The Purge: Election Yearis one of 2016’s biggest horror movies,bringing a compelling cast to the long-running dystopian genre franchise.The Purgefranchise began in 2013, offering a combination of horror, action, and light political commentary. The third film,Election Year, is often considered one of thebestPurgemovies, expanding on the lore by examining how the ruling class views Purge night. With the year’s real-world election occurring just months later, the film made a concerted effort to explore timely themes regarding American life.
While the film was released in 2016,Election Yearactually occurs much later onThe Purgetimeline, set in a dystopian future during the year 2040. With decades since the first Purge occurred, the existence of the annual bloodbath is a central political topic for the movie’s fictional election. This allows characters fromThe Purge: Anarchyto return, including star Frank Grillo as the lead. However, much of the cast is fresh to the movie, meaning new faces for viewers to familiarize themselves with. James DeMonaco also returned to write and direct the film.
Frank Grillo as Leo Barnes
Born August 09, 2025
Actor:Frank Grillo has played starring and supporting roles in movies and TV shows since his first role in the 1992 filmThe Mambo Kings. With a background in martial arts,Grillo has found a niche in physical roles, including several action movies, includingThe Purgefranchise,Zero Dark Thirty,Minority Report, and many others. He’s appeared as a villain in the MCU’sCaptain Americafilms and will soon be starring in the DCU as Rick Flag Sr. He’s already voiced the character inCreature Commandos, and he’ll appear in live-action for James Gunn’s 2025Supermanmovie.
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
2002
2014
2016
2024
Bill Bevilaqua
Character:Leo Barnes is the main protagonist ofThe Purge: AnarchyandThe Purge: Election Year. He’s a former LAPD Police Sergeant who’s now Charlie Roan’s head of security.
Frank Grillo’s 2016 Horror Movie About A Dystopian USA Pushes Onto Streaming Charts
Frank Grillo’s 2016 horror movie about a dystopian USA pushes onto streaming charts, almost nine years after it was originally released in theaters.
Elizabeth Mitchell as Senator Charlie Roan
Born June 27, 2025
Actor:Elizabeth Mitchell is an American actress who’sbest known for her Emmy-nominated role as Juliet inLost, which is widely regarded as one of thebest TV shows of all time. Mitchell began working over a decade before appearing onLost, but she’s found more career success after the fact. She’s had roles on popular TV shows likeER,Once Upon a Time,The Expanse, andOuter Banks, as well as a main role in Tim Allen’sThe Santa Clausesmovie and expanded TV series.
2006-2010
2021-2023
2018, 2021
Anna Volovodov
Character:Senator Charlie Roan is a presidential candidate taking a harsh stance against the Purge.
Betty Gabriel as Laney Rucker
Born June 01, 2025
Actor:Betty Gabriel is anAmerican actress from Washington, D.C., who’s best known for her roles in horror films likeThe Purge: Election YearandGet Out. She had several minor roles before finding career success withThe Purgesequel, which allowed her to find parts on prominent TV shows likeWestworldand Jordan Peele’sThe Twilight Zone. She’s also been in shows likeClickbait,Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, andManhunt. In 2025, she can be seen in the movieNovocaine, starring Jack Quaid.
2017
2018
2022-2023
Elizabeth Wright
Character:Laney is an EMT and former purger who ends up joining with Leo’s team.
The Purge: Election Year Review
The Purge: Election Year is an OK sequel for die-hard fans of the series, but it won’t win any new converts.
Mykelti Williamson as Joe Dixon
Born July 06, 2025
Actor:Mykelti Williamson is an American actor from St. Louis, Missouri, who’s best known for his role as Bubba Blue in 1994’s Best Picture-winning movieForrest Gump. He’s continued to appear in supporting roles in various movies and shows since, including Michael Mann’s crime epic,Heat,The Final Destination,Ali, and Denzel Washington’sFences. In 2024, he appeared in an episode of Prime Video’s successful video game adaptation,Fallout, and he’s also had guest roles in dozens of well-known network dramas likeHawaii Five-0andChicago P.D.
1993
1994
1995
1997
Baby-O
Character:Joe is a bodega owner who joins Leo’s team during Purge night.
The Purge: Election Year Supporting Cast & Characters
Terry Serpico as Earl Danzinger:Terry Serpico is an American actor who’s appeared in various movies and TV shows since the ’90s, includingDonnie Brasco,The Departed,Michael Clayton, andHannibal.
Edwin Hodge as Dante Bishop:Edwin Hodge is an American actor best known for his role as the Bloody Stranger, Dante Bishop, in the first threePurgefilms.
Kyle Secor as Minister Edwidge Owens:Kyle Secor has acted in films and shows since the late 1980s, includingThe Flash,American Horror Story, and many more.
Joseph Julian Soria:Joseph Julian Soria is an American actor best known for his role in the Lifetime seriesArmy Wives. He’s also been in movies likeFast & Furiousand shows likeDexter.
