'The Purge' sequel will be released in 2014.

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions are rushing a sequel to their hit horror film into production after the Ethan Hawke-starring flick proved a major box office success earlier this year.

'The Purge 2' will hit cinemas in June 2014 - less than a year after the release of the original - and writer-and-director James DeMonaco will be back for the sequel.

The futuristic horror movie was made on a modest $3 million budget, but grossed a huge $34 million in its opening weekend in the US, and a total of $89 million worldwide.

'The Purge' is set in a society where once a year, for one night only, all crime - including murder - is made legal.

The film centres on Hawke's James Sandin and his wife Mary, played by 'Game of Thrones' actress Lena Headey, who try to protect their family from home invaders during the annual purge.

Producer Jason Blum first confirmed news of a follow-up in June following the film's success at the box office.

He wrote: ''The Purge 2 is in development @UniversalHorror #ThePurge (sic)''