Cinematic multi-hyphenatesSpike LeeandDenzel Washington’s latest collaboration has received a long-awaited update. Their upcoming film,Highest 2 Lowest, Lee’s modern twist on Akira Kurosawa’s classicHigh and Low,will apparently release next summer, if director Lee stays on track with the film’s post-production.
As reported byWorld of Reel, Lee revealed to an audience thatHighest 2 Lowestis aiming for a summer 2025 release while participating in The Gibbles Museum of Art’s Distinguished Lecture Series on July 16, 2025, where he was the keynote speaker. Originally reported to be a remake, Lee clarified that his film will be more of a re-telling for modern audiences. It is being produced by A24 and Apple Studios, with Alan Fox and Lee as screenwriters.
Lee, who praises Washington for his unique talent, chose the famous actor to star in his English re-imagination of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller, likely because the dynamic duo have hada long and prosperous partnershipspanning five films throughout their impressive careers, includingMo Better Blues,He Got Game,Inside Man, andMalcolm X.
In Kurosawa’s black and white film based on Ed McBain’s detective novelKing’s Ransom, the main character — a Yokohama shoe company executive — is extorted when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. In Lee’s version, Washington plays a New York record executive who finds himself in a similar situation. If the film stays on course to release in the summer of 2025, it could make its world premiere at Cannes. Check out the full interview at The Gibbles Museum of Art below:
Lee Continues To Make Waves
The Academy Award-winning filmmaker, whoearlier this yearreceived the unique honor of being recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his lifelong dedication to the sport as a NBA superfan, continues to be recognized for, and show off, his skills as a writer and director. Recently, Lee was among the 20 recipients honored with National Medals of Arts that were formally presented by President Joe Biden during a White House ceremony. The politically minded director ‚ credited with opening up the American film industry to more African American talent than ever — was also vocal during the 2024 election cycle, attending an election eve party as well.
Now, as Lee approaches his 70s, he continues to work hard in the film industry and collaborating with the greats. Lee has an impeccable team behind hisHigh to Lowre-imagining, including Darren Aronofsky’s long-time director of photography, Matthew Libatique. The acclaimed DP worked on several classic Aronofsky films, such asRequiem For A DreamandBlack Swan,but has also with Lee on four of his own, includingInside Man. In addition to Washington,Highest 2 Lowestwill star Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, Ice Spice in her feature film acting debut, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Dean Winters.
Who knows what the history-making artist from Atlanta, Georgia will do next, but fans are patiently waiting for his upcoming take on the Kurosawa classic.
Highest 2 Lowestis said to be released sometime in summer 2025.
