Let’s get mathematical. The Purge, which opened this past May, made $87 million on a budget which could barely sustain a seasonal latte habit ($3 million.) Mere moments after it drew in the crowds and a huge return of $34 million in its opening weekend, Universal gave a sequel the green light. Of course they did! 87 minus 3 equals… a phenomenal profit margin. The only question for fans was; would the original team behind it return?
The answer to that would be yes, according to sources at Variety. Writer-director James DeMonaco has reportedly signed on to pen and helm the scott-free crime-spree follow-up; and Jason Blum will produce through his Blumhouse Productions deal with Universal.
The original is set in a near future in which crime levels have spun out of control. The government step in and introduce The Purge; a 12-hour window of time every year allowing all crime to be legal. Mincing, bludgeoning, testing out that horrific gene-splicing technology you made in the basement on your irritating neighbour. All perfectly legal and sanctioned by the government so citizens can vent their frustrations. Sort of a “get it off your chest” kinda thing to ensure peace for the remainder of the year.
The first outing starred Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey as a married couple surviving the night along with their kids. So far, there’s been no news on whether or not anyone from the first flick will reprise their roles for the sequel or indeed any plot details. We’d place our bets on the story picking up either another incident during the initial Purge, or carrying on the family’s story one year later. The latter option would allow for not only inventive violence and trickery (as the first did so well), but also, the story would bring on the hefty weight of a revenge tale. Lena Headey all butched up with an Uzi? Brilliant.
Shooting on The Purge sequel is set to start in California before the end of the year.
Are you excited that DeMonaco and Blum are back onboard for murderous hijinks and crime spree antics? Would you prefer a new cast to go through the ringer or see the original survivors beat seven shades out of their condescending neighbours? Let us know in the comments.
