Spike Leeis finishing up work on his latest joint. The acclaimed director has confirmed that filming has wrapped onHigh and Low,his upcoming A24 and Apple Original Films' remake of the classic 1963Akira Kurosawafilm of the same name. The police procedural film will starDenzel Washington,marking the fifth collaboration between the director and the Academy Award-winning actor, a fact Lee mentioned in his wrap announcement.
The news of filming completion came viaLee’s Instagram account, where he shared a photo of himself alongside the cast and crew. “This Past Friday We Officially Wrapped DA New Spike Joint Starring My Brother Mr. DENZEL WASHINGTON,” Lee captioned the post. “Dis Iz Our 5th Joint Together.” Lee also noted that the photo was of “our hardworking talented cast and crew. I thank you all. And dat’s daAKIRA KUROSAWA truth, ruth.” Details onHigh and Lowremain slim. However, the original film starredToshirō Mifuneas an executive at a shoe company working on a large merger. But his business plans must get brushed aside when his chauffeur’s son is accidentally kidnapped, and he must figure out a way to free the kidnapped child while also remaining in control at the shoe company.
In addition to Washington, the film will starJeffrey WrightandrapperIce Spicein undisclosed roles. Lee directed from a script he co-wrote withAlan Fox.The film was produced byTodd Blackfor Escape Artists andJason Michael Bermanfor Mandalay Pictures. Lee executive produced for his 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks alongsidePeter Guberof Mandalay and Juniper Production’sMatthew Lindner, Chris Brigham,andKatia Washington.A24 is reportedly planning to release the film theatrically before it streams on Apple TV+ at a later date.
Washington and Lee Are Frequent Collaborators
Lee’s Instagram post also noted the longstandingrelationship he has with Washingtonand the four prior films they have made together. This includes 1990’sMo' Better Blues,1992’sMalcolm X,1998’sHe Got Game, and 2006’sInside Man.The most notable of these for Washington was likelyMalcolm X,which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. It is one of 10 Oscar nominations the lauded actor has earned, winning two.
Lee will be the director who finally cracked the code on a HollywoodHigh and Lowremake after directors such asMartin Scorsese, Mike Nichols,andSteven Spielbergall tried unsuccessfully to reboot the film. It will be Lee’s first project since 2020’sDa 5 Bloodsand comes six years after his highly acclaimed film, 2018’sBlacKkKlansman,garnered six Oscar nominations, including Lee for Best Director.
No release date forHigh and Lowhas been announced. Stay tuned to Collider for more information. Lee’s Instagram post can be seen below. Kurosowa’s originalHigh and Lowis available to stream on Max.
High and Low
An executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom.
