The release of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has solidified the series' viability as a fully-fledged franchise, building upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor. While reviews for the sequel have been lukewarm, the film's performance at the box office suggests it has managed to capture significant audience interest. Lionsgate has responded favorably, greenlighting a third installment, which will see the return of director Christian Gudegast and stars Gerard Butler and O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Currently, Den of Thieves 2 is off to a promising start, having grossed $1.35 million during its Thursday previews. Projections indicate it could earn between $11 million and $13 million during its opening weekend, putting it head-to-head against Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. The original 2018 film had launched with $15.2 million and ended up grossing $80 million overall. Comparatively, Den of Thieves 2 boasts high stakes with its $40 million budget, which Lionsgate mitigates by selling international distribution rights.
The sequel brings back Butler as LAPD officer Big Nick and Jackson Jr. as Donnie, who aim to track down criminals orchestrizing diamond heists. The dynamic between Nick and Donnie has developed from antagonistic to cooperative, paving the way for new storylines. Critics suggest the franchise could benefit from introducing fresh characters; as mentioned by industry experts, "If the Den of Thieves series' next villain is some kind of law enforcement, they could be a great reflection of what Nick could've been if he continued his career as a detective." This suggests a deepening conflict and more complex narratives within the series, echoing sentiments shared by fans.
While Den of Thieves is still establishing its identity, comparisons to the hugely successful Fast and Furious franchise offer valuable lessons. Much like how Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs revitalized Fast and Furious with his larger-than-life presence, introducing new and compelling antagonists could keep the audience intrigued and engaged. Screen Rant notes the importance of this shift, indicating, "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was a solid step toward franchise territory, so the sequel should take notes from one of the most successful film series on the market." Clearly, the necessity for such characters is on the industry's radar.
Beyond character development, industry analysts are also examining the films from the perspective of box office performance, noting the disparity between Den of Thieves 1 and its sequel. With the original film garnering considerable financial success, the sequel’s performance during previews presents hopeful optimism. Compared to the $950,000 made during notes from the first film’s previews, the current trend serves as validation of the franchise's growing appeal.
Even though some might view the new film's reviews as unfavorably compared to its predecessor, the overall financial metrics contradict this concern. It sets the stage for what Den of Thieves 3 can bring to the table, aiming to build upon this success and leverage the growing fanbase.
With big plans on the horizon, Den of Thieves 3 promises to expand the franchise even more. Drawing inspiration from its predecessor and similar franchises, the filmmakers have opportunities to innovate and add dimensions to existing characters. It appears Lionsgate recognizes the potential of this franchise, and audiences should anticipate what new directions its third installment may take.
This burgeoning series, already compared to the likes of The Fast and the Furious, exhibits possibilities. If executed correctly, the introduction of new antagonists and character arcs could set the franchise on an upward trend, engaging audiences on multiple levels. With the existing mix of action, drama, and nuanced characters, Den of Thieves stands ready to command attention and make its mark in modern cinema.