Why Method Man and Redman Missed How High 2

Method Man & Redman’s “How High 2” Absence: What Really Happened?

How High, the 2001 cult stoner comedy starring Method Man and Redman, holds a legendary place in hip hop and cannabis film culture. When MTV and Universal announced How High 2—without the original stars—fans erupted with confusion and disappointment. Here we untangle the full backstory: from fan petitions and creative rights to Redman and Method Man’s own responses, as well as what their absence means for the franchise and its legacy.

The Original “How High”: Cult Status and Cultural Context

The first How High premiered in 2001, starring the rap duo as two cannabis enthusiasts who discover a magical strain of weed granting them exceptional abilities—including passing their entrance exams for Harvard. Its unique blend of buddy comedy, hip hop authenticity, and irreverent humor made it an enduring favorite, especially within Black, hip hop, and stoner communities.

• Cultural Impact: Became a staple among hip hop fans and credited with breaking new ground for comedy films centering on Black characters and cannabis culture.
• Brand Association: Method Man and Redman’s real-life friendship and chemistry were inseparable from the film’s identity.
• Legacy: Over the years, fans consistently called for a sequel featuring the iconic duo.

Sequel Announcement: The Shocking News

In 2018, nearly two decades after the original, news broke that MTV and Universal would finally produce How High 2. The surprise—and, for many, outrage—came when it was revealed that neither Method Man nor Redman would be reprising their roles or even appearing in the film. Instead, Lil Yachty and DC Young Fly would helm the sequel.

• Fan Reactions: Outcry and confusion dominated social media. Many questioned why the original stars were omitted.
• Petition Drive: A fan petition quickly circulated, seeking to secure Method Man and Redman’s involvement.
• Official Statements: Reports surfaced that Method Man and Redman weren’t even approached before MTV moved forward with the new cast.

Key Players in How High 2

• Main Cast: Lil Yachty, DC Young Fly
• Supporting Cast: Lil Baby, Alyssa Goss, DeRay Davis, and more.
• Production: MTV and a Universal-affiliated branch led development.

Redman and Method Man Respond: Disappointment and Dignity

Redman, speaking frankly on the Grass Routes Podcast, offered critical insight into what transpired behind the scenes:

• He revealed that neither he nor Method Man was contacted or consulted before news of the sequel broke.
• Despite their integral role in the original’s success, neither star owned the rights to the How High brand, meaning the studio didn’t require their approval.
• Redman emphasized that the concept and tone of the original film—including its cannabis-and-college premise—were born out of their creative ideas.

Method Man, in later remarks, echoed similar disappointments, particularly how industry “business wasn’t right” and that he refused a last-minute invitation to participate given how negotiations had unfolded.

Direct Quotes from the Duo

“When you have a brand, like Red and Meth, that kind of helped build and create this entity of How High … and when the new deal came about, we wasn’t involved in it.” — Redman, Grass Routes Podcast

“I don’t think it was fair to those two guys. Especially DC. His first vehicle should’ve been something original because he’s funny as fk…I didn’t see the movie, but I’m privy to the script.” — Method Man

Why Weren’t Method Man & Redman in How High 2? (A Breakdown)

Fan Reaction: The Backlash and Petition

The neglect of Method Man and Redman in How High 2 sparked notable backlash among dedicated fans:

• Social Media Outcry: Longtime followers and hip hop aficionados voiced their anger and disbelief across platforms.
• #BringBackRedAndMeth Movement: An online petition was launched, gaining thousands of signatures in hopes of reversing the casting decision.
• Media Coverage: Entertainment outlets chronicled the controversy, solidifying the absence of the original stars as a central talking point.

Artistic and Generational Shifts: New Cast, New Direction

MTV’s decision to cast Lil Yachty and DC Young Fly marked a significant generational shift:

• Target Audience: The network sought to connect with a younger demographic familiar with Yachty and DC Young Fly’s comedic and musical brands.
• Creative Risks: By moving away from the original duo, producers risked alienating the film’s core fanbase while hoping to revive the brand for new audiences.
• Industry Trends: This choice reflects a broader Hollywood trend of rebooting or sequelizing cult favorites without original stars in order to “refresh” intellectual property.
• Post-Release Response: The new cast received mixed reactions, with even Method Man suggesting DC Young Fly “deserved a breakout vehicle of his own” that wasn’t tied to the iconic original.

Behind the Business: Rights and Studio Power

Legal and business dynamics played a crucial role in the exclusion of Method Man and Redman:

• Film Rights: Despite originating and embodying the characters, the duo never owned the How High brand or script—they were employees, not rights holders.
• Universal’s Role: Universal Studios, and specifically a subsidiary branch, controlled the property and could proceed unilaterally.
• Decision-Making Process: MTV and Universal identified an opportunity to capitalize on a recognizable brand, prioritizing business prospects over creative continuity.
• Disappointing Communication: Both artists were frustrated primarily by the lack of transparency and respect shown in the process.

Redman and Method Man’s Future Plans

While disappointed, Method Man and Redman refused to dwell on the setback. Both have reassured fans that they continue to work on new creative projects together:

• New Movie Projects: Redman confirmed ongoing talks about future film collaborations, potentially revisiting themes from the beloved How High universe in a new, original context.
• Blackout! 3: The duo has also hinted at the third installment of their acclaimed music series Blackout!

Industry Lessons: Intellectual Property and the Modern Sequel

The saga of How High 2 highlights important truths about Hollywood’s approach to sequels and reboots:

• Ownership is Power: Without legal rights, original stars and even creators can be left out of pivotal decisions regarding franchises they helped build.
• Changing Demographics: Studios often prioritize perceived market trends over established fan expectations in pursuit of new audiences.
• Brand vs. Artistry: The commodification of film properties sometimes comes at the cost of authenticity and loyal followings.
• Response from Original Artists: Method Man and Redman’s professionalism and dignity in the face of disappointment earned new respect from their fan base and peers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why didn’t Method Man and Redman appear in How High 2?

A: They were neither notified nor seriously consulted prior to production. The property rights were owned by Universal/MTV, who opted to cast new, younger leads. Both rappers ultimately declined participating due to dissatisfaction with the process and communication.

Q: Were Method Man and Redman upset with the new stars of How High 2?

A: No. Both have publicly expressed support for Lil Yachty and DC Young Fly, emphasizing their issue was with the business decisions by the studio—not the talents of the new cast.

Q: Did fans try to get the original stars back in the sequel?

A: Absolutely. A petition gathered thousands of signatures as fans advocated for the duo’s involvement, but the casting decisions remained unchanged.

Q: What projects are Redman and Method Man working on now?

A: They continue making music together, including the anticipated release of Blackout! 3, and are developing new film projects, possibly returning to the comedic, buddy-film space.

Q: Will there ever be a true How High sequel with the original duo?

A: There are currently no public plans. However, Redman has hinted at interest in developing a similar project, and both artists remain open to future collaborations under better business circumstances.

Conclusion: “How High 2” and the Legacy of the Original

The controversy surrounding How High 2 serves as a cautionary tale on the complexities of intellectual property, legacy, and creative control in Hollywood. While fans may always associate Method Man and Redman with the franchise’s origins, the duo’s absence in the sequel underscores both their lasting cultural influence and the challenges artists face when navigating the modern entertainment industry.

• For fans, the passion and loyalty remain, with many continuing to celebrate the original How High as a classic of the genre.
• For Method Man and Redman, the experience highlighted the importance of creative ownership and respectful collaboration—lessons they intend to carry into future projects.
• For Hollywood, it’s a powerful reminder that legacies are built by people, not just brands—and that audiences never forget who started it all.