Good news awaits Gerard Butler fans—especially those who (unlike the critics) enjoyed Den of Thieves and are excited about the recently screened Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. According to World of Reel, the test audiences responded warmly upon viewing the latter film and left the theater appreciably satisfied.

One excited fan even compared the film’s heartstopping action sequences to those in the Mission: Impossible series. Quite a comparison indeed.

Den Of Thieves 2 Initial Reactions Are Positive

The film follows the unexpected cult success of the original Den of Thieves. While the 2018 film, directed by Christian Guedegast, failed to sway critics and only secured a paltry 42 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the heist caper nonetheless earned a devoted following.

The film largely owes its appreciating prominence to streaming platforms. Due to the gradual online revival, the film enjoys its current 7.0 rating on IMDb—garnering over 120,000 votes.

This grassroots support from streamers helps explain the hype for Gerard Butler’s upcoming sequel to the original heist film, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. Produced by Canada-based powerhouse Entertainment One, the film thankfully marks the return of both Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., whose reunion should reignite the winsome dynamic that gripped the audience in the first go-round. As fans mentioned at the screening, their chemistry is on full display again.

What People Are Saying

Gushing over a more extensive and bolder heist adventure, early reactions testified that the sequel mirrors the original’s charms and thrills and elevates them to a new level.

One fan opined on the Gerard Butler film: “I really enjoyed Den of Thieves 2 immensely,” elaborating that the sequel offers a broader scope and gargantuan heist action.

What’s more, the movie retains its focus on the conflict between Butler and Jackson, a much-welcome dramatic conflict. The anonymous reviewer didn’t stop there, exclaiming the film was “amazing […] Genuinely thrilling and completely captivating from start to finish.”

Similar To Mission: Impossible

Moreover, as alluded to above, this enthusiastic audience member likened the hair-raising action scenes in the movie to Mission: Impossible, which harkens to the film’s ambition and what is probably a bigger budget.

Anticipation also surrounds new cast members, a compelling villain, and more intricate heists, all of which enrich Gerard Butler’s upcoming Dean of Thieves 2. 

When Will Den Of Thieves 2 Release?

Principal photography for the film took place between April and July of 2023 before commanding widespread attention at the 2023 Cannes Film Market, upon which Briarcliff Entertainment purchased the U.S. distribution rights. Sierra/Affinity, meanwhile, will manage internal distribution.

Although the film is without a formal release date, experts expect it to hit theatres sometime in 2024. Assuredly, the movie will excite fans of the original and newcomers alike.

What Was The First Movie About?

The original film, fans will remember, was a gritty heist thriller set in Los Angeles, a city plagued with bank robberies. The plot concerned an elaborate heist executed by a pack of notorious, notoriously skilled thieves, as the dedicated, formidable LA County Sheriff’s Deputies were tasked with thwarting their caper.

Gerard Butler played the film’s protagonist, “Big Nick” O’Brien, the role he reprises in Den of Thieves 2, a tough-as-nails, rule-shirking detective.