Thescreescore – Spike Lee recently clarified the future of his collaborations with Denzel Washington, following speculation that their latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, might be their last. The pair, whose cinematic partnership spans decades and includes classics like Malcolm X and Inside Man, sparked rumors after Washington hinted at retirement. However, in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lee set the record straight. "I said that before, but I got my mind right," Lee stated, adding, "I’m open to working with Denzel Washington and this not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee."
This announcement is a welcome relief for fans. Highest 2 Lowest, boasting a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score from 49 critics, is already generating significant buzz. The film, slated for release on August 15th, 2025, sees Washington portraying a powerful music mogul facing a high-stakes ransom demand. The positive critical response further fuels anticipation for future collaborations.
The duo’s history is rich with cinematic gold. Their first collaboration, Mo’ Better Blues (1990), marked the beginning of a prolific partnership that continued through the 90s with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Malcolm X, in particular, garnered Washington an Academy Award nomination and solidified their status as a powerhouse filmmaking team. Even their most recent collaboration before Highest 2 Lowest, Inside Man, was a box office triumph.
Related Post
Washington’s recent comments about being more selective in his projects, and even considering retirement, initially cast a shadow over the future of their collaborations. However, Lee’s unequivocal statement dispels those concerns, suggesting a strong desire to continue their creative partnership. Five films is a significant body of work, but for two titans of cinema like Lee and Washington, it seems the story is far from over. The success of Highest 2 Lowest might just be the prelude to another chapter in their legendary collaboration. The question now becomes: what cinematic masterpiece will they create next?
Leave a Comment