*Spike Lee is back with a vengeance, debuting the first teaser for his upcoming thriller “Highest 2 Lowest,” a modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic “High and Low.” The film, starring Denzel Washington, also boasts an eclectic supporting cast including Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice.
In a post on Instagram, Lee acknowledged the long wait for his latest project: “I know you have been waiting hella long,” he wrote. But judging by the teaser’s energy, it’s shaping up to be worth it.
Set in New York City, “Highest 2 Lowest” follows a revered music mogul (played by Washington) who is known for having the “best ears in the business.” His world is upended when he becomes entangled in a high-stakes ransom scheme. While inspired by Kurosawa’s crime thriller and its source novel “King’s Ransom,” Lee emphasizes that this is a reinterpretation, not a remake.
“This is not a remake, this is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s great film,” Lee told Deadline. “In Kurosawa’s film, Toshiro Mifune is a shoemaker. In our film, Denzel Washington is a music mogul with his own label and his reputation as the best ear in the business. So, this is the fifth film with the dynamic duo.”
Scroll to continue reading
In the 1959 novel “King’s Ransom” by Ed McBain, the story follows an executive of a Yokohama shoe company who becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom, per IMDB.com.
“High and Low” marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington. Their long-standing creative partnership spans over three decades, beginning with “Mo’ Better Blues” in 1990 and most recently “Inside Man” in 2006.
“We are brothers,” Lee told The Hollywood Reporter, describing their bond as “the dynamic Duo of D and Lee.”
“We are familiar with each other. Also, our families are very tight,” he added.
“Why would I work with Denzel only once? Or with John Turturro?” Lee said. “You want to surround yourself with great artists in front of and behind the camera.”
“Highest 2 Lowest” will debut out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It hits U.S. theaters on August 22 and streams on Apple TV+ beginning September 5. Watch the teaser trailer above.
MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Spike Lee Talks Collaboration with Denzel Washington and Upcoming Film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
