MOVIE NEWS – Gerard Butler continues to be a dominant force in the action movie genre, but does his latest thriller sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, live up to expectations? This follow-up sees Butler’s character, Detective Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien, embrace his darker side, partnering with the antagonist from 2018’s Den of Thieves, O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s cunning con artist and thief, Donnie Wilson, for an ambitious diamond heist in Europe. The first reviews for this action-packed sequel are now available, with Den of Thieves 2: Pantera achieving a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, significantly outperforming its predecessor’s 41%. Let’s explore the critics’ perspectives.
A critic from MovieWeb praises the on-screen reunion of Butler and Jackson but suggests the film strains to replicate the magic of classic heist movies. ” While the return of Butler and Jackson is a welcome sight, the filmmakers’ determined effort to emulate classic heist films feels somewhat contrived. It attempts to blend elements from The Italian Job, Heist, Thief, and Heat, resulting in a slightly forced ambiance, further amplified by its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime.” However, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera still provides ample enjoyment for enthusiasts of action, thrillers, and heist films. The sequel also sets the stage for potential future installments. “Nevertheless, Den of Thieves showcases vibrant sequences reminiscent of Michael Mann and David Mamet’s work. Once the central premise is established—Big Nick and Donnie joining forces—the script adeptly captures their evolving dynamic as they strive to outmaneuver a new set of dangerous criminals. The film masterfully combines action and suspense but is somewhat hampered by the filmmakers’ overzealous endeavor to craft an intricate heist narrative while simultaneously laying the groundwork for another action franchise. Consider this a prelude to Den of Thieves 3 in the not-so-distant future.“
Further Critical Acclaim
Owen Gleiberman from Variety commends Christian Gudegast’s direction, stating, “Despite his relaxed approach to believability, Gudegast is a dynamic filmmaker. He maintains the tension in the confrontations and possesses an innate understanding of how to best showcase Butler’s talents.” Pete Hammond from Deadline contributes, “A fitting action vehicle for the consistently engaging and rugged Butler, and a worthwhile sequel to a film that wasn’t particularly groundbreaking to begin with. This installment proves more effortlessly entertaining due to its diverse locations and compelling stars.“
Contrasting Views
Conversely, Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant acknowledges the film’s attempts but ultimately concludes that they “fall short of the mark.” She elaborates, “The film features less action, creating suspense for the actual heist and its consequences, with a greater emphasis on dialogue. While the original film was grittier and more intense, the sequel is more refined but equally unfulfilling, failing to fully engage despite an intriguing premise.“
Christian Zilko from indieWire offers a starkly different opinion, asserting that Den of Thieves 2: Pantera “surpasses all expectations to become one of the most captivating new releases of the first 240 hours of 2025.“
Additional Film Details
Writer-director Christian Gudegast, who also helmed the first installment, returns for the sequel. Alongside Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., the cast includes UFC fighter Michael Bisping, Salvatore Esposito, Orli Shuka, Evin Ahmad, Cristian Solimeno, and Nazmiye Oral. Here’s the official synopsis for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.
“Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. return in the sequel to the 2018 action-heist hit Den of Thieves. In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe, closing in on Donnie, who’s involved in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plan a major heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.“
Source: MovieWeb
