Denzel Washington and Spike Lee Set to Achieve Milestone with New Film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ After 35 Years

Hollywood icons Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are poised to mark a significant milestone with their latest collaboration, Highest 2 Lowest. The film, which premieres August 22, could represent their first joint project in nearly two decades—and may become one of their most critically acclaimed works to date.

Washington and Lee first teamed up in the early ’90s with the cult classic Mo’ Better Blues (1990), and went on to collaborate on several notable films, including Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and their commercially successful Inside Man (2006). Since then, the pair have struggled to find the right project to reunite, making Highest 2 Lowest their first partnership in almost 20 years.

The anticipation surrounding the film is palpable. Highest 2 Lowest is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller, and is backed by Apple Studios, which hopes the movie will be a major hit. Its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival was met with enthusiasm, and the film currently holds an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—tying it with Malcolm X as one of the best-reviewed projects from the duo.

Critics have praised Highest 2 Lowest for its compelling storytelling and dynamic performances, fueling speculation that this film could finally bring the widespread recognition Lee and Washington’s collaborations have long deserved.

Over their 35-year working relationship, Washington and Lee’s films have generally earned favorable critical reviews, even if box office numbers didn’t always match. Mo’ Better Blues and He Got Game each earned around $25 million domestically without international releases, while Malcolm X approached $50 million but was limited by its extended runtime and niche appeal. Inside Man remains their only major commercial success, grossing $186 million worldwide and standing as the highest-grossing film of Lee’s career.

Whether Highest 2 Lowest will follow in Inside Man’s footsteps at the box office remains to be seen, but Apple Studios’ release strategy and early critical buzz suggest a promising future.

As fans eagerly await the August 22 premiere, Highest 2 Lowest could mark a new chapter in the legendary partnership of Denzel Washington and Spike Lee—combining their signature style and storytelling into what might be their most celebrated collaboration yet.