Ice Spice is joining the league of “ice” rappers turned actors like Ice Cube and Ice-T. She is set to make her acting debut in Spike Lee’s upcoming film, alongside Hollywood icon Denzel Washington. The Bronx rapper has landed a role in Lee’s English-language reinterpretation of the Akira Kurosawa crime thriller, “High and Low,” based on Evan Hunter’s novel, “King’s Ransom.”
Variety reports that Ice Spice has already begun filming scenes for the project. This news follows the recent confirmation of Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright also joining the cast.
Lee’s adaptation of “High and Low” follows the story of an executive whose son is mistakenly kidnapped, triggering an extortion plot. While it’s uncertain whether Lee will adhere closely to the original source material, the film promises an intriguing narrative twist.
This collaboration marks the fifth time Lee and Washington have teamed up. The two have worked on “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Malcolm X” (1992), “He Got Game” (1998), and “Inside Man” (2006). “High and Low” is a joint effort by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures.
The film is slated for a theatrical release by A24. It will then be distributed on Apple TV, although an official release date is yet to be announced.
Ice Spice and Denzel Washington’s Worlds Collide
Washington’s calendar for 2024 is packed as it is. He’s also set to return to Broadway in a production of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. This marks the first Broadway production of “Othello” since 1982, as reported by The New York Times.
Ice Spice’s rise to fame has been meteoric. It began with her hit single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and notable collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. Nominated for four Grammys this year, including Best Rap Song and Best New Artist, Ice Spice’s debut studio album, “Y2K,” is highly anticipated, scheduled for release this year.
Apple Original Films and A24 are jointly producing “High and Low,” with Todd Black and Jason Michael Berman among the producers. Lee’s 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks will serve as executive producer.
Ice Spice, managed by James Rosemond Jr. for Mastermind Artists, is poised to make a mark not only in the music industry but also on the silver screen. With her talent and versatility, she’s set to captivate audiences in Spike Lee’s latest cinematic offering.