'The Purge' creator James DeMonaco to direct Miramax thriller 'Vigilant'
Los Angeles, July 15
Filmmaker James DeMonaco, best known for creating 'The Purge' franchise, is set to direct Miramax's upcoming thriller 'Vigilant', according to Deadline.
According to the makers, 'Vigilant' is set in a world where a pilot programme turns crime fighting into a cash-based game, rewarding ordinary citizens for capturing wanted criminals. As the nation prepares to vote on expanding the programme nationwide, the distinction between hero and hunter begins to blur, pushing the country toward sanctioned chaos.
The film is said to share a similar spirit with the 'The Purge' franchise.
'Vigilant' is being produced by Sebastien K. Lemercier from an original screenplay by Tyler Stevens and Wade Stanton. DeMonaco has also rewritten the script along with Krystal Ziv and Alon Ziv, who previously worked on 'The Purge' television series, according to Deadline.
The project was brought to Miramax by Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Glickman from his previous company, Panoramic. Miramax Film Group President Ali Loewy and Vice President of Film Arianna D'Andrea are overseeing the project.
Miramax has enjoyed a successful summer with the revival of the 'Scary Movie' franchise by the Wayans Brothers, which has earned more than USD 228 million at the global box office, according to Deadline.
The studio's upcoming slate also includes director Frankie Shaw's action film '4 Kids Walk Into a Bank', starring Liam Neeson.
— ANI
Reader Comments
DeMonaco is a master at tapping into societal fears—The Purge was basically a mirror to our own anxieties about law and order. "Vigilant" sounds like a logical next step. But let's be real, in a country like India where corruption is rampant, this "cash-based game" would just be another way for the rich to hunt the poor. Can't wait to see it though! 🎬
Sounds like a cross between The Purge and a reality TV show—which is exactly the kind of dark satire we need right now. The "hero or hunter" blur is such a powerful theme. Reminds me of how social media turns everyone into a judge and executioner these days. Definitely adding this to my watchlist!
Another glorification of violence? 🙄 The Purge was already problematic enough—it normalized the idea that killing is okay under certain rules. This one takes it further by making it pay-per-capture. We already have enough real-world violence in places like Kashmir and Naxal areas. I wish Hollywood would make more films about peace and conflict resolution instead.
Bro, this is giving serious "Kantara 2" vibes but in a Western setting 😂 But seriously, the concept of turning citizens into bounty hunters is terrifying when you think about it. In India, our police force is already overworked—can you imagine what would happen if someone offered money for catching criminals? The poor would be targeted mercilessly. Great concept for a thriller though!
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