Gerard Butler has solidified his position as a formidable figure in the action film industry. His connection to the genre extends back to early roles in films like Reign of Fire (2002) and 300 (2006).However, it was the release of Olympus Has Fallen in 2013 that marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to establish a more dominant presence in action cinema. Since then, Butler has reprised his iconic role as Mike Banning in two sequels, with anticipation building for a fourth installment, Night Has Fallen.
Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Butler has taken part in numerous action-oriented projects, including films such as Gods of Egypt (2016), Geostorm (2017), Hunter Killer (2018), Greenland (2020), Plane (2023), and Kandahar (2023).Among these, 2018’s Den of Thieves stands out as a classic, enjoying initial box office success and later achieving significant popularity on streaming platforms. In this heist thriller, Butler took on the role of the gritty Los Angeles cop “Big Nick”O’Brien, a character that has recently made a return.
Joining Butler in Den of Thieves are notable actors Pablo Schreiber, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and 50 Cent, contributing to the film’s dynamic ensemble cast.
Den Of Thieves 2 Achieves Notable Box Office Success
Gerard Butler’s Sequel Resonates with Audiences
Image via Lionsgate
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has recently surpassed an impressive box office milestone, achieving success even as it becomes available on Video on Demand (VOD).Directed by Christian Gudegast, the sequel brings Butler’s character Big Nick back into action as he teams up with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s Donnie for an elaborate diamond heist set in Europe. Initial reactions to Den of Thieves 2: Pantera have been predominantly positive, with the film earning an opening of $15.5 million in North America last month.
As reported by Box Office Mojo, the film has now grossed over $50 million globally since its theatrical debut. This figure is broken down into approximately $34.6 million generated from North American audiences and $15.5 million from international markets. The achievement of this milestone comes shortly after the film’s release for rent and purchase on VOD. Although it has a considerable distance to cover before matching the original film’s impressive $80 million total, this is expected to be one of its final significant box office milestones, given its current availability for home viewing.
Implications of Den Of Thieves 2’s Box Office Results
Butler’s Action Sequel Still Needs to Break Even
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was produced with an estimated budget of $40 million, suggesting that it needs to hit a break-even point of approximately $80 million to cover its expenses. This budget is notably higher than that of the first film by $10 million. While it appears challenging for the sequel to reach the box office earnings of its predecessor, it’s worth noting that revenue from VOD sales, typically kept confidential, could offset some of the losses and assist in closing the gap toward profitability.
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Den of Thieves Franchise Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Title |
RT Critics’ Score |
RT Popcornmeter |
|
Den of Thieves |
41% |
63% |
|
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera |
61% |
79% |
Although Pantera has not yet reached a break-even point, plans for a third film in the franchise have already been announced. This initiative may stem from the sequel’s favorable reception, evidenced by a critics’ score of 61% and an audience score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. As highlighted in the table above, these scores represent an improvement compared to the original film, indicating the potential for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera to enjoy continued success on streaming platforms and VOD services moving forward.
Our Perspective on Den Of Thieves 2’s Performance
Big Nick: A Standout Character in Butler’s Career
Despite not achieving profitability yet, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera can be viewed as a victory for Butler. His enthusiasm for portraying Big Nick is apparent in his performance, which provides a refreshing contrast to his other action roles. While Mike Banning is further developed in Angel Has Fallen, he generally remains a standard archetype within the genre. In comparison, Big Nick offers a dynamic blend of action and humor, allowing Butler to showcase his comedic talents alongside his traditional action hero capabilities.
The energy Butler brings to the role contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of Den of Thieves films. With the anticipation of more streaming success for Pantera, it’s likely that the film performs well in the home viewing arena.
Notably, the original Den of Thieves saw a resurgence in streaming popularity leading up to the release of Pantera, affirming the lasting appeal of the franchise.
Butler’s presence alone generates excitement for a potential third installment, as Big Nick remains an engaging character with undeniable chemistry alongside Jackson Jr. While the storyline’s next steps following the conclusion of Den of Thieves 2 remain a mystery, it’s clear that there are more narratives to explore. For now, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is still playing in theaters, making it a worthwhile experience for action film enthusiasts.
Source: Box Office Mojo
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