It was confirmed back in October that Universal was working on a third Purge film, with James Demonaco, who wrote and directed the first two movies, returning to steer the project.

Now, Variety reports that the studio has set the release date for The Purge 3.

Come July 1, 2016, The Purge 3 will go up against Warner Bros.’ Tarzan and Disney’s The BFG in theaters.

The Purge 3, from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse, and Platinum Dunes, will reportedly be a prequel that explores the origins of The Purge, the annual event where all crime is legal for 12 hours in a future America run by a totalitarian government looking to control population numbers. The film’s official title has not been announced yet.

The first film, 2013’s The Purge starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, was a huge hit, raking in over $89 million worldwide on a $3 million budget. Its sequel, 2014’s The Purge: Anarchy which had a lesser-known cast, also had a $3 million budget and took in even more bucks — $108 million worldwide at the box office.

Last year, the franchise inspired the creation of The Purge: Survive the Night, a new scare zone at Halloween Horror Nights, the Fall horror-themed special ticketed event at Universal Studios theme parks.

[Source: Variety]

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