Syfy and USA Network’s ‘The Purge’ TV Series Casts Its Leads

Syfy and USA Network’s forthcoming The Purge TV series has cast its leads.

Gabriel Chavarria (War for the Planet of the Apes) and Jessica Garza (Six) will star in the scripted drama for both NBCUniversal-owned cable networks.

Announced in April as part of Blumhouse’s ITV-backed studio deal, The Purge stems from Blumhouse’s hugely successful horror franchise from creator James DeMonaco. Blumhouse TV will serve as the lead studio on the small-screen adaptation. The 10-episode, straight-to-series drama is being written and executive produced by DeMonaco. Platinum Dunes and DeMonaco’s longtime producing partner Sebastien K. Lemercier also will exec produce the series. Thomas Kelly is on board as an exec producer and showrunner of the Universal Cable Productions and Blumhouse Television effort. The cross-genre show will air on both of Chris McCumber’s NBCU-owned cable networks.

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Chavarria will play Miguel, a U.S. Marine with a hard edge and a noble mission. After receiving a cryptic letter from his little sister, he returns to town on Purge Night, prepared to face the senseless violence in the streets alone in order to protect what he loves most — his family. The casting reunites the actor with Jason Blum following his starring role in Blumhouse’s Lowriders feature. Sources say Chavarria’s role in Lowriders made him the first choice to star in the Purge TV series, with the actor getting a straight offer without having to audition. Repped by Paradigm, Chavarria’s credits also include Hulu’s East Los High, Aquarius, Southland and the feature Freedom Writers.

Garza, meanwhile, will play Penelope, a woman who belongs to a Purge-worshipping cult. Having pledged herself to be sacrificed at the behest of their charismatic leader, Penelope’s faith is tested when she is exposed to the ghastly realities of the Purge. Garza’s credits include History’s Six, ABC’s Modern Family and CBS’ Pure Genius and NCIS, as well as MTV’s Sweet/Vicious. She is repped by Concept Talent, Principato-Young Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman.