New York, NY – Acclaimed director Spike Lee and actor Denzel Washington are teaming up for the fifth time to reimagine Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime drama “High and Low.” The project, which will be produced by Apple and A24, marks their first collaboration since 2006’s “Inside Man.”
The new adaptation, set to begin filming in March, will be based on the novel “King’s Ransom” by Ed McBain. The original film tells the story of a wealthy man who faces ruin after paying a ransom for a kidnapping. This reinterpretation will delve into the complex themes of the classic crime drama.
Lee, known for his admiration of Kurosawa, has previously mentioned the influence of the acclaimed director on his own work, citing that his 1986 comedy “She’s Gotta Have It” was influenced by Kurosawa’s “Rashomon.” When asked about career longevity, Lee humorously remarked, “Kurosawa was 86! I got to at least get to Kurosawa.”
The original story has also served as inspiration for other works, such as Steven Soderbergh’s 2023 miniseries “Full Circle.” Additionally, Kurosawa’s work has been remade multiple times, most recently with 2022’s “Living,” a new take on “Ikiru,” which received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
The upcoming film will be released theatrically by A24 before heading to Apple TV+, following a similar release strategy to “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” which earned Washington a best actor Oscar nomination. The script for the remake will be penned by Alan Fox, a former college basketball player and model turned playwright.
Both Washington and Lee have been involved in other projects recently, with Washington starring in “The Equalizer 3” and Lee’s last film being “Da 5 Bloods.” However, their reunion for this exciting new project is generating significant buzz within the film industry.
The production also marks an important milestone in the longstanding partnership between Lee and Washington, who have previously brought powerful and compelling stories to the screen, such as “Malcolm X” and “He Got Game.” The anticipation for their latest collaboration will undoubtedly be high, as audiences eagerly await the release of this modern reimagining of the classic crime drama.