‘The Purge 3’ to let loose on Fourth of July weekend 2016

Lock the doors, board up the windows and prepare for another night of government-sanctioned mayhem: “The Purge 3” is set to hit theaters July 1, 2016, Universal Pictures announced Thursday.

Set in a dystopian near-future, the “Purge” films center on an annual 12-hour period during which all crimes are legalized by the New Founders of America. In keeping with the franchise’s satirical, if not always nuanced political overtones, “The Purge 3” will open over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

James DeMonaco, who wrote and directed “The Purge” and “The Purge: Anarchy,” is penning the script for the threequel, with an eye toward directing as well.

Plot details and cast members have yet to be revealed, although “Anarchy” actor Michael K. Williams recently told Collider that he and co-star Frank Grillo would be game to return for a third installment. Grillo played a bereaved father out for revenge, and Williams played the leader of a guerrilla group.

For a series about the dangers of unchecked capitalism, both “Purge” movies have been low-budget box-office money makers: Costing just $3 million, the original was a surprise hit in 2013, grossing $89 million worldwide. The follow-up last July cost $9 million and grossed $110 million worldwide.

“The Purge 3” is slated to open against Disney’s “The BFG” and Warner Bros.’ “Tarzan.”

Follow @ogettell for movie news