Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, billed as Den of Thieves: Pantera, is an upcoming American action crime drama film written and directed by Christian Gudegast. The movie serves as a direct sequel to the 2018 hit film Den of Thieves and features a thrilling continuation of its high-stakes heist narrative. Lionsgate is set to release the film in the United States on January 10, 2025.

Plot Overview

Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera follows Sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien as he relentlessly pursues Donnie Wilson, who has escaped to Europe. Donnie is planning another audacious heist, inspired by the infamous 2003 Antwerp diamond heist, one of history’s most elaborate and successful robberies.

With new twists, intense action, and the backdrop of a European crime underworld, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera promises to raise the stakes even higher than its predecessor.

Filming Locations

Principal photography for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera took place from April to July 2023, with filming conducted in multiple international locations, including:

• United Kingdom
• Canary Islands, particularly in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which was transformed into a European cityscape. Sets included a recreated police station, a jewelry store, and a local bar designed to mimic French aesthetics.

These diverse filming locations contributed to the film’s authentic European ambiance, adding depth to its high-stakes narrative.

Cast

The sequel brings back familiar faces and introduces new characters, forming an impressive ensemble cast:

• Gerard Butler as Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien
• O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson
• Evin Ahmad as Jovanna
• Salvatore Esposito as Slavko
• Meadow Williams as Holly
• Swen Temmel as Milan Lovren
• Michael Bisping as Connor
• Orli Shuka as Dragan
• Cristian Solimeno as Florentin
• Nazmiye Oral as Chava
• Yasen Zates Atour as Hugo
• Giuseppe Schillaci as Moussa
• Dino Kelly as Volko
• Rico Verhoeven as Vigo
• Velibor Topic as Mirinko
• Antonio Bustorff as Tamy
• Ciryl Gane as Pape

The returning performances of Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., paired with the addition of international stars like Evin Ahmad and Salvatore Esposito, promise a captivating on-screen dynamic.

Director

Christian Gudegast, who also directed and wrote the original Den of Thieves, returns as both the writer and director for the sequel. Known for his ability to craft gritty, action-packed narratives, Gudegast builds on the success of the first film by blending high-octane action with compelling storytelling.

Production History

• After the release of Den of Thieves in 2018, plans for a sequel were announced, with Christian Gudegast, Gerard Butler, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. confirmed to return.
• Filming was initially slated to begin in 2022 but officially commenced in April 2023.
• The production team meticulously transformed Santa Cruz de Tenerife into a bustling European locale, adding authenticity to the heist’s setting.

Release and Distribution

• Originally, STX Entertainment was set to distribute the film, as they had with the first installment. However, in May 2023, Briarcliff Entertainment acquired U.S. distribution rights.
• Following Lionsgate’s acquisition of Entertainment One (rebranded as Lionsgate Canada) in December 2023, the film’s U.S. release rights were transferred to Lionsgate.
• Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is scheduled for a January 10, 2025 release in the United States, coinciding with the launch of Better Man.

Box Office Projections

The film is projected to earn $11–13 million in its opening weekend across approximately 3,000 theaters in the United States and Canada. With its gripping premise and star power, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is expected to draw strong box-office numbers.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera promises a thrilling continuation of the franchise, delivering explosive action, intricate heists, and an engaging plot. With its strong cast, European settings, and Gudegast’s direction, the sequel is poised to captivate audiences and build on the success of the original film.