The Death Race has its fair share of villains. Most of the protagonists are technically criminals since they've ended up in chokey, but the wardens are even worse.

Sean Bean is lending his Northern gravitas to the role of Marcus Kane.

Kane is instrumental in setting up the Death Race, and before long he's baying for the star driver's blood, even attempting to bribe his ladyfriend with the promise of freedom

Lauren Cohan (The Vampire Diaries' Rose) is also on board as September Jones, a ruthless TV producer who's looking for a hit, and senses the potential of the prisoner-populated Grand Prix.

The prequel gets another shot of muscular villainy in the form of Ving Rhames. He plays prisoner owner Weyland, a man who senses the money-making opportunity in the event launch.