February 19, 2016 near Lima, Peru

​

After 4 films, Universal is rebooting their DEATH RACE franchise yet again as DEATH RACE 2050 has begun filming in Peru. Helmed by G.J. Echternkamp (FRANK & CINDY, VIRTUALLY HEROES) from a script he co-wrote with Matt Yamashita (SHARKTOPUS VS. PTERACUDA) and stars Manu Bennett (THE HOBBIT, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT), Malcolm McDowell (HALLOWEEN, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE), Burt Grinstead (“NCIS”), Marci Miller (VIPER), Folake Olowofoyeku (THE BEAVER), Anessa Ramsey (SOUTHBOUND, THE SIGNAL), Yancy Butler ("WITCHBLADE", HARD TARGET) and Charlie Farrell (CANTAR). Here's the 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 (Bennett)— but little does he know he’s taken on a rebel spy as his co-pilot.” Bennett follows in the footsteps of actors who have portrayed Frankenstein in previous films, including David Carradine (DEATH RACE 2000), Jason Statham (DEATH RACE), Luke Goss (DEATH RACE 2, DEATH RACE: INFERNO) & Dougaray Scott (DEATH RACE: INFERNO). Producer Roger Corman released a statement saying: “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.” I'm a huge fan of Bennett and this series, which is why I'm slightly worried about the writer & director. Hopefully, it won't be as bad as I'm thinking it will be.