Spike Lee’s highly anticipated film High 2 Lowest is set to make waves in Hollywood, bringing a modern twist to Akira Kurosawa’s classic crime thriller. One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the casting of A$AP Rocky in a starring role. Lee, known for his visionary approach to filmmaking, made a bold choice by casting the Harlem rapper-turned-actor in a role that is as unconventional as it is inspired.
In a recent appearance on Wave Original’s 7 PM in Brooklyn with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Lee opened up about how he decided to cast A$AP Rocky in the film and how it all began with a meme.
A$AP Rocky’s Unconventional Casting: From Memes to Hollywood
Spike Lee’s casting choice of A$AP Rocky wasn’t simply about his acting chops—although the rapper’s performance has garnered praise. It all started when Lee came across an Instagram meme comparing A$AP Rocky to Denzel Washington, noting the resemblance between the two men. The meme, which surfaced four or five years ago, sparked something in Lee, leading him to incorporate this popular cultural moment into the film.
“What’s funny is that I was looking at Instagram, four or five years ago, and people were saying that A$AP Rocky looked like he’s Denzel’s son,” Lee explained.
“I seen those memes, and then in the film we used that. A$AP, man, he fire.”
This lighthearted observation turned into a serious casting decision, with Lee tapping Rocky to star in the movie. The combination of A$AP Rocky’s natural charisma and his connection to Denzel Washington‘s legacy brought an exciting energy to the film, setting the stage for some unforgettable onscreen moments.
The Reunion with Denzel Washington: A 17-Year Wait
Lee’s reunion with Denzel Washington is another major highlight of the film. The two icons last worked together in 2006 on Inside Man, and it’s been 17 years since their last collaboration. Known for their iconic collaborations on films like Malcolm X (1992), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), and He Got Game (1998), the duo’s dynamic is one that has shaped the landscape of American cinema.
In High 2 Lowest, Washington and Rocky share the screen, creating an electric atmosphere where Rocky’s character stands his ground against Washington’s legendary status.
“There’s some scenes where he and Denzel Washington head to head–he ain’t backing up. Like I’m here too,” Lee said, speaking about the film’s standout moments.
“I’m very, very happy with the way the film turned out and looking forward to sharing it with the world.”
Behind the Scenes: The Importance of Rehearsals
Spike Lee also shared his insights into the collaborative process between himself, A$AP Rocky, and Denzel Washington. While Lee’s films are known for their improvisational style, he emphasized that preparation is key to bringing out the best performances.
“Denzel’s an actor—if I see something, I’m going to go up to him, but most of the time I’m not going to like Denzel da da da–plus he wouldn’t let me do that anyway,” Lee explained.
“The stuff we have to do is done in rehearsal, where they read through the script, and we have the individual rehearsals with the actors, that’s where we do the work.”
Once the actors are on set, Lee makes sure everything flows seamlessly. This focus on preparation ensures that every scene is executed with precision and authenticity, which will undoubtedly shine through in High 2 Lowest.
Spike Lee on Steven A. Smith’s Presidential Bid: A Serious Matter
In a lighter moment during the interview, Spike Lee was asked about ESPN’s Steven A. Smith’s potential presidential run. Lee’s response was candid and humorous, showing just how seriously he views the state of American politics.
“Nah. Come on now, Steve,” Lee said, dismissing the idea. “This is some serious shit we dealing with. Lives are at stake.”
Lee’s comment reflects the gravity of the political climate, where real leadership and experience are needed to tackle pressing national issues.
Carmelo Anthony, who was also part of the conversation, added his thoughts, acknowledging the difficulties of the political arena.
“That’s not a game he want to play in—commend him though for even thinking that, for reaching for that goal,” Carmelo said.
“But nah, that’s not a lane that you want to play in. You have to be ready for that lane.”
A$AP Rocky’s Acting Future and Potential for More Roles
As A$AP Rocky continues to shine in High 2 Lowest, the question arises: Is this just a one-time film role, or will we see more of him in future movies? Fans and critics alike have praised his performance, which shows his versatility as an actor and not just a music artist.
After making a strong impact in his first major film role, there’s a growing expectation that A$AP Rocky could become a staple in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of other rapper-turned-actors like Will Smith and Common. Lee’s casting of Rocky is just the beginning, and it’s clear that he has a bright future in acting.
Final Thoughts: ‘High 2 Lowest’ and What’s Next for Spike Lee
Spike Lee’s High 2 Lowest promises to be a thrilling ride, blending the timeless narrative of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller with contemporary themes and fresh talent. The film’s star-studded cast, including A$AP Rocky and Denzel Washington, is sure to make waves, and Lee’s unique direction is poised to create a cinematic experience that audiences won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re a fan of Spike Lee’s bold vision, A$AP Rocky’s undeniable presence, or Denzel Washington’s legendary performances, this film is shaping up to be a must-watch. Get ready for a crime thriller that pushes the boundaries of acting, storytelling, and Hollywood collaboration.
