Acclaimed actor Jeffrey Wright has joined Apple Original Films’ movie “High and Low,” as reported by TheWrap. The movie, a new version of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 drama, features Denzel Washington and is being directed by Spike Lee. Wright's role is currently being kept secret.
Kurosawa’s original movie narrates the tale of a rich businessman who suspects that his son has been kidnapped. However, it is later revealed that the businessman's son hasn't actually been taken — instead, it's his chauffeur’s son who has been mistakenly abducted. The movie then explores the ethical dilemma faced by the wealthy man in deciding whether to pay ransom for a child who isn't his own.
A24 will release the movie in theaters before its debut on Apple TV+. Production for the movie is set to begin sometime this month.
Wright was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Cord Jefferson’s film, “American Fiction.”
The new movie will be produced by Todd Black for Escape Artists and Jason Michael Berman for Mandalay Pictures. Spike Lee will also be the executive producer through his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. Additionally, Mandalay’s Peter Guber will serve as an executive producer, along with Juniper Productions’ Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington. Mandalay’s Jordan Moldo is co-producing.
This collaboration marks the second venture for Apple Original Films and Washington. The studio previously released the actor’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in 2021. It also signifies the fifth collaborative project between Washington and Lee. The two initially worked together on the 1990 movie “Mo’ Better Blues,” and have also collaborated on “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and, most recently, the 2006 heist thriller “Inside Man.”
Washington has previously collaborated with Todd Black on the adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “The Equalizer” movie series.
