Roger Corman-produced Death Race 2050 with Malcolm McDowell hits the road!

Last Updated on July 21, 2021

Ever since Paul W.S. Anderson very loosely remade Paul Bartel’s violent dark comedy DEATH RACE 2000 eight years ago, we’ve been gifted with a couple of direct-to-DVD sequels in 2011 and 2013, all taking place in a pseudo-gritty world of prison races and hunky B-movie action stars. (I could have sworn there was at least one more but apparently not?) Well, folks, we’re getting another DEATH RACE, but the good news is this one appears to be in the spirit of the zany 1975 original!

Billed as containing “full-throttle mayhem and black-hearted humor,” DEATH RACE 2050 has the following synopsis:

In the not-too-distant future, America is controlled by an all-powerful corporate government that keeps the masses placated with violent virtual-reality entertainment. The event of the year is the Death Race, where a motley assortment of drivers compete in a cross-country road race, scoring points for running down pedestrians and killing each other. The reigning champion and popular favorite is half-man, half-machine Frankenstein — but little does he know he’s taken on a rebel spy as his co-pilot.

Via a press release we learn Roger Corman (or a PR person) has these thoughts:

This is an amazing opportunity for me and millions of Death Race 2000 fans to experience the intensity, thrills and dark humor of the original, fueled by a terrific young cast, spectacular vehicles and side-splitting action, literally. Roger Corman’s Death Race 2050 puts the pedal to the metal to bring this enduring franchise to a whole new level.”

Already in production in Peru under the direction of G.J. Echternkamp, DEATH RACE 2015 stars Manu Bennett (The Hobbit franchise) as Frankenstein, as well as Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) as the Chairman, Burt Grinstead (“NCIS”), Marci Miller (Viper), Folake Olowofoyeku (The Beaver), Anessa Ramsey (Footloose), Yancy Butler (Hard Target) and Charlie Farrell (Cantar).