Acclaimed director Spike Lee is making his long-awaited return to the big screen, and this time, he's reimagining a cinematic classic through a gritty, modern lens. His latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, is a contemporary reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’srevered 1963 thriller High and Low — only now, the samurai-era morality tale unfolds on the bustling, chaotic streets of modern-day New York City.

The film is backed by A24 and Apple Original Films, two creative powerhouses known for pushing boundaries in visual storytelling. A newly released teaser has already ignited buzz, offering a tantalizing first look at the film’s high-wattage cast and suspenseful tone.

Star-Studded Cast with Grit and Grace

At the center of Highest 2 Lowest is none other than Denzel Washington, reuniting with Lee for the first time in nearly two decades. The two last collaborated on 2006’s Inside Man, and their return has cinephiles and critics eagerly awaiting the magic they’re bound to recreate.

Joining Washington is A$AP Rocky, stepping into one of the most anticipated dramatic roles of his career. Known for his sharp fashion and chart-topping tracks, Rocky brings a raw, unpredictable energy to the screen. Also starring is Jeffrey Wright, whose nuanced performances (from Westworld to The Batman) bring emotional weight and complexity to any role he touches.

But the surprises don’t stop there. The ensemble cast also features pop-rap sensation Ice Spice, in what’s expected to be her breakout cinematic debut, alongside Ilfenesh Hadera (Billions), Dean Winters (Oz, John Wick), and John Douglas Thompson, a veteran stage actor whose voice alone can command a room.

First Look: A Teaser That Teases All the Right Things

The teaser clip released by A24 doesn’t give away much — and that’s exactly why it’s working. The visuals are stark, moody, and pulsating with tension. Fast cuts of street chases, hushed arguments in dimly lit rooms, and glimpses of high-stakes power plays set the tone.

Washington’s commanding presence is on full display. A$AP Rocky is seen navigating both high-end boardrooms and back-alley conflicts, suggesting the film will blur the lines between class, crime, and identity — a hallmark of both Kurosawa’s original and Lee’s social commentary style.

Cannes Premiere, Summer Release, Streaming Soon After

Highest 2 Lowest will make its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival later this month, placing it on one of the most prestigious stages in global cinema. The theatrical release is set for Friday, August 22, giving moviegoers a late-summer treat. For those at home, the film will begin streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5.

A Return Worth Waiting For

This marks Spike Lee’s first feature film since 2020’s Da 5 Bloods — a powerful Vietnam War drama that received critical acclaim. With Highest 2 Lowest, he’s not only making a cinematic comeback but doing so with style, ambition, and an all-star lineup.

Moreover, this is Lee’s fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington, and if history is any indication (Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, Inside Man), the results could be nothing short of iconic.

Old Story, New Pulse

By reimagining High and Low for today’s world — trading corporate suits for streetwear, old money for modern chaos — Spike Lee seems ready to explore themes of justice, inequality, and redemption in ways that feel both urgent and timeless.

As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Highest 2 Lowest is not just a film — it’s a cinematic event.