Well this came out of nowhere. It seems as though an official sequel to the cult film Death Race 2000 is now currently in production under the watchful eye of original producer Roger Corman. Details of Death Race 2050 are scarce, but it is said to have a similar plot to the original but will incorporate virtual reality.
“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,” says Corman in the official press release. “Roger Corman’s Death Race 2050 puts the pedal to the metal to bring this enduring franchise to a whole new level.”
The original Death Race 2000 was notable for starring David Carradine (Kill Bill) and a young Sylvester Stallone, and would serve as the inspiration for hit PC game Carmageddon during the 1990s. It involved a cross-country car race where you earned extra points for running down civilians. It was remade in 2008 by Paul W.S. Anderson (AVP: Alien vs. Predator) and starred Jason Statham to mediocre reviews.
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 (The Hobbit’s Manu Bennett, taking over for the original’s David Carradine) — but little does he know he’s taken on a rebel spy as his co-pilot. Cult film icon Malcolm McDowell also stars as the sinister Chairman.
Death Race 2050 is directed by G.J. Echternkamp (Frank and Cindy) and will likely be released next year.
Originally published February 19, 2016. Updated June 30, 2023.
