Gerard Butler’s $40 Million Action Film Increases Risk for His Other 2025 Sequel

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was anticipated to kick off Gerard Butler’s string of action sequels in 2025. Alongside his role as Stoick in the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, Butler was slated to star in three new films this year. With its release occurring seven years after the original, there were optimistic projections of the sequel’s box office success, fueled by the first film’s cult following and a robust opening weekend.

However, the outlook for Butler’s 2025 film roster has shifted. In addition to Den of Thieves 2, Lionsgate is set to release Greenland: Migration, a sequel to the 2020 disaster thriller. Though there is still potential for box office success, the recent performance of Butler’s films has cast a shadow of uncertainty over these projections. While the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon is predicted to perform strongly, the Greenland sequel presents a higher risk than initially thought, particularly following disappointing audience reactions to Butler’s recent action ventures.

Den Of Thieves 2: A Disappointing Box Office Performance

The Sequel’s Disappointing Numbers

Gerard Butler as Big Nick in Den of Thieves 2

Post its opening weekend, Den of Thieves 2 appeared poised for a solid performance, debuting at the top of the domestic box office with $15 million—exceeding expectations yet slightly trailing the original’s opening figures. The first installment ultimately grossed $80 million globally, so hopes were high for the sequel. However, as of now, it has only amassed $40.6 million worldwide, with $32 million coming from domestic audiences and a mere $8.6 million from international markets.

This lackluster international performance is particularly concerning, given the film’s international themes and ensemble cast. With few remaining territories yet to see a release, the chances for a significant recovery during its theatrical run appear limited. Additionally, Den of Thieves 2 is falling approximately $4.6 million short of the original’s domestic earnings at the same point in its release. Generally, sequels are expected to surpass their predecessors, making it less likely that Den of Thieves 2 will achieve the success of the original, with projections indicating it may earn significantly less than $80 million overall.

Concerns Surrounding Greenland: Migration’s Box Office Potential

Greenland: A Riskier Franchise

Gerard Butler in Greenland looking dirty and bloody

The performance of Den of Thieves 2 raises red flags for Lionsgate regarding its upcoming release of Greenland: Migration. The original Greenland film grossed only $40 million—an achievement solely from international audiences due to the pandemic preventing a domestic theatrical release. Although it performed well on premium video on demand (PVOD), it remains uncertain whether audiences will opt for the additional cost and commitment required for a theater viewing of the sequel.

With the sequel to a box office hit like Den of Thieves struggling to reach expectations, questions loom regarding the sequel to a film that was primarily popular in home viewing. If a sequel to the blockbuster Den of Thieves is unable to meet its predecessor’s success, the outlook for a sequel to a home-viewing hit appears bleak.

Potential Advantages for Greenland: Migration

Broader Appeal for Greenland: Migration

Gerard Butler holds his son in Greenland

Despite the challenges, there are several reasons to believe Greenland: Migration could outperform its predecessor. Positioned to release five years after the original, compared to Den of Thieves 2’s seven-year gap, this sequel might resonate more with audiences, rekindling excitement to revisit its narrative.

Additionally, Greenland: Migration is expected to be rated PG-13, which could enhance its appeal compared to the R-rated Den of Thieves 2, thus attracting a wider audience. Successful critical reviews, similar to the original film, could further boost its box office potential—something Den of Thieves did not achieve. Ultimately, the success of Greenland: Migration will also depend on its release timing and the competitive landscape it faces, especially given how rapidly Den of Thieves 2: Pantera lost traction against other movies.

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