Any “Den of Thieves” fans?
When Christian Guedegast’s “Den of Thieves” came out in 2018, critics hated it — the film currently stands at 42% on Rotten Tomatoes. And yet, this is one of those movies that has gained notable fanfare on streaming. The film was this classic heist thriller that hit all the right buttons for action movie fans.
This cult following has allowed Entertainment One to greenlight a sequel, it’s called “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” and much of the cast is back for this one, including Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. A trailer has also been released.
‘Den of Thieves 2’ screened for a test audience in November 2023, the response was good and it sounds like a sequel that’ll surely please fans of the original. Here’s a reaction:
I really enjoyed the movie. This one has a bigger scope and an even greater heist, but still has the Butler/Jackson conflict at the center. It was amazing. Genuinely thrilling and completely captivating from start to finish. If you are a fan at all of the first one then this movie is more of that, but also much, MUCH more. Butler and Jackson are incredibly charismatic and entertaining. Gudegast brings new tricks into play including a new crew, a new villain and even more slick and clever heists; the climactic centerpiece had me on the edge of my seat, akin to the more recent ‘Mission Impossible’ movies. It’s the best hangout/heist/Macho-v.-Macho movie I’ve seen in years.
Principal photography on the film took place from April to July 2023. At the 2023 Cannes Film Market, Briarcliff Entertainment bought the film for distribution in the U.S, while Sierra/Affinity will handle international sales of the film.
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” hits theaters on January 10, 2025.
Edward Berger seems to have settled on what comes next. His Lance Armstrong biopic, starring Austin Butler, is now holding casting calls, with production eyed for January.