Denzel Washington and Spike Lee
Apple Original Films and A24 are collaborating on “High and Low,” a thriller that reunites acclaimed director Spike Lee and award-winning actor Denzel Washington. The film, an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller, will see a theatrical release by A24 before its global debut on Apple TV+.
“High and Low” is based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller and will be reinterpreted in English. The plot centers on an executive who faces extortion after his chauffeur’s son is mistakenly kidnapped.
The film is a joint venture between A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures, with Alan Fox and Spike Lee handling the screenplay.
Production is set to begin in March, with Todd Black and Jason Michael Berman producing for Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, respectively.
Spike Lee, in addition to directing, will serve as an executive producer through his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks.
Notable executive producers include Peter Guber from Mandalay Pictures and Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington from Juniper Productions.
“High and Low” marks the fifth collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, following successful projects like “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man.”
Despite initial interest in the project last spring, production was delayed due to strikes affecting the film industry. With those issues resolved, the film has become a priority for Washington and Lee.
This project strengthens the partnership between Apple Original Films and Denzel Washington, following their successful collaboration on “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” which garnered critical acclaim and award nominations.
Denzel Washington is represented by WME, while Spike Lee is represented by Gersh and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks. Alan Fox is represented by Grandview.
“High and Low” represents a highly anticipated collaboration between two titans of the film industry, Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. With an intriguing storyline and a talented creative team, the film is poised to captivate audiences and further solidify the reputations of both Washington and Lee in the realm of cinema.
Source: Adapted from Deadline