The thrilling heist franchise that became a cult hit in 2018 is back after six years for its long-awaited sequel Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. Written and directed by Christian Gudegast, the film reunites stars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Big Nick and Donnie. Despite still being on opposite sides of the law, the chemistry between this duo takes center stage in this globe-trotting heist.
This time around, the action trades the palm trees of Los Angeles for crisp views of the French Riviera. Big Nick and Donnie cross paths again, this time in the heart of France’s diamond trade, the World Diamond Center. Donnie is summoned to the country by a group of highly trained criminals that go by Pantera, or The Panthers.
But even Donnie’s acquired talent of flying under the radar isn’t enough to knock former LA Sherriff Big Nick off his scent. Big Nick’s mission is personal: settling an old score by finally taking Donnie down. But his plans are deterred when the Italian mafia gets involved, forcing the unlikely duo to team up to survive.
In our recent interview with Butler and Jackson, the actors discussed why their on-screen connection resonates so well and suggested audiences can expect a more confident and commanding presence from Donnie in this sequel.
“There’s so much going on as well as, of course, the main part of it which is the heist. So, how are we relating to each other? And then how are we relating to each other through all of that? Which I think is really fun, and fascinating and tense and keeps you on the edge of your toes and you never know which way it’s gonna go,” Butler added.
O’Shea Jackson Jr as Donnie Wilson in DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate
Much like the first film, Gudagest’s writing spares no details and his obsessive eye for accuracy and precision shines in every heist scene, tensions escalating as each one is carried out. Jackson gives a masterclass in flawlessly executing a heist—whether he’s using his vast knowledge of languages and adopting accents or breaking down and rebuilding getaway cars. These are the kind of heists that are so meticulous in their planning, you might think you could pull off a heist yourself after watching.
But If your attention span is as bad as mine, a rewatch may be unlikely. At 2 hours and 25 minutes (just five minutes longer than the first film), this may feel a bit lengthy for some. I get it, there’s an overwhelming amount of visual preparation and research that goes into these elaborate heists but I don’t think this film covered enough new ground to be as long as it is. Despite the slight fatigue that washed over me past the 90-minute mark, the pacing never lags even during the quieter scenes.
The intense fight sequences are captured well and again, the budding relationship between Big Nick and Donnie makes for some great banter and funny moments that more than make up for any fatigue.
One of my favorite scenes follows the duo’s first wild night out in Nice. A night of drunk partying quickly turns sour once egos clash. Big Nick and Donnie escape the scene on electric scooters after narrowly avoiding arrest and stopping to grab some late-night shawarmas. Under the moonlight, Donnie opens up about his tough upbringing in LA and the desperate act that triggers his ascent to criminal mastermind.
Its moments like these that offer a deeper glimpse into Donnie and Butler’s backstories, something the first film only hinted at, and keeps fans so invested in their fates.
Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate
The film’s greatest strength lies in the few vulnerable moments between Butler and Jackson. Their characters’ transition from enemies to allies provides some emotional weight to the story. Big Nick’s gritty exterior and Donnie’s calm confidence match each other the entire movie, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic that carries the film and makes it an interesting watch.
While Butler and Jackson steal the spotlight, the supporting cast holds their own. Evin Ahmad brings a steely yet alluring aura to her Griselda Blanco-like character Jovanna, the leader of The Panthers. Add in the Italian mobsters on their heels, tons of diamonds, and enough croissants to last a lifetime, the sequel surpasses the first in performances and high-action heists.
As the ending teases a potential third installment, fans can only wonder where Gudegast’s vision will take the Den of Thieves franchise next.
