Manu Bennett goes for a crazy ride in ‘Death Race 2050’
Kiwi actor Manu Bennett (Spartacus, The Shannara Chronicles) is ready to take audiences on a crazy and insane ride with legendary cult filmmaker Roger Corman in his new sci-fi action film Death Race 2050.
In the near future in 2050, America is now controlled by a conglomerate of corporations known as The United Corporations of America which is overseen by the tyrannical Chairman (Malcolm McDowell). To quell the masses they produce a violent virtual reality television show known as Death Race that follows a group of demented drivers who commit murder and mayhem behind the wheel. The best of them is Frankenstein (Bennett), a half man/half machine driver who is determined to reclaim his championship title and will do whatever is necessary to win.
Crazy driving
The new trailer has been released, and it sure is crazy with manic performances from Bennett and McDowell. It also features plenty of crazy driving scenes as Frankenstein and the other competitors run over pedestrians to win points. Director G.J. Echternkamp is clearly paying homage to Corman’s original 1975 cult classic that starred David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone with an approach that balances unique social criticism and outlandish action.
Death Race 2050 is also unique in that the cars visible in the film have been designed less for speed and more for destruction with the addition of crazy weapons and armour. Bennett looks to be having a ball as Frankenstein and brings a great anti-hero swagger to the role.
Corman’s Death Race 2000 was notably remade in 2008 by director Paul W. S. Anderson and saw star Jason Statham stepping behind the wheel of a 2006 Ford Mustang FT, while Carradine drove a much more theatrically designed 1975 C3 Corvette.
In addition to his work in Death Race 2050, Bennett also recently starred in another sci-fi action thriller Beta Test where he drove a 2013 Hurst Mustang that he named Crixus after his famous Spartacus character.
Death Race 2050 will be released on VOD services later this year.