*Spike Lee has unleashed the trailer for “Highest 2 Lowest,” a gripping reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low.”
The thriller stars Denzel Washington as a music mogul with “the best ears in the business,” joined by Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice. Set in New York City, the film centers on Washington’s character navigating a tense ransom plot. Lee clarified to Deadline, “This is not a remake, this is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s great film,” noting that, unlike Kurosawa’s shoemaker, played by Toshiro Mifune, Washington’s mogul runs a music label.
The story draws from Ed McBain’s 1959 novel “King’s Ransom,” where an executive faces extortion after a mistaken kidnapping. Lee’s modern take infuses the narrative with fresh energy, tailored to today’s music industry. This marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington, a partnership spanning decades from “Mo’ Better Blues” to “Inside Man.”
Lee told The Hollywood Reporter, “We are brothers,” describing their bond as “the dynamic Duo of D and Lee.” He added, “We are familiar with each other. Also, our families are very tight.”
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Lee expressed excitement for the project on Instagram: “I know you have been waiting hella long.” The trailer’s intensity suggests the wait will be worthwhile, showcasing a stellar cast and Lee’s signature flair.
“Why would I work with Denzel only once? Or with John Turturro?” Lee said, emphasizing his preference for working with trusted talent. The film promises a blend of seasoned and new artists, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
“Highest 2 Lowest” will premiere out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, hit U.S. theaters on August 22, and stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5. Watch the official trailer above.
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