A$AP Rocky Holds His Own Against Denzel Washington, Director Spike Lee Reveals
A$AP Rocky demonstrated remarkable composure while acting alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest, refusing to be overshadowed by the veteran actor’s commanding presence. Lee shared his observations during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, offering a compelling glimpse into the dynamic between the two performers.
Lee Praises Rocky’s Performance and On-Screen Chemistry
The celebrated director lauded Rocky’s performance, urging audiences to pay attention to the rising star. “Yeah, don’t sleep on A$AP,” Lee stated. He further emphasized the intensity of their scenes together, noting, “In this film, Denzel and A$AP go toe to toe.”
Lee also highlighted a striking physical resemblance between the two actors, adding another layer to their on-screen relationship. “What’s interesting is, even before I got involved with this film, I always thought that A$AP looked like he could be Denzel’s son. There’s a big resemblance. So when you see it on the screen, it adds an element of father and son. Don’t sleep on A$AP. Don’t sleep on A$AP.”
A Rare Display of Equanimity
Lee, who has collaborated with Washington on five previous films, revealed that many actors find themselves intimidated by Washington’s immense talent. “I’ve done five films with Denzel, and when he’s in a scene with somebody, they just get overwhelmed,” he explained. “He’s one of the world’s greatest living actors. But A$AP wasn’t having that.”
The director described a powerful exchange between the two actors, stating, “Toe to toe. I mean, they were going at it.” This suggests a level of confidence and skill from Rocky that is rarely seen when acting opposite such a renowned figure.
Highest 2 Lowest: A Modern Reimagining
Highest 2 Lowest, set to premiere in theaters on August 15 and subsequently stream on Apple TV+ on September 5, is Lee’s adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low. The film itself is based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. The ensemble cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, LaChanze, Aubrey Joseph, Michael Potts, Wendell Pierce, and Elijah Wright, promising a rich and diverse cinematic experience.
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The director’s comments suggest Highest 2 Lowest will be a compelling showcase of both established and emerging talent, with A$AP Rocky proving himself a force to be reckoned with on the big screen.
