Spike Lee has already announced his new film, Highest 2 Lowest, will premiere at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival. His fans will rejoice at this new and vigorous premiere! Despite that delay, the film—which is an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller—opened last week to rave reviews and awards buzz for star Denzel Washington. Lee personally announced the opening details immediately following the April 10 press conference. Curiously, the project didn’t come up even once during that daylong event.
Lee took to his Instagram account to share the good news. He is looking forward to the film’s premiere at the renowned festival’s Out of Competition category! Highest 2 Lowest is not only anticipated for its gripping narrative but for its impressive ensemble cast, which includes Jeffrey Wright, Dean Winters, Michael Potts, and rapper ASAP Rocky.
Production Details
Highest 2 Lowest is initially co-produced by A24, with Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures. A24, the studio behind recent breakout indie hits Moonlight and Lady Bird, has acquired theatrical and digital distribution rights in North America. In addition, the global rollout will be available via AppleTV+. This partnership with A24 is expected to enhance the film’s visibility and reach, given the distributor’s reputation for successful indie films.
The narrative arc of Highest 2 Lowest is based on real events. This actual-life backstory brings an element of authority to the story that unfolds. Lee has a talent for combining social commentary with compelling storytelling. With this adaptation, he hopes to reach new listeners and inspire them.
Star-Studded Cast
Denzel Washington stars in this harrowing story. It features a phenomenal team of artists, from Broadway veterans to Hollywood it-girls. Wright lends his considerable experience to the proceedings, while Dean Winters and Michael Potts provide substantial backstory to the overall narrative. Adding ASAP Rocky to the mix makes it even more clear that the film is aimed at a broad, diverse audience.
As that November date gets closer, excitement hasn’t slowed down. Fans of both Lee and Washington certainly won’t want to miss this adaptation. They can’t wait to see how it pays tribute to Kurosawa’s original masterpiece while still providing a new lens.
Expectations for Cannes
The Cannes International Film Festival is celebrated for premiering innovative and daring films from across the global art form. To premiere Highest 2 Lowest at such a momentous event puts more pressure on the film. Critics and audiences will be searching for a vigorific arc that sings to present-day issues.