Introduction

Filmmaker Spike Lee is embracing modern trends in his casting decisions, as evidenced by his upcoming A24 film, Highest 2 Lowest, set to debut at Cannes next month. Rather than focusing solely on traditional metrics, Lee has turned to social media phenomena like memes to influence his casting choices.

Memes as a Casting Influence

In a recent discussion on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Lee shared insights into his decision to cast rapper A$AP Rocky. The director mentioned that he first encountered a meme likening A$AP Rocky to his co-star Denzel Washington approximately four to five years ago. This perception, shaped by social media, played a significant role in the casting process.

“What’s funny is that I was looking at Instagram four or five years ago and people were saying that A$AP looked like he’s Denzel’s son,” Lee reflected. “I seen those memes and then in the film we used that.”

Rocky’s On-Screen Journey

A$AP Rocky will join a distinguished cast including Denzel Washington and Ice Spice in Highest 2 Lowest. Previously, Rocky made his acting debut in the 2015 film Dope and recently appeared in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, also produced by A24.

Lee expressed enthusiasm for Rocky’s performance, stating, “A$AP, man, he fire… There are some scenes where him and D head to head – he ain’t backing up. Like, ‘I’m here too.’” He conveyed his satisfaction with the film and excitement for its upcoming release.

Plot Overview

Highest 2 Lowest is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s classic film High and Low from 1963. Lee’s adaptation features Washington as a titanic music mogul known for his exceptional skills in recognizing talent, who finds himself embroiled in a perilous ransom scenario.

Furthermore, Lee has indicated that Rocky plays a pivotal role in this cinematic narrative, underscoring the actor’s significance in the film’s unfolding drama.