal Tap drummers is clearly well-known within the music community, and she clearly knew the risks that came with the gig. One gets the impression watching the movie that she felt as though she was supported by good luck and positive vibes… but signing on for the job is a lot like evading death in the Final Destination franchise: you may get the impression that you’re safe, but you’re definitely not.

Also featuring the talents of Fran Drescher, John Michael Higgins, Don Lake, and Kerry Godliman – not to mention cameos from Elton John, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and more – Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is now playing in theaters everywhere.

Some of the offerings on the 2025 movie calendar have proved that it’s never too late to revisit an old classic. We’ve had I Know What You Did Last Summer (which came 19 years after its previous installment), The Naked Gun (31 years after its last movie), and now there’s Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which has both of those beat with 41 years separating it from 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap. Critics have seen the highly anticipated sequel to one of the best music movies ever made, so does it go to 11?

Critics are weighing in on the return of Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), as filmmaker Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner) documents the band’s reunion and final show. Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence gives the rockumentary Spinal Tap II: The End Continues an A-, calling it a “joyful, music-filled ride” that’s worthy of the band’s legacy. She writes:

Indeed, the trio have been playing together as Spinal Tap for decades (and as The Folksmen from A Mighty Wind), so the comfortability between the actors adds to the nostalgia factor that The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck notes in his assessment. There’s plenty to enjoy, he says, inspiring giggles if not guffaws. The critic continues:

Clint Gage of IGN rates it an “Okay” 6 out of 10, saying it doesn’t live up to the original, but with many fans considering it the funniest movie they’ve seen in their life, he says it’s also kind of unfair to expect it to. Rob Reiner and three stars are clearly having a blast being back together, and the result is a comedy that’s “absolutely fine.” Gage writes:

Ryan Lattanzio of IndieWire also gives it a middling grade of C+, saying this one will be appreciated by those who love the first movie, fans of Christopher Guest’s other mockumentaries, and audience members who are high. Says the critic:

John Nugent of Empire gives it just 2 stars out of 5, saying the brilliance of This Is Spinal Tap makes the disappointment of Spinal Tap II that much more crushing. “It’s as unfunny as the original was funny,” writes Nugent, who continues:

Many of the critics admit that The End Continues isn’t as good as the 1984 cult classic, but considering how tall an order that is, I don’t think that should deter people from checking this one out when it hits theaters on Friday, September 12.

Comedy is a lot harder to pull off successfully than it's often given credit for. It makes sense that some of the best filmmakers in history began their careers as comics, or at least comedic actors, given how a great comedian's mind works. They see the world in completely different ways, and that way of looking at things often means great movies, like some of the best rom-coms of all time, but they aren't always comedies. Here is our list of great comics who became great filmmakers.

Mel Brooks

You really couldn't have this list without Mel Brooks. His movies, which he's been making for an astonishing seven decades, never fail to disappoint. His career stretches back to the 1940s! He reinvented comedy on film with his early movies like The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein, and while he doesn't do as much directing these days, he's still killing it when he does.

Jordan Peele

Of all the comedians-turned-directors on this list, the biggest departure from his acting career to his directing career has to be Jordan Peele. He first entered our collective consciousness with his legendary sketch comedy show Key and Peele, but starting with Get Out in 2017, he's become one of the premier horror directors in modern Hollywood.

Amy Poehler

Like so many comedians over the last 50 years or so, Amy Poehler got her big break on Saturday Night Live. She left the long-running comedy show in 2008 to work on her next hit show, Parks & Recreation. In 2019, she directed her first movie, Wine Country, and followed that up with 2021's Moxie.

Christopher Guest

Some of the most quotable movies of all time have come from the collective minds of the ensemble casts that Christopher Guest has assembled for his movies, like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind. He serves as the director, but he gives great leeway to his fellow cast members in all of the movies.

Paul Feig

Though he's best known as a writer and a director these days, Paul Feig started as a stand-up comedian when he first arrived in Hollywood in the 1980s. He struggled as an actor before scoring a role in Heavyweights in 1995. While working on that movie, he met writer Judd Apatow and the two co-created Freaks and Geeks. The rest is history.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller's biggest early break came in the Ben Stiller Show on MTV, which blended sketch comedy with music videos. From there, Stiller basically took over Hollywood to the point that it seemed like he was making a dozen movies a year! Okay, maybe not that many, but he was in a lot of movies, including many that he directed, like Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Zoolander, and Tropic Thunder.

Mike Nichols

EGOT winner Mike Nichols directed some of the most iconic movies in Hollywood history. Movies like The Graduate, Working Girl, and The Birdcage. Nichols started his career as part of the comedy duo Nichols & May alongside Elaine May, who also became a filmmaker of some renown.

Charlie Chaplin

There are few people in Hollywood history who are as important to the growth of the industry as Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin wrote, starred, and directed almost all his major hits from the silent era up until A Countess from Hong Kong in 1967. He even scored many of his movies. He started in show business in the very early 20th Century in comedic roles on stage before movies were even invented.

Rob Reiner

As the son of the great Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner has comedy in his blood. His biggest fame early came as Mike "Meathead" Stivic in All in the Family, but for most of the last half-century, he's been known for his writing and directing, creating such movies as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally..., among many others.

Chris Rock

Like many SNL alums, Chris Rock has had an incredible career in Hollywood. He started acting as a teenager in New Jack City, but he quickly became known for his stand-up act and his work on SNL. He's long been a writer and producer, and he started directing in 2003 with his directorial debut, Head of State. He's been busy directing ever since, in addition to everything else he does.

Judd Apatow

One of the most successful comedy directors in the last few decades is Judd Apatow. He's a one-man show, in many ways, writing, producing, and directing hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, The King of Staten Island, and This Is 40. He's also produced a whole slew of successful comedies, like Bridesmaids, Anchorman, Step Brothers, and Pineapple Express. That doesn't even get into the TV shows he's produced or co-created, like Freaks and Geeks, Girls, and Crashing.

Harold Ramis

Without question, Harold Ramis belongs on the Mount Rushmore of comedy writers and directors. The list of movies he's directed and written (or co-written) is amazing. Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Groundhog Day are just the tip of the iceberg. Like so many in his generation of comedians, he started in sketch comedy at Second City in Chicago.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais gained worldwide fame when he co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the original version of The Office in the U.K. He's created a slew of shows since, and could even be credited with helping create podcasts with his early podcast, The Ricky Gervais Show. The stand-up comedian started directing films in 2009 with The Invention of Lying.

Penny Marshall

We lost a lot when Penny Marshall died in 2018 at age 75. She began her career in comedic roles, most notably as Laverne DeFazio, first on Happy Days, then in her own spin-off, Laverne & Shirley. Before long, though, she transitioned to directing. Her first movie, Jumpin' Jack Flash, introduced the world to Whoopi Goldberg as a comedic actor (her lone previous credit was in the drama The Color Purple) and went on to direct beloved hits like A League of Their Own and Big.

Seth MacFarlane

Seth MacFarlane started mostly as a comedy writer, which is hardly a surprise. He then created the animated shows Family Guy and American Dad for Fox. He made his directorial debut with Ted in 2012.

Albert Brooks

The legendary Albert Brooks started his career in sketch comedy in collectives like The Credibility Gap and appeared on variety shows in the late '60s and early '70s as a stand-up. His first directing gig was as part of the first season of SNL, before directing his first feature, Real Life, co-written with his buddy Harry Shearer. His later movies include classics like Defending Your Life, Mother, and The Muse.

Keenen Ivory Wayans

The Wayans brothers have certainly left a huge mark on Hollywood over the years, and the oldest sibling, Keenen Ivory Wayans, is the one who got them all started. He created and directed In Living Color, which made him a household name, but he had already directed I'm Gonna Git You Sucka before that. His biggest success, of course, is the Scary Movie franchise.

Carl Reiner

Carl Reiner got his start as a writer and actor in comedy sketches on two shows starring Sid Caesar, Your Show of Shows and Caesar's Hour. He then teamed up with fellow writer from the shows, Mel Brooks, and together they released comedy albums in the early 1960s. By the end of the decade, he was directing movies, with his two most notable hits, The Jerk and Oh! God, coming in the late '70s.

Cheech Marin

One of the biggest comedy duos of the '70s is, of course, Cheech & Chong. Before long, Cheech Marin was directing movies without his partner, including his directorial debut, Born in East L.A., in 1987.

Woody Allen

WE couldn't have this list without Woody Allen. Setting aside any personal feelings people may have towards the actor for his questionable personal life, Allen is, hands down, one of the most successful comedy film directors in Hollywood history. The list of movies he's written, directed, and starred in is far too long to list here. He developed his famous persona while working as a stand-up comedian in New York in the 1960s.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton was one of the most successful comedic actors of the 1980s with movies like Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, and Johnny Dangerously. He started taking on more dramatic roles as the decade came to a close, and of course, he starred as the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton's Batman. He made his directorial debut in 2008 with the drama The Merry Gentleman and, more recently, directed the underrated Knox Goes Away in 2023.

Bob Odenkirk

Along with David Cross, Bob Odenkirk first broke big on Mr. Show with Bob and David, but that was after years in sketch comedy on shows like SNL and The Ben Stiller Show. He has gained his biggest fame more recently as the character Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and the spinoff Better Call Saul (which somehow never won an Emmy).

Jerry Lewis

His comedy might not have been for everyone, but you can't argue with Jerry Lewis' incredible success over decades in Hollywood. Of course, he started as part of a duo with Dean Martin, but he soon took off on his own with movies like The Nutty Professor and The Bellboy. He directed both those movies as well, and would continue to direct his own movies throughout the '60s.

Donald Glover

While still in college, Donald Glover started doing sketch comedy in New York City. After graduating, he became a writer on 30 Rock first came to the public's attention in Community on NBC. His biggest critical success came with the show he created and produced the show Atlant,a in 2013. His first feature film directing gig came with Bando Stone & the New World, which is a companion piece to his album of the same name.

Jeff Garlin

For most people, Curb Your Enthusiasm is where they first saw Jeff Garlin, but his career goes back further than that. He also starred in The Goldbergs before abuse accusations led him to leave the show. Over the years, he's directed a number of movies, like the indie rom-com I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With and 2017's Handsome, which you can watch with a Netflix subscription.

Buster Keaton

Like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton was a huge figure in the silent era of Hollywood. Also like Chaplin, the comedian started in theater at the dawn of the 20th century and then began writing, directing, and starring in his own films in the teens. He was one of the biggest stars of the early film industry, making more than a dozen hits in the 1920s.

Bob Saget

Not only is one of the dirtiest comedians of all time (and his version of The Aristocrats joke proves it), Bob Saget was also so beloved TV dad and wholesome host of America's Funniest Home Videos. Saget's first directorial credit came in the hilarious and underrated Dirty Work, working with Norm McDonald and Artie Lang on what must have been just a wild film shoot.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari had his breakout role as a member of the cast of Parks and Recreation, but he was already an experienced stand-up when that show took off. He directed his first film, Good Fortune, which he also wrote and stars in.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael is one of the most popular stand-up comedians in recent years and got his first major exposure with The Carmichael Show on NBC in 2015. He made his directorial debut in 2021 with On the Count of Three, which he also stars in alongside Christopher Abbott and an ensemble cast that includes Tiffany Haddish, J.B. Smoove, and Henry Winkler.

Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham made his name as literally a one-man show with his musical comedy YouTube channel that he started in 2006 (the very early days of YouTube). His first job as a director came in 2018 with Eighth Grade, which he wrote and stars in, as well.

Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend was groundbreaking as a Black comedian-turned-filmmaker in the 1980s when he wrote, directed, and starred in movies like Hollywood Shuffle, The Five Heartbeats, and Meteor Man, which is a comic book movie that deserves a reboot.

Bobcat Goldthwait

Without a doubt, one of the strangest movies mentioned in this list is Shakes the Clown, which was the first film directed by legendary stand-up comedian Bobcat Goldthwait. He's directed seven independent films since Shakes and they are always unique and funny.

For a number of filmmakers, making Stephen King adaptations is like eating potato chips: they can’t just stop at one. Mike Flanagan is presently the most active, as he is working on Carrie and Dark Tower shows to follow his films Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep and The Life Of Chuck, but this is a trend that goes back to the beginning of the author’s relationship with Hollywood – the list of directors including George A. Romero, Lewis Teague, Frank Darabont, Tobe Hooper, and Mick Garris. Of course, one of the most significant names in the legacy is Rob Reiner, who has helmed two of the greatest King movies of all time in Stand By Me and Misery… and it is because of this stature that I am disappointed to report his thoughts about potentially making a third.

For this week’s edition of The King Beat, Reiner’s thoughts about making a new Stephen King adaptation is the lead story, but it’s one of multiple treats, as I also have some wonderful trivia for you about the making of the modern classic The Shawshank Redemption and how it very nearly had Tom Cruise in the lead role. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dig in!

Rob Reiner Declines The Idea Of Completing A Stephen King Trilogy Following Stand By Me And Misery, And I Would Love For Him To Change His Mind

I could make the argument that the number three has a special place in Hollywood. The rule of thirds is part of the basic curriculum when it comes to cinematography; there is a long-held superstition about celebrities dying in threes; and in the development of franchises, creating trilogies is the typical go-to – a reflection of the “beginning-middle-end” story structure. When only two of something exists, it can generate a nagging feeling that something is missing… but if you’re holding out hope that Rob Reiner will someday direct a third Stephen King movie, you may want to let that dream die.

Last week, CinemaBlend’s Mick Joest had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Rob Reiner at San Diego Comic-Con, and while the majority of their conversation concerned Reiner’s work on the upcoming Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, I sent him into the interview with a special request that he raise the subject of Stephen King. Specifically, I wanted to know if any of the author’s other books or stories might appeal to him as a project to take on – but that’s evidently something that the filmmaker is not interested in pursuing at this point in his career. Said Reiner,

Said company is Castle Rock Entertainment – which is actually named for the fictional town that frequently serves as a setting for Stephen King’s stories – and there is no denying that the studio has made massive contributions to King’s legacy on the big screen. Reiner and his colleagues are responsible for making some of the best adaptations ever, and that doesn’t even include Stand By Me, which was made before Castle Rock was founded. The list of seven includes:

• Misery
• Needful Things
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Dolores Claiborne
• The Green Mile
• Hearts In Atlantis
• Dreamcatcher

Admittedly, it’s not a case of finishing out on top, as Dreamcatcher was notoriously panned by critics and was a bomb at the box office when it was released in 2003 (for what it’s worth, the book it’s based on isn’t very good either). Still, I can’t help but feel a touch disappointed that there isn’t another Stephen King story that has personally piqued Rob Reiner’s interest. His output as a director has slowed in recent years, with Spinal Tap II being his first narrative feature since 2017, but I have kept my fingers crossed for a long time wishing that he would make a personal follow-up to Stand By Me and Misery, and I’m sad to hear that door is apparently closed.

The good news: while there won’t be a third Rob Reiner Stephen King movie, his previous efforts are classics that can be watched an infinite number of times without getting old, and they are terrifically easy to watch. In addition to physical media releases and digital rental/purchase options for both, Stand By Me is presently available instantly with a Paramount+ subscription (including the Showtime add-on).

Rob Reiner Shares The Story Of How Castle Rock Entertainment Basically Chose Frank Darabont Over Tom Cruise In The Making Of The Shawshank Redemption

For those who don’t know the history behind how Frank Darabont came to direct The Shawshank Redemption, it’s actually a pretty cool tale. The filmmaker first caught the attention of Stephen King in the early 1980s when he made a Dollar Baby based on the short story “The Woman In The Room.” King was so impressed by the work that he granted Darabont the option to his novella “Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption” a few years later upon request, and the filmmaker’s script ended up earning him a fantastic offer from Castle Rock Entertainment: as reported by the Los Angeles Times in 1994, he could have sold the script for $2.4 million and let Rob Reiner direct, or he could direct it himself and make $750,000 plus a percentage of future profits. He chose the latter, and he ended up making one of the most beloved movies ever made.

There is, however, another wrinkle to the story that you might not know: Darabont’s determination to direct was challenge a second time in development when Tom Cruise expressed an interest in making the movie with Rob Reiner, and the young writer/director stuck to his guns.

At San Diego Comic-Con, Reiner told the full story to CinemaBlend. According to the filmmaker, the script for The Shawshank Redemption ended up in the hands of the A-lister after it had gone through a bit of development at Castle Rock Entertainment, and he liked it enough that he inquired about taking on the lead role. As genuine as his interest was, however, he apparently balked at the idea of the Stephen King story being in the hands of a first time director. Said Reiner,

I don’t really have to explain that this was a big deal, right? Tom Cruise obviously has no shortage of star power today between the success of Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible franchise, but the mid-90s was the golden era for the actor – with movies like The Firm, Interview With A Vampire, and the original Mission: Impossible (and he also worked with Reiner on the 1992 critically acclaimed hit A Few Good Men).

Thus, the developing feature found itself with a sizable conundrum. Hiring Tom Cruise would have been a massive deal that could have perhaps saved The Shawshank Redemption from its ultimate fate of being a flop at the box office… but Castle Rock Entertainment had made a commitment to Darabont and the studio ethos regarding relationships with directors was kept at front of mind. Reiner continued,

So what could be done? The answer was ultimately pretty simple: the studio heads had a conversation with Frank Darabont and let him determine what would be the best course of action for the project:

As alluded to, the decision didn’t yield great short-term results, as The Shawshank Redemption failed to do any business at the box office, and while it was nominated for seven Academy Awards, it failed to take home a single trophy. But as noted by Rob Reiner, it is now considered by many to be one of the greatest cinematic achievements in history… even though it doesn’t star Tom Cruise.

That wraps up this week’s edition of The King Beat, but I’ll be back next Thursday with another new column examining all of the latest happenings in the world of Stephen King, so be sure to head back here to CinemaBlend!

This Is Spinal Tap is getting a sequel thanks to the efforts of Harry Shearer, and while the original has obtained many accolades in the decades since its release, a lot of actual rockers at the time were on the fence about it. Most notably, it's well-reported that the late Ozzy Osbourne didn't laugh at the movie, stating it was just too real to his own experience as a musician.

I had the honor of talking to Rob Reiner about the original film, and after mentioning Ozzy's response, I wondered if other musicians had talked to him over the years about the iconic mockumentary. The director, who will reprise his role as the "director" character in the upcoming sequel, confirmed that he's heard from a lot of notable rockers over the years about the movie, including Sting and Axl Rose:

It's interesting to hear how big names, many of whom lived some version of the experiences Spinal Tap plays out in the movie, have wildly different reactions to it all. It certainly feels like it captures a moment in time for a musical genre and deserves a slot as one of the best music movies of all time.

Part of the authenticity of This Is Spinal Tap is why so many are excited for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Behind the humor, there's a deep reference for the world these musicians come from, which Rob Reiner expounded upon when he talked about why the movie works:

That trend will continue in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, where the band gets together after decades of being estranged for one final show. Rob Reiner confirmed to CinemaBlend that he leaned on the advice of some of his famous friends, like Paul McCartney (who appears in the sequel), for some insight into that experience.

While Rob Reiner admitted to CinemaBlend there was hesitation for a long time about whether a sequel to This Is Spinal Tap ever needed to happen, he said the concept came along pretty quickly when they started to think about aging and estranged actors. He also confirmed the sequel will feature many of the classic songs from before, but updated and still performed by Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and whoever their new drummer will be.

As more stories come out about Ozzy Osbourne after his death, I find it easy to believe he related to some of the chaos and goofiness of This Is Spinal Tap. There's a popular clip of him ranting about his wife Sharon having bubbles release during his concert, which feel all too similar to the Stonehenge incident in the beloved comedy. It's a shame he won't get to see the sequel, as I would love to see how he reacts to it or any easter eggs that relate to other musicians careers.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues comes out on September 12th. CinemaBlend will be talking about plenty of other upcoming movies and TV shows in the meantime, so be sure to keep checking in with us!

Liam Neeson has made a pretty impressive career out of showing up in movies where you wouldn’t necessarily expect him. Before 2008’s Taken, few would have pegged Neeson as an action hero. Later this summer, he’ll pick up the mantle of the great Leslie Nielsen in a reboot of The Naked Gun, testing his comedy chops like never before. But could you imagine him playing Fezzik in The Princess Bride? I'm not sure I could, and the same seems to have been true of the fantasy film's director.

In actuality, such a casting never came close to happening, according to Neeson. However, he did technically audition for the role. Speaking with EW, Neeson admitted to feeling embarrassed when he showed up to audition, as director Rob Reiner gave him a “look of disgust." As for why the acclaimed filmmaker was less than pleased with him, Neeson said the following:

While Liam Neeson himself was surely a bit upset by the whole experience, he says he actually felt bad for the casting director. The role would, of course, would go to an actual giant in professional wrestler Andre the Giant, who was a full foot taller than Neeson. It’s unclear how many people of Andre’s stature there even were to audition.

Neeson isn’t a small guy, at 6’ 4” tall, but he certainly would have needed significant camera tricks to make him look giant compared to a six-foot-tall Cary Elwes. It’s unclear how Neeson was called in to audition for a role if Reiner only wanted “real” giants for the part of Fezzik. Perhaps other people who weren’t giants had also been called in, leading to more “disgust” from Reiner.

Things certainly turned out fine for Liam Neeson. He would appear in another cult classic, the Sam Raimi-directed film, Darkman, just a couple of years after this failed audition. Also, in 1993, he would star in Schindler’s List, a movie that would see him nominated for an Academy Award and truly launch his career into the stratosphere.

It’s certainly intriguing to wonder how Neeson appearing in The Princess Bride might have impacted the movie, never mind just his career. It would have been one of his biggest roles to date had he been cast. Of course, thefilm initially flopped in theaters before becoming a cult hit on home video later.

The Princess Bride (which is streamable with a Disney+ subscription) would have been one of the funnier roles in Neeson’s career if he had gotten it. Perhaps it would have led to more comedies earlier. As it stands, though, his new lead role in The Naked Gun will be something we haven’t really seen before, but, at this point, it seems clear Liam Neeson can do anything, except be a giant.