Nick also appeared with a different hairstyle, having cut his hair and retained prominent sideburns while shaving the rest of his face.
At least two women described by Page Six as supporters were in the public gallery, although they did not appear to be immediate family members.
The hearing followed an appearance on October 7, with the judge granting the defence additional time to prepare its case.
Judge Ohta said Nick had been “indicted unbeknownst to his counsel”, according to the courtroom report.
Director Rob Reiner (left) and wife Michele died in their home last year. Photo / Getty Images
The judge determined the defence should have more time before the court considered releasing grand jury transcripts and exhibits connected to the indictment.
The case centres on the deaths of Rob, the acclaimed film-maker behind When Harry Met Sally, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, The Princess Bride, Stand by Me and A Few Good Men, and his wife Michele, a photographer.
Rob was also widely known for playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the influential American sitcom All in the Family, which brought him television fame before his successful directing career.
His films included the celebrated mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, which followed a fictional British rock band.
Rob returned to the world of the fictional band with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues in 2025, reuniting with members of the original cast.
The couple were found dead at their home on December 14, 2025, with death certificates recording that both died within minutes of suffering multiple sharp-force injuries.
Nick was arrested that day and has remained in custody without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
He was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait.
Prosecutors also allege he used a knife during the killings.
Nick, who has reportedly experienced schizophrenia and struggled with drug addiction, has denied the charges.
He worked with his father on the 2015 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote and which drew on experiences of addiction and rehabilitation.
The film, directed by Rob, follows a troubled young man dealing with substance misuse and his relationship with his family.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced in September that prosecutors would not seek the death penalty.
Nick Reiner’s criminal proceedings are scheduled to resume on January 13, while the court continues considering whether the grand jury transcripts and exhibits in the case should remain sealed.