On June 16, 2000, Paramount Pictures released 'Shaft,' a reboot of a classic 1971 blaxploitation Gordon Parks film.

Directed by John Singleton, Samuel L. Jackson played the title character, John Shaft. A bevy of big names also rounded out the film's cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Christian Bale, Vanessa L. Williams, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Toni Collette, Busta Rhymes and Mekhi Phifer.

With a budget of $46 million, the film opened at No. 1 with $21 million. It ended its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of $107 million.

New York City police detective John Shaft (nephew of the original 1970s detective) goes on a personal mission to make sure the son of a real estate tycoon (Bale) is brought to justice after a racially motivated murder.

Making a cameo in the film was the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree.

It was Singleton's highest grossing film at the time, prior to making 2003's '2 Fast 2 Furious,' which would net a total gross of $236 million.

'Shaft' is still Jackson's biggest hit to date as a lead actor.

Prior to 'Shaft,' Wright had appeared primarily in independent films, including 'Basquiat' and Ang Lee's 'Ride With the Devil.' His portrayal of drug lord People Hernandez made him the film's scene stealer.