Legendary B-movie director Roger Corman is returning to the "Death Race" franchise he launched way back in 1975 with a direct-to-video remake releasing later this year, titled "Death Race 2050."

Described as a "Battle Royale"/"Cannonball Run" mashup, the remake is being produced by Corman and is directed by G.J. Echternkamp ("This American Life"). The film began shooting earlier this month.

Here's an official description of "Death Race 2050" from a press release:

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.

The film stars Manu Bennett (the "Hobbit" trilogy) as Frankenstein and Malcolm McDowell ("A Clockwork Orange") as The Chairman.

The first movie in the franchise, "Death Race 2000," is remembered for its glorious B-movie-ness and for being one of Sylvester Stallone's earliest film roles.

"Death Race 2050" releases direct-to-video on DVD and on-demand later this year.

(via io9)