It’s been nearly 20 years since one of the greatest actors of his generation and one of the most prolific filmmakers have collaborated once again. The announcement of a new Spike Lee film is always exciting, but this time there’s even more buzz surrounding the project. Denzel Washington will star in Lee’s latest film, marking their first collaboration since 2006’s “Inside Man,” and this time they are remaking a classic by Akira Kurosawa. What could be better than that? A24 teased a new trailer release for tomorrow, but Lee took the initiative to share a glimpse of “Highest 2 Lowest” on his personal Instagram, showcasing his creative control. This project was first mentioned in February 2024, reigniting excitement for the duo’s partnership, which includes notable films like “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and “Inside Man.” In this iteration, they adapt Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller “High and Low,” shifting the action from Japan to the vibrant streets of New York City. Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are a powerhouse combination, generating excitement similar to iconic collaborations like Martin Scorsese with Leonardo DiCaprio or Quentin Tarantino with Samuel L. Jackson. While “Malcolm X” is often regarded as their defining work, fans of the thriller genre cherish “Inside Man” for its intense storyline. The creative prowess of Lee and Washington remains undiminished, and “Highest 2 Lowest” promises to return them to familiar territory in an innovative way.

Inspired by Kurosawa’s original, which revolves around a businessman embroiled in a troubled ransom plot, the remake features Washington as a “titan music mogul” grappling with life-or-death decisions. The cast also boasts talents like rapper A$AP Rocky, acclaimed actor Jeffrey Wright, and Ilfenesh Hadera. Produced by A24 and Apple, “Highest 2 Lowest” will premiere in select theaters on August 22, 2025, followed by its streaming debut on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025. Synopsis: When a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), renowned for having the “best ears in the business,” becomes the target of a ransom scheme, he faces a moral dilemma that could mean life or death. This film represents the fifth collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, reimagining Kurosawa’s classic crime thriller “High and Low” set against the gritty backdrop of contemporary New York City. The film will be available for streaming on Apple TV+.