Spike Lee sparked speculation at Cannes when he suggested his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, might be his final collaboration with Denzel Washington. The pair have created cinematic history together through five films, from Malcolm X to Inside Man, and fans wondered if this marked the end of their partnership. At the New York premiere, Lee clarified his stance, indicating that the creative partnership with Washington may continue beyond this project, leaving the future of D and Lee’s collaborations open and exciting.
Key Highlights
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Spike Lee initially suggested Highest 2 Lowest might be his last film with Denzel Washington.
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Lee later walked back the comment, leaving open the possibility of future collaborations.
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Highest 2 Lowest is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low.
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The film features a star-studded cast, including A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Wendell Pierce, Elijah Wright, and Ice Spice.
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Highest 2 Lowest hits theaters on Friday and streams on Apple TV+ on September 5.
Reconsidering the “Final” Film
At Cannes, Spike Lee told reporters,
“I think this is it — five. He’s been talking about retirement, even though he’s just done another deal. Five films together, they stand up.” – Spike Lee
The statement led many to believe that the iconic director-actor duo might be parting ways. Their collaborations, which include Mo’ Better Blues, He Got Game, and Malcolm X, have been celebrated for decades. However, Lee addressed the comments again at the New York premiere, softening his stance and leaving room for future projects.
“I said that before, but I got my mind right. I’m open to work with Denzel Washington and this not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee.” – Spike Lee
This clarification reassures fans that the creative synergy between Lee and Washington may continue, even after the release of Highest 2 Lowest.
Inspiration Behind Highest 2 Lowest
Highest 2 Lowest reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, centering on a powerful music mogul played by Denzel Washington. The plot explores a ransom scheme that forces the character into a life-or-death moral dilemma. Lee credits his graduate film school experience at NYU for introducing him to Kurosawa’s work.
“I became a student of Akira Kurosawa at NYU’s graduate film school — that’s where I saw Rashomon, that’s where I saw many of Samurai films, that’s where I saw High and Low,” – Spike Lee
Washington obtained the rights and approached Lee directly with the project.
“He sent it to me; he said, ‘Spike read the script. If you like, let’s go.’ I read it right away, called him up, I think the next day and said, ‘Let’s go.’ It happened like that.” – Spike Lee
Lee emphasizes that the moral themes of the story, summed up in the film’s tagline, resonate strongly with audiences.
“We know what that is and we know that sometimes in life we have to make that choice. And hopefully we make the right choice.” – Spike Lee
Star-Studded Cast and Release Details
Alongside Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest features a diverse ensemble cast. A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Wendell Pierce, Elijah Wright, and Ice Spice each bring unique energy to the film. Their involvement adds further anticipation to the release.
The film is set to premiere in theaters this Friday, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5. Lee’s reinterpretation of a Kurosawa classic combined with the dynamic presence of Washington and the ensemble cast makes Highest 2 Lowest one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
News in Brief: Spike Lee Cannes comments on Denzel Washington
Spike Lee initially suggested Highest 2 Lowest might be his last collaboration with Denzel Washington, but he later clarified that future projects are possible. The film reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, exploring moral dilemmas faced by a powerful music mogul. Alongside Washington, the cast includes A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Wendell Pierce, Elijah Wright, and Ice Spice. Highest 2 Lowest hits theaters on Friday and streams on Apple TV+ September 5.
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