Highest 2 Lowest is a 2025 American crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay by Alan Fox. It is an English-language remake and reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese film High and Low, itself based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain.
What’s the Movie About?
When a titan music mogul is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma. Denzel Washington stars as the powerful music executive who faces this terrifying situation in modern-day New York City.
Denzel Washington’s Big Payday
Reports suggest that Denzel Washington earned a massive $35M salary to star in Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’, making this one of his highest-paid roles ever. This huge salary shows just how much streaming services and studios are willing to pay for A-list talent like Washington.
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Star-Studded Cast
The film stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, John Douglas Thompson, Dean Winters, LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and Ice Spice (in her film debut). This mix of established actors and fresh faces created an interesting dynamic for the production.
Production Details
Principal photography began in New York City in March 2024, giving the film an authentic Big Apple feel. The movie showcases expensive New York locations, including a penthouse at the Olympia Dumbo in NYC that will be on the market for $17.5 million.
Release and Reception
The film runs 2 hr 13 min and had a theatrical release before premiering on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025. Critics have praised Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s collaboration, calling it “a swaggering thriller that lovingly showcases New York City.”
Movie Budget and Cast Salary Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor Salary | Denzel Washington: ~$35 million |
| Supporting Cast | Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera: $2-5 million each |
| Music Stars | A$AP Rocky, Ice Spice: $500K-2 million |
| Production Budget | Estimated $80-120 million |
| Filming Location | New York City (expensive permits) |
| Runtime | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| Director | Spike Lee (estimated $10-15 million) |
| Distribution | Apple TV+ (streaming rights) |
Why Such High Costs?
The movie’s budget reflects several expensive elements: Denzel’s huge salary takes up a big chunk, New York City filming costs are sky-high, and the all-star cast doesn’t come cheap. Apple TV+ likely paid premium prices to secure this high-profile project for their streaming platform.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much did Denzel Washington make for Highest 2 Lowest?
A: Reports suggest he earned around $35 million, making it one of his highest-paid roles ever.
Q: Is this based on another movie?
A: Yes, it’s a modern remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low,” updated for today’s music industry.
Q: Where can I watch Highest 2 Lowest?
A: It’s available in theaters and streams on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.
Q: Is this Ice Spice’s first movie?
A: Yes, this marks Ice Spice’s film debut alongside veteran actors like Denzel Washington.
Q: How long did it take to make this movie?
A: Filming began in March 2024 in New York City, with the movie releasing about a year and a half later.