It all began when a meme transformed A$AP Rocky from a meme subject to a movie star, thanks to Spike Lee’s keen eye and Instagram’s viral power.
Spike Lee, the Brooklyn director known for his dynamic storytelling, recently shared a surprising casting process on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn. During the show, Lee recounted how a viral meme linking A$AP Rocky’s likeness to Denzel Washington inspired his casting decision.
The upcoming film, ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ offers a fresh take on the classic Japanese crime drama, ‘High and Low’ by Akira Kurosawa. Lee, reportedly, was scrolling through Instagram four or five years ago when he stumbled upon memes that compared Rocky’s appearance to a young Denzel. Intrigued, Lee decided to explore this potential connection on the big screen.
In the film, Rocky shares the screen with the legendary Denzel Washington. While this marks Washington’s fifth collaboration with Lee, Rocky plays the main role. Lee praises Rocky’s acting chops, stating, ‘A$AP, man, he fire. I mean, there’s some scenes with him and D where he’s not backing up.’
The storyline reimagines Kurosawa’s narrative of a businessman’s downfall after paying ransom to kidnappers. In this adaptation, Washington portrays a music mogul instead of a shoemaking entrepreneur. Additionally, Ice Spice joins the cast, adding another layer of excitement to the ensemble.
The film is set for a big release next month through a partnership with A24 and Apple Original Films. This collaboration promises a wide reach for audiences eager to see this intriguing dynamic between Rocky and Washington.
Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky remains busy with his music career. He recently teased fans on Instagram, sporting a bunny costume while previewing a new track from his album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb.’ His lyrics, as always, sparked buzz and anticipation for what’s next in his artistic journey.
A$AP Rocky’s leap from meme stardom to sharing the screen with Denzel Washington exemplifies the unexpected ways the internet shapes Hollywood careers. As fans anticipate the release of ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ the film’s unique casting story continues to intrigue.
