Despite their popularity, we might not see any future “Purge” films. 2020 is been a crazy year because of the Coronavirus pandemic but there has also been serious unrest.

Violent rioting in America, partly tied to protests about racial inequality, have sometimes looked like something right out of a “Purge” film. With the police abandoning some areas of major cities, people seemed to have the power to do whatever they wanted. We also part of Seattle temporarily declared its own ‘country’ in 2020.

Audiences may no longer find the films to be fun escapism because when riots are happening in your neighbourhood, you only have to look out the window to see something that looks like the franchise. Also, politicians have always been eager to point the finger of blame at films for violence in society. Future “Purge” films may be viewed as offering citizens a blueprint for rioting, looting and committing other crimes. The films have also taken on an increasingly political angle with one instalment subtitled “Election Year”. After an especially divisive period in American politics, it’s possible that audiences will just want less discussion of politics in their entertainment. The pandemic has also led to people having to wear face masks right across our world so perhaps watching a film with a ton of people in masks will just make us think of the frustrations of being forced to wear a mask in public.

All this may lead to studios not being so eager to allow the “Purge” franchise to return to the screen. It’s entirely plausible that the series will be expanded upon in the future but don’t expect too much in the current climate.