Credit: The Purge
Since its inception in 2013, The Purge franchise has captivated audiences with its unique premise and alternate political world. With six films and a television series under its belt, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Join us as we delve into the dark and twisted world of The Purge, exploring its origins, the series, and what the future holds for this dystopian universe.
The Birth of The Purge Franchise
It all began in 2013 when James DeMonaco created the first film, The Purge, inspired by the idea of one free murder a year after he and his wife survived a drunk driver accident. The film introduced audiences to a world where all crime is legal for one night a year, known as The Purge. With each subsequent film released every two to three years, the franchise expanded on this concept, exploring different aspects of society and the consequences of this brutal tradition.
From the first film’s wealthy family trying to survive the night to the sequel, The Purge: Anarchy, which followed a different family navigating the dangerous streets during The Purge, the franchise continued to evolve. The third film, The Purge: Election Year, stirred controversy for using the same tagline as Donald Trump’s 2020 election campaign, “Keep America Great.” The film centered around an election that attempted to put an end to The Purge. Finally, The First Purge, a prequel, showcased the events leading up to the very first Purge night, initially confined to Staten Island as a social experiment.
The Purge Television Series
After the release of The First Purge, the franchise expanded to the small screen with The Purge television series. Set between the second and third films, the series followed a more consistent cast of characters and a somewhat convoluted storyline that gradually came together as the seasons progressed. Each season had a different focus, with the first centered on Purge Night and the second exploring the events leading up to it.
Unfortunately, the series was canceled after its second season, but not before Ethan Hawke reprised his role from the first film in the series finale, “7:01 am”.
The Forever Purge and the Future of the Franchise
Following the cancellation of the television series, the franchise returned to the big screen with The Forever Purge. The film depicted the New Founding Fathers of America being re-elected and reinstating the annual Purge. However, with Purge Night spiraling out of control, the United States was plunged into chaos, forcing citizens to choose between seeking refuge in Mexico or Canada or staying and fighting for survival.
Initially intended to be the final film in the franchise, The Forever Purge seemed like a fitting conclusion. However, horror mastermind and frequent collaborator Jason Blum expressed his desire to continue exploring the universe, but only with the approval of creator James DeMonaco. Soon after, DeMonaco revealed that a sixth film was in the works, with a script potentially featuring Leo Barnes from Anarchy and Election Year.
As the franchise continues to expand and evolve, fans can look forward to more thrilling and thought-provoking stories set within the dark and twisted world of The Purge.
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