Film & TV
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Reunite in New Teaser for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, a duo synonymous with cinematic excellence, have reunited for ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ a modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece ‘High and Low.’ The first teaser trailer offers a glimpse into this A24 and Apple TV+ thriller, set to premiere in theaters August 22 and on Apple TV+ September 5.
The trailer introduces Washington as a music industry titan, a man whose “ears are the best in the business,” navigating a moral quagmire triggered by a botched kidnapping plot. His voiceover breaks down the film’s central tension: “There’s more to life than just making money. There’s integrity, there’s what you stand for.” Flashes of New York City—electric-blue skylines, frenetic subway chases, and courthouse standoffs—pulse with Lee’s signature visual flair, courtesy of cinematographer Matthew Libatique. The teaser’s animated Brooklyn Bridge shots and rapid cuts hint at a story teetering between opulence and chaos, with Washington’s character caught in a high-stakes ransom scheme that tests his principles.
Adapted from Kurosawa’s High and Low—itself based on Ed McBain’s King’s Ransom— ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ trades the original’s corporate shoe empire for the cutthroat world of music. Filmed in New York City last year, the film, scripted by William Alan Fox and reworked by Lee, channels the city’s raw energy.
The cast is stacked with talent, including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Dean Winters, and John Douglas Thompson. Adding a contemporary edge, A$AP Rocky plays Washington’s onscreen son, Yung Felon, while Ice Spice makes her acting debut. Lee, speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7pm in Brooklyn’ podcast, praised Rocky’s fearless performance, noting scenes where he holds his own against Washington’s towering presence.
This marks Lee and Washington’s fifth collaboration, following iconic films like ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Inside Man.’ Watch the new trailer below.
Film & TV
Peacock To Release a New Docuseries “Tiffany Haddish Goes Off”
Inspired by the film “Girls Trip,” the series follows Tiffany Haddish and her childhood friends on their vacation across the continent of Africa
Three Los Angeles-based screenwriters, Tyrone Perry, Shon Oku, and Joshua Isaacson, filed a lawsuit on July 30, 2025, alleging that Issa Rae-produced “One of Them Days” copied their original screenplay titled “One of Those Days.” The lawsuit claims copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion.
Specifically, the writers allege that there are 29 similarities in character arcs, plot structure, and overall tone between the film and their script. They shared their script with producer Xavier Charles, who had previously worked with Issa Rae on her HBO series, “Insecure.” After Charles declined to produce their project, Rae’s company announced “One of Them Days” shortly thereafter. The lawsuit claims this proximity in timing, coupled with Charles’s connection to Rae, points to unauthorized use of their material.
The released buddy comedy film, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who find themselves in a chaotic race against the clock to avoid eviction.
The central conflict arises when Alyssa’s boyfriend blows their rent money on a bad investment. Faced with the threat of being evicted from their Los Angeles apartment, the duo goes to extreme lengths to find the necessary funds before their landlord’s deadline. The film is filled with comical situations and highlights the strength and quirks of their friendship as they navigate the challenges of their “one of those days” scenario.
To support their claims, the writers hired veteran screenwriter John Brancato, who reviewed both scripts and concluded that the similarities were “substantial”.
The lawsuit names Issa Rae’s company ColorCreative, Sony Pictures, TriStar, and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. It seeks a jury trial, damages, and attorney’s fees. Representatives for Rae and Sony have not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
Film & TV
Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Trailer Drops: Denzel Washington and ASAP Rocky Shine in Thrilling Crime Drama
The highly anticipated trailer for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, dropped today. This marks the duo’s fifth collaboration, a reunion nearly two decades in the making since their last joint project, Inside Man (2006).
The trailer, released by A24 and Apple Original Films, offers a gripping glimpse into a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s music industry. Here’s everything you need to know about the trailer, cast, and what to expect from this electrifying crime thriller.
The Highest 2 Lowest trailer features Denzel Washington as David King, a charismatic music mogul renowned for having the “best ears in the business.” When a ransom plot threatens his empire, King confronts a life-or-death moral dilemma that challenges his values and legacy.
This neo-noir crime thriller also stars A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon, the antagonist who goes “toe-to-toe” with Washington, delivering a performance that Lee has praised as “fire.” The cast is rounded out by Jeffrey Wright as King’s chauffeur, Ilfenesh Hadera as his wife Pam, and Ice Spice in her feature film debut, alongside Dean Winters, LaChanze, and John Douglas Thompson. The trailer also teases original music from A$AP Rocky.
Highest 2 Lowest is a bold reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. While Kurosawa’s original centered on a shoe company executive facing an extortion plot, Lee’s version transplants the story to modern-day New York City, weaving in themes of wealth, power, and moral complexity. The trailer emphasizes Lee’s vibrant, theatrical direction, with vivid visuals captured by cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
Highest 2 Lowest is set for a limited theatrical release on August 15, 2025, through A24, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.
Watch the official trailer below.
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Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Trailer Drops: Denzel Washington and ASAP Rocky Shine in Thrilling Crime Drama
