UK fans of the heist film Den of Thieves are in for a treat as the highly anticipated sequel to the film is almost here. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera will start streaming on Amazon Prime Video later this month.
The Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr movie will hit the streamer on April 25, much to the delight of fans. The action-thriller will see the actors returning in their roles as Detective ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien and master thief Donnie Wilson, with Christian Gudegast returning to write and direct.
Inspired by the infamous 2003 Antwerp diamond heist, the plot centres around a former LA cop who tracks a criminal mastermind to Europe in an effort to apprehend him. His plan is to gain the thief’s trust and join forces with him in executing a heist.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera got a theatrical release in the United States on January 10 this year, grossing approximately $57 million worldwide against a $40 million budget. It also received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Lionsgate has since confirmed that a third instalment is in development.
Speaking to Variety about his experience working with Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr said: “To quote Ryan Reynolds, I want to work with Gerard until he’s 90. I have such a family feel with these guys. I know how much I want to do these other films, but we cannot cheapen this beautiful thing that we made.
“This one took six or seven years to get done. I hope the next one doesn’t. In our heart of hearts, we won’t make it if it’s not right and if it’s not the same thing that made audiences fall in love with the franchise in the first place.”
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera received mixed critical acclaim and was dubbed by one critic as “Gerard Butler’s fun, flirty action bromance sequel”, while another critic felt it was “Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. in a numbing sequel”. Another review of the film read: “For much of its two-hour-and-24-minute running time, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, the sequel to Butler‘s cops-vs.-crooks heist thriller from 2018, does a satisfying impersonation of a high-end crime film.”
While one critic said the movie “mixes its many influences into a smooth spectacle so confident and patient in its assemblage that it instantly wins you over”, another said: “The heists are derivative, un-rehearsed and unexciting.”
Some viewers felt the movie didn’t hold up against its predecessor. One wrote: “As a huge fan of the original, I really didn’t enjoy this. I wanted more of the same but they went in other directions. For me it was the lack of memorable action scenes that really made this average. The heist was cool but everything else instantly forgettable.”
But another was more impressed, saying: “This movie ended up being far better than it had any business being. It actually is a surprisingly non-cynical fun watch.”
Another audience review for the film praised its storyline. They wrote: “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a solid heist thriller with a gripping storyline. The plot isn’t overly complex, making it an enjoyable watch for heist movie fans. Gerard Butler delivers a fantastic performance, embodying the tough, relentless cop. The action feels realistic, keeping you engaged throughout.”
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video from April 25.
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