Spike Lee and Denzel Washington‘s first four movies together are: Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. Pretty good track record! They will soon start working on their fifth collaboration with help from one of the most in-demand rappers out there: Ice Spice.
Variety reports that Ice Spice has joined the cast of High and Low, Lee’s English-language reinterpretation of the Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller of the same name. This will be the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” rapper’s acting debut, unless you count her recent appearance on Hot Ones, which you should. She suffered for her art.
“I didn’t ever really like see myself being a rapper,” Spice said on Hot97’s Ebro in the Morning in 2023. “I always wanted to be an actress. That was like, my first passion.”
Apple Original Films, which partnered with A24 on the “Spike Lee joint,” shared a photo of the filmmaker and Washington on X to announce that production has begun on the project. “No. 5 now in production,” it reads.
Lee’s High and Low does not currently have a release date, but it will be released theatrically by A24 before a global launch on AppleTV+. You can watch the original film on Max.
Ice Spice will be joining Denzel Washington in the cast for Spike Lee’s highly-anticipated reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary thriller, High and Low. While it marks the Bronx rapper’s first time working with Lee, it will also be her feature film debut. It will be the fifth time Lee and Washington have collaborated over the years and their first time doing so since 2006’s Inside Man. The news comes after Spice and Lee previously posed for a photo together in Brooklyn, earlier this year.
Kurosawa released High and Low back in 1963 and it remains one of the Japanese filmmaker’s most iconic movies, along with Yojimbo, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Ran, and more. The story follows a businessman torn between gaining executive control and helping an employee by lending him the money to free his child from kidnappers.
Ice Spice at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Spice previously suggested she wanted to pursue a career in acting during an interview with Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenburg on HOT 97 in January 2023. “I didn’t ever really like see myself being a rapper,” she admitted. “I always wanted to be an actress. That was my first passion.” A year later, she appeared in a Super Bowl ad for PepsiCo’s lemon-lime soda, Starry. Speaking on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she described it as her acting debut. “For me, that will act as an introduction to acting,” she said. “Which is crazy, because that’s not a lot of people’s introduction. It’s a lot of pressure because it’s such a big platform. But regardless, I’m grateful I got to have that experience. It was definitely a challenge delivering the lines and stuff like that.”
As for the music side of her career, Spice is hard at work on her debut studio album, Y2K. The project is set to release at some point this year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ice Spice on HotNewHipHop.
Donated items from Spike Lee, Tessa Thompson, Olivia Colman, and more have been added to the Cinema for Gaza auction, raising over $113,000.
Variety reports that the items, iconic to say the least, include a framed “Malcolm X” poster signed by Lee, an “Aftersun” poster signed by Mescal with a personalized video message from Colman are included in the auction lots that launched this past Monday, as well as additional items including a “beer on Zoom” with Tessa Thompson. Memorabilia from “The Marvels,” a “Worst Person in the World” poster signed by Joachim Trier, were also auctioned.
Foreseeably, this won’t be a forever thing, as the auction closes on April 12. All donations will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Cinema for Gaza was set up by U.K.-based filmmakers and film journalists Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, and Helen Simmons. It has been consistently growing since its inception on March 28. More celebrity donations are coming through daily, adding to the original lots from A-list names such as Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor, Ken Loach, and more.
MAP is currently responding to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where the local health authority claims that more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed after Israel retaliated for Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack, which killed more than 1,100 Israelis.
The stars keep adding on for Spike Lee’s newest film from A24 and Apple Studios. Award nominees Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera from Godfather of Harlem are set to star in High and Low alongside icon Denzel Washington. I mean, Wright and Washington, on-screen together, already seems like an amazing one-two punch. Hadera’s addition makes the top-line cast even more enjoyable.
Lee’s High and Low is being developed and produced by A24, best known for its slate of thought-provoking and award-worthy films. Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures are also producing. Alan Fox and Lee wrote the film. Billed as a thriller and described as the “English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller,” it begins production this month.
Thankfully, A24 is releasing the film in theaters before launching at a later date on Apple TV+.
Todd Black for Escape Artists and Jason Michael Berman for Mandalay Pictures are producers.
Lee is serving as executive producer through his long-standing 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks. Mandalay’s Peter Guber is serving as executive producer, along with Juniper Productions’ Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington. Mandalay’s Jordan Moldo is in as co-producer.
High and Low marks Washington’s second Apple Original Films project after his performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth. But get this: it’s the fifth Lee-Washington collaboration as director and actor following Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. I don’t know about you, but we’re excited for what’s to come with this one.
Spike Lee posed for a picture with Ice Spice in Brooklyn on Saturday. In response to the legendary filmmaker sharing the photo on Instagram, fans theorized that the two are in a relationship. Lee quickly shot down those rumors in response.
“Yesterday Da Boogie Down Bronx Made A Visit To CRKLYN. Peace To @IceSpice.” he captioned the post. Ice Spice dropped a goat emoji below. When one user commented, “now Spike,” with laughing emojis, he fired back: “Git Ya Mind Outta Da Gutter [surprised face emoji].”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Spike Lee talks with David Remnick during The 2023 New Yorker Festival at Webster Hall on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New Yorker)
Fans also shared plenty of praise for Ice Spice. “I love ice spice, anyone who doesn’t like it is my enemy,” one user wrote. Another added: “One of the most talented singers since Whitney Houston and Madonna. Every song that Ice Spice does is like a Michael Jackson Thriller video. The dancing and singing she does. SHES UNDERRATED!” Check out her picture with Spike Lee below.
Other fans asked Lee to cast her in one of his projects. “Please put ice spice in your kurosawa remake,” a fan wrote. Despite being known for her career in hip-hop, Ice Spice previously told Teen Vogue that she was originally planning to pursue a career in acting. “I love movies,” she said, last year. “I always wanted to be a part of that, whether it was [starring in] or helping direct it, I wasn’t allowed to, for some reason, I was mad salty about that for years.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Spike Lee and Ice Spice on HotNewHipHop.
This is a big deal. Two cultural icons are teaming up again. Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are adapting a 1963 Japanese crime thriller from Akira Kurosawa. Variety reported that the pair, who haven’t worked together since the 2006 bank robbery film Inside Man, are working with Apple and A24 on High and Low, marking the fifth time Washington and Lee made a movie together.
High and Low is framed as a “reinterpretation” of Kurosawa’s 1963 film starring Toshiro Mifume. Way to keep the nostalgia and original essence going. Now get this: the films are based on the source material – a novel, King’s Ransom, by author Ed McBain, in a story that “follows a businessman’s life becoming a shell of its former self after kidnappers demand a ransom payment.”
The new script is from Lee and Alan Fox and was developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures. The good news is that the new High and Low will hit theaters through A24 and then hit Apple TV+.
The producing team includes Escape Artists Todd Black and Mandalay Pictures’ Michael Berman. Lee will also serve as executive producer under his company, 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks, with Mandalay Pictures’ top brass, Peter Gruber. Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington are also executive producing for Juniper Productions, with Mandalay Pictures’ Jordan Moldo as co-producer.
ICYMI, Washington, is starring in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming epic about Carthaginian General Hannibal. WOW. There hasn’t been a challenging start date on when production will begin on this. Still, the excitement is already brewing, especially among those interested in untold stories of historical Black figures worldwide. Let’s just say Hannibal was undoubtedly one of those names.
Giancarlo Esposito’s career in the acting world is a compelling narrative of versatility, intensity, and artistic excellence. Renowned for his captivating performances in both television and film, Esposito has established himself as a formidable talent in Hollywood. His ability to bring complex characters to life, coupled with his diverse range of roles, has culminated in a net worth of $30 million by 2024, as reported by Equity Atlas. This illustrates his significant impact in the entertainment industry.
The Spotlight’s Embrace: Esposito’s Career Tapestry
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 12: Actor Giancarlo Esposito attends AMC’s Better Call Saul Los Pollos. Hermanos Pop-Up shop with Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito on. March 12, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AMC)
Esposito’s journey in the world of acting began with his early work on stage. This laid the foundation for his dynamic acting skills. His breakthrough in film and television came with roles that showcased his unique ability to portray nuanced characters. Esposito gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Gus Fring in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul. His performances are marked by subtle intensity and depth, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Accolades & Acumen: Celebrating Esposito’s Craft
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 29: Giancarlo Esposito attends the ceremony honoring him with a. Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Throughout his career, Giancarlo Esposito has been lauded for his exceptional performances. His role in Breaking Bad earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. It further cemented his status as a premier talent in the industry. Beyond these accolades, Esposito’s influence extends to his mentorship of young actors and his dedication to the craft of acting. He continues to inspire a new generation in the art of performance.
Beyond The Camera: Esposito’s Life & Legacy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Giancarlo Esposito, winner of the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for “Better Call Saul,” poses in the press room during the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Away from the camera, Esposito’s life is characterized by a commitment to artistic and personal growth. His involvement in various charitable causes and his advocacy for the arts reflect his belief in using his platform for positive change. Esposito’s personal journey, including his exploration of his cultural heritage and experiences in the industry, paints a picture of an actor deeply connected to his work and values.
Giancarlo Esposito’s ascent to a net worth of $30 million in 2024 is not merely a financial achievement but a testament to his profound influence as an actor and artist. His career, characterized by critically acclaimed roles and a dedication to his craft, is complemented by his contributions off-screen, solidifying his position as a distinguished figure in the world of acting.
In 1986, visionary filmmaker Spike Lee introduced the world to Nola Darling and her complex love life in the groundbreaking film, She’s Gotta Have It. Decades later, Lee revisited his iconic work. He brought the characters to the small screen as a Netflix series in 2017. The show not only rekindled interest in Nola’s unique journey, but also sparked a global conversation. Furthermore, it put a spotlight on the talented cast that brought the new versions of the characters to life. Let’s take a look at where these stars are today.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: DeWanda Wise attends the Los Angeles special screening of Netflix’s “Someone Great” at ArcLight Hollywood on April 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Dewanda Wise stepped into the shoes of the fierce and independent Nola Darling, captivating audiences with her powerful performance. Since her breakthrough role in She’s Gotta Have It, Wise has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She starred in the supernatural drama series The Twilight Zone and made appearances in films like Someone Great, Fatherhood, and Jurassic World Dominion. She is also set to star in the upcoming supernatural horror film Imaginary. Wise’s undeniable talent and charisma have solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood, and she’s finally receiving her flowers.
Anthony Ramos (Mars Blackmon)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 07: Anthony Ramos attends the European Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” at Cineworld Cinemas on June 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Anthony Ramos portrayed the energetic and charismatic Mars Blackmon. He has experienced a meteoric rise in his career since his breakout in Hamilton. After She’s Gotta Have It, Ramos appeared in the series Will and Grace and also voiced Tito in the animated series Elena Of Avalor. He has also taken on prominent roles in major films like A Star Is Born, Honest Thief, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, proving himself as a versatile actor. Ramos will also be starring in the upcoming Marvel series Ironheart.
Cleo Anthony (Greer Childs)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 06: Cleo Anthony attends Vanity Fair x Instagram Celebrate the New Class of Entertainers at Mel’s Diner on Golden Globes Weekend at Mel’s Diner on January 6, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Vanity Fair/Instagram)
Cleo Anthony portrayed the suave and sophisticated Greer Childs in the series. Following his stint on She’s Gotta Have It, Anthony continued to build his acting portfolio. He appeared in the drama Sex/Life and showcased his talent in the action thriller The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus. Anthony’s dedication to his craft has positioned him as a promising actor in the industry.
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 09: Actor Lyriq Bent, winner of best actor in a leading roll attends the Canadian Screen Awards at Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on March 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic)
Lyriq Bent, who brought Jamie Overstreet to life, has enjoyed a successful career after She’s Gotta Have It ended. With an impressive filmography, including roles in series like Mary Kills People, Long Slow Exhale, and Delilah. He also appeared in Acrimony, which brought him a great deal of attention as well. Bent has proven himself as a versatile actor capable of tackling a range of characters.
Chyna Layne (Shemekka Epps)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Chyna Layne attends the Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season Two Tastemaker event at Bowery Hotel Terrace on August 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for STARZ)
Chyna Layne portrayed the aspiring artist and Nola Darling’s best friend Shemekka Epps, whose journey resonated with many viewers. Since the show’s conclusion, Layne has continued to take strides in the entertainment industry. Her talent has shone in films like We Are Family and The First Purge. She is also starring in the legal drama Judge Me Not. Layne has also demonstrated her ability to take on emotionally charged roles with finesse.
Margot Bingham (Clorinda Bradford)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Actor Margot Bingham attends the AOL Build Presents series at AOL Studios In New York on April 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
Margot Bingham, who played Clorinda Bradford, has continued to make waves in the industry. Known for her versatile talents, Bingham has appeared in series such as Blue Bloods, One Dollar, and New Amsterdam. Her filmography since She’s Gotta Have It includes projects like Sunday Church, A Vigilante, and Then Came You. Bingham’s commitment to diverse roles showcases her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she portrays.
Joie Lee (Septima)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 29: Joie Lee attends the 2014 BAMcinemaFest closing night party at Hill Country Barbecue Market on June 29, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
Joie Lee portrayed Nola’s mother in the series. The veteran actress is a multifaceted talent who has not only contributed to the success of many Spike Lee projects but has also made her mark in the entertainment world. She is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and producer. Since the end of She’s Gotta Have It, Lee has appeared in projects like Broad City, Farewell Armor,and Harlem.
Prayers go out to Spike Lee and his family as his father, Bill Lee, passed away. Bill died at his Brooklyn Home on Wednesday (May 24). He was 94.
Spike Lee confirmed the death of his father on Instagram, sharing images of his father, captured by his brother, David Charles Lee. “DEEDS NOT WORDS,” Spike captioned the photo collection.
Bill Lee was a talented jazz bassist, composer, and actor. His contributions to music, especially jazz, have established him as a notable figure.
Bill Lee was raised in Snow Hill, Alabama, where he was born, and he became enamored with music at a young age. He learned to play the bass by himself and quickly advanced to proficiency. Jazz, blues, and gospel were just a few genres that influenced his musical style. Over the years, Lee’s ability and originality on the bass allowed him to work with various well-known musicians.
Bill Lee rose to prominence as a jazz musician in the 1950s and 1960s by performing and recording with well-known musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Art Blakey. He served on cello, double bass, and electric bass, demonstrating his adaptability and aptitude in various musical contexts.
Bill Lee has contributed to the civil rights struggle and his musical endeavors. He actively took part in racial equality and social justice marches and demonstrations. His son, Spike Lee, who would later include similar themes in his films, was moved by his dedication to these causes.
Bill Lee has artistic abilities outside of music. Including “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986) and “Do the Right Thing” (1989), he wrote the music for several of Spike Lee’s early movies. His music gave his son’s films a unique and heartfelt touch while also showcasing their similar aesthetic sensibility. He was born William James Edward Lee III on July 23, 1928.
The phrase film d’auteur is especially potent and necessary when defining the work of Spike Lee. As a term, it describes a director’s complete oeuvre, recognizing and acknowledging the themes and powerful tropes that offer a prismatic peek into the passions and personalities of the creator. When examining Lee’s vivid portfolio (or various film joints), those themes run the gamut of unpacking race relations against social and personal backdrops. This includes the media’s invasive role in contemporary society, crime and poverty in urban areas, as well as colorism and politics.
When someone watches a Spike Lee film, they will learn something and question their assumptions and misunderstandings. This occurs as they appreciate and marvel at his use of long shots, color schemes, and layers of music. To welcome those feelings of discomfort that lead to clarity is all part of the Spike Lee Joint experience.
School Daze (1988)
Recently, publications have started to revisit Lee’s 1988 film School Daze. The website Shadow and Act examined its status as a classic. Lee recalled how the film was a victim of colorism. The shooting moved locations because the president of Morehouse did not like that the fictional president in the film had such dark skin. Lee recalled how that adverse reaction only reaffirmed that he was making the right choices. “I know what we were doing was right. Because I had the president of Morehouse telling me the man I cast as the president was too dark-skinned.” The film, starring Laurence Fishburne and Tisha Campbell, examined the world of fraternities and pledging at a historically black college.
When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)
In 2006, HBO premiered perhaps its most important documentary to date: When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. This Spike Lee film took viewers to the hours leading up to Hurricane Katrina. It held the audience’s hand while the storm raged and fully displayed what happened in the New Orleans aftermath. Lee interviews residents from all walks of life, the cameras taking people into the Super Dome and the Ninth Ward.
Divided into four acts, this documentary has an operatic scope and feel. Jazz music is applied throughout, using the soundtrack of the Big Easy to its fullest effect. It also manages to still come across as scathing without pointing fingers. The footage’s skill and direction forever ensure that the audience can understand who was responsible for the dereliction of duty as New Orleans floundered. Yet, Lee does not allow the tone to be hopeless. He crafted a narrative that promises eventual resurrection while making it clear that the city’s people deserve all the credit for the city’s survival.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
It is difficult to know where Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing belongs in the pecking order. Released in 1989, it was his third feature film and perhaps one of his most brilliant. Undoubtedly, it is a classic used in both film classes to discuss style and the director’s voice. Additionally, it is discussed in sociology courses to catalyze deeper conversations about socio-economic realities. With a stellar cast that includes John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Lee, and Danny Aiello, the writing is as tight as any script can get. The action occurs in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood during the hottest day of the year. With Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” pounding like a heartbeat through the city, the film looks at how tensions build in a city that represents a nation that has yet to deal with its racist past or present.
Malcolm X (1992)
Spike Lee’s 1992 Malcolm X forced America to reckon with the legacy of one of its Civil Rights Leaders who not only pointed out racism and hypocrisy embedded deep within every layer of society (“The Ballot or the Bullet” being one of his most outstanding speeches), but who did not give way to compromise to further the agenda of the middle. Although the production had a slew of budget issues, many of which were ameliorated thanks to such celebrities as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, the film debuted at the height of a new wave of police brutality, epitomized in the Rodney King case.
Those emotions ripped through the audience with the words: “We’ve never seen Democracy, all we’ve seen is hypocrisy! We don’t see any American Dream; we’ve experienced only the American Nightmare!” Starring Denzel Washington, the film demonstrated Lee’s ability to tackle historical material and make it applicable to modern-day audiences. That relevancy is why it remains one of his most appreciated films.
KLYN. Peace To @IceSpice.” he captioned the post. Ice Spice dropped a goat emoji below. When one user commented, “now Spike,” with laughing emojis, he fired back: “Git Ya Mind Outta Da Gutter [surprised face emoji].”
