After 18 Years Apart, Spike and Denzel Reunite—And the First Trailer Will Blow You Away

After nearly two decades apart, legendary director Spike Lee and iconic actor Denzel Washington have reunited for a cinematic event that’s already shaking up the film world. Highest 2 Lowest, their fifth collaboration, premiered its gripping trailer on May 5, 2025, and it’s clear—this neo-noir crime thriller is more than just a comeback; it’s a bold statement.

The film is a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom. Set in a stylized, present-day New York City, Highest 2 Lowest stars Washington as a morally complex music mogul entangled in a high-stakes ransom plot. The cast is a fresh blend of industry talent and rising stars, including A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and rapper Ice Spice, making her film debut.

Spike Lee, speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, reflected on the reunion with Washington, calling him “one of the greatest actors ever.” That praise, echoed in earlier interviews from the Red Sea Film Festival, highlights the mutual admiration and deep creative bond the two share—first forged with Mo’ Better Blues (1990) and reinforced through Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man.

The trailer, released by A24, is rich in tension and character-driven drama. In a voiceover, Washington’s character declares, “There’s more to life than making money. There’s integrity. There’s what you stand for. There’s what you actually believe.” It sets the tone for a film grappling with justice, morality, and the high cost of power.

Set to premiere out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19—a date loaded with symbolism, marking both the release anniversary of Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X’s birthday—the film is already being hailed as one of the year’s most important cinematic events. Its theatrical release is slated for August 22, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5.

Spike Lee didn’t just return to familiar ground—he rewrote the script after Washington signed on, tailoring it to the Oscar winner’s unique talents. Their renewed collaboration is a masterclass in mutual respect, and judging by the response to the trailer, Highest 2 Lowest might be their most powerful work yet.