Director Spike Lee explained in detail the unlikely but fortunate events that led him to cast Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky in the writer-director's upcoming film, 'High 2 Lowest.'
In a recent chat on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Lee provided insight into what happened behind the scenes that led to the Harlem-bred rapper playing across from Denzel Washington in the crime drama. Believe it or not, a meme inspired the decision.
"I remember looking at Instagram four or five years ago, and people were saying A$AP looks like he's Denzel's son," Lee recalled, laughing about the social media speculation. I saw all those memes, and then we used them while shooting the movie. It wasn't only because of the resemblance that caught Lee's eye; the director, however, was already captivated by Rocky's undeniable charisma and style. "A$AP, man, he fire," Lee said.
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'High 2 Lowest,' a stylish version of Akira Kurosawa's High and Low, in which A$AP Rocky plays Yung Felon, a major player in a ransom plan gone wrong. The film, which follows Washington's character, a music executive targeted by a ransom scheme that forces him into a moral predicament, was declared a "masterpiece" by the... To prove Rocky is more than just a meme, the teaser trailer provides audiences a look at the supposed character in action, wearing a prison jumpsuit, and to confirm that he's not just in it for the memes but here to deliver.
The casting of Rocky alongside Washington is a significant milestone in their careers. The project marks Lee and Washington's first partnership in nearly two decades, adding to the excitement. In addition, High 2 Lowest has a heavy-hitting cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Zeus himself, Ice Spice.
This story is so interesting because it captures Hollywood casting's constantly shifting nature. Today, memes can be more than just fodder for the internet; they can also be entry points to meaningful career opportunities. Who knew a meme comparing A$AP Rocky with Denzel's son would score him an acting role in a Spike Lee film? Well, in a world of social media, the most unexpected ways to make it happen don't have to be what comes to mind.
A brilliant talent spotter and a fearless storyteller, Spike Lee has always been able to see something special in people. In this instance, the social media-shared meme catalyzed a partnership that fans will follow closely.
In today's pop culture landscape, nothing is out of reach, particularly when memes, music, and movies intertwine in unlikely ways.
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