Summary
Amazon’s new dark comedyJackpot!, which is directed by Paul Feig, has been sparking discussions about its intriguing premise and how it will execute that proposition.Jackpot!is set in a closely-related futurewhereagrand lottery has been invented to attempt to financially help California’s people and economy. Whoever eliminates the person with the winning lottery ticket before the sun sets gets the prize: the jackpot of billions of dollars.
The film stars John Cena,who protects Awkwafinafrom a murder lottery, with the two trying to survive as a team until sundown. The film takes a jab at dark comedy. The concept is overall horrifying, but the execution proves comical elements. However, there is one discussion broached about the upcoming film by Prime Video:that its premise is very similar to a well-known $533 million horror franchise.
John Cena & Simu Liu Fight To Protect Awkwafina From Greedy Killers In Jackpot Images
A new set of first-look images showcase John Cena and reuniting Shang-Chi stars Simu Liu and Awkwafina in Paul Feig’s action-comedy Jackpot.
Amazon’s Jackpot Movie Borrows A Big Chunk Of The Purge’s Premise
Jackpot!borrows the premise of the familiar horror series:The Purge.The Purgetimelineis set in a United States dystopia where, once a year, all crime is legal for 12 hours in specific zones, with the films following the horrors of what the acts of the purge entail during this time, regardless of the repercussions for the future. The film shows the endless possibilities of what people will do when there is no consequence for their actions - meaning literally-zero consequence.
Jackpot!is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on June 21, 2025.
There are similarities betweenJackpot!andThe Purge, starting with the dismissal of crime, since both have a free-for-all attitude towards the legality of things - the only difference is the contrast in genre. The extreme measures taken to get the winning ticket or to get away with any crime are done without repercussions, so people will use that to their advantage to obtain the object they want or the pride they need.The Purge’s original premise of crime being legal opened doors for these unlawful acts, and it seems likeJackpot!puts its own spin on it.
A Comedic Purge Movie Could Be The Solution To The Horror Franchise’s Decline
The Purgefranchise consists of five films and one TV show, and despite its long list to choose from, allThe Purgeprojects have less than 60% ratings onRotten Tomatoes. It’s hard to say what exactly the franchise could improve on to boost its overall ratings, butone solution could be a comedic purge film. The concept in itself is captivating - and terrifying if it really happens once a year - but keeping its premise and switching the genre could be what the franchise needs to add a fresh perspective on the film’s conceptualization.
Changing around the genre could also bring in viewer curiosity, since people would probably ask how such a frightening franchise could ever pull off comedic elements. WhileJackpot!borrows the premise fromThe Purge,offering a dark comedic element will present an alternative perspective on the crime-free-for-all plot. If the upcoming film succeeds in its premiere,The Purgefranchise has a solution to get back on the market after its decline.
Jackpot!has a very similar trope toThe Purgefranchise in its depiction of the lengths people will go to when their actions will have no consequence in society.
Feig’s upcoming Amazon filmJackpot!has a very similar trope toThe Purgefranchise in its depiction of the lengths people will go to when their actions will have no consequence in society. Despite its related premise,Jackpot!’s execution of this dark comedic plot could either help the horror franchise or do nothing about its decline, as its potential success could show that dark comedies are selling. Only time will tell aboutJackpot!’s performance since it has yet to come out, but once it does, it could truly helpThe Purgefranchise get back on its feet.
Jackpot!
Cast
In a near-future California, the state introduces a high-stakes “Grand Lottery” with a deadly twist: to claim the prize, the winner must survive until sundown without being killed by other participants. The action-comedy follows Katie, a recent Los Angeles transplant played by Awkwafina, who finds herself with a winning ticket.
