Filming for 'Purge 3' begins in Woonsocket

WOONSOCKET – Universal Studios and Blumhouse Productions began work Wednesday on a new film, "Purge 3: Assassins," with scenes to be filmed on Main Street and other locations throughout Woonsocket.

Set crews, actors and throngs of curious onlookers crowded downtown Woonsocket Wednesday afternoon as they began setting up for the action thriller, which will be shot in and around Kwik Mart at 118 Main St.

“It is with open arms that we welcome the cast and crew of this exciting movie, and we are hopeful that their time here will demonstrate that Woonsocket is a truly great place to live, work, and of course, film major motion pictures,” said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.

“Purge 3: Assassins” is the third movie in “The Purge” series in which the government has established one night a year, called “the Purge,” when all crime is legal, and all police, fire and medical emergency services remain unavailable for 12 hours, from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next day. “Purge 3: Assassins” is set in the near future of Washington, D.C., and focuses on anti-purge presidential candidate Charlene “Charlie” Roan, played by Elizabeth Mitchell, who becomes vulnerable to assassination attempts when she refuses to go into hiding on Purge Night.

Filming is scheduled to take place on Main Street and other locations throughout the city, mostly after dark and through the night, between Sept. 16 and 25, and will necessitate temporary traffic control measures and road closures.

“Purge 3: Assassins” follows other movies and television shows filmed in Woonsocket, such as “Dumb and Dumber,” “Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale,” and “Brotherhood.”