Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera!Den of Thieves 3has received a promising update from Gerard Butler. Written and directed by Christian Gudegast, theDen of Thievesfranchise boasts a strong cast, including Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Curtis Jackson, and follows Butler’s jaded cop Big Nick tracking down a crew of thieves, led by Jackson Jr.’s Donnie. The first movie was a box office success, grossing $80 million, and spawned a sequel,Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which has received a 79% Rotten Tomatoes audience rating. The movie’s unexpected narrative direction, which saw Big Nick switch sides, has fueled speculation of a third installment.
In an interview withThe Direct,Butler has revealed that he was given a fresh and unique pitch forDen of Thieves 3, which relocated the story to Africa, and involves great adventure. He detailed that, although the pitch from Gudegast was short, it filled him with excitement, and helped form hopes he had for the remainder of the franchise. He also reiterated his positive working relationship with Gudegast and Jackson Jr., and confirmed he felt they did something unique for a heist movie. Check out the star’s comments below:
There’s an idea [that has] just been pitched to me by Christian, and it’s literally been one minute and thirty-second pitch, so I haven’t had time to assimilate it because I’m too busy trying to get ready for this movie.
So I don’t know. It sounds like it’s a great adventure, and I’m scared to say anything if we don’t go with this version. But it could involve Africa, and it’s some really exciting stuff over there. I don’t know enough about it to know what I could do with Nick…
I love working with [Christian], and Donnie, by the way, I love working with O’Shea [Jackson]. I mean, it’s just that you could feel it from the first movie, and now we get a chance to really spend time with each other. I love watching that he’s just so talented; it is so fun to work with him. And I really feel what we did together is something unusual for a heist movie.
What These Comments Mean For Den of Thieves 3
Butler’s comments should appeal to fans of the first two movies, as it would imply that the chances of a third movie are high.IfDen of Thieves 2: Panteraenjoys a successful box office run, this should all but guarantee a third installmentto round off the trilogy. However, if the pitch Butler discusses winds up being a core part of the third film, there is a good chance it could extend the franchise to future movies. BothDen of Thievesfilms tread familiar ground, but also manage to inject fresh and exciting takes on their own narrative structures.
“It’s likelyDen of Thieves 3will mark another strong franchise offering from Butler…”
WhilstDen of Thieves 3is not confirmed yet,there is a strong chance the movie will happen, especially if Butler retains interest in the series, and continues to enjoy a strong professional relationship with Gudegast. Whilst the firstDen of Thievesmovie was more gritty and raw, the second movie is a more polished, bigger budget affair, even in spite of only costing an additional $10 million, and the third movie could combine those two things. Assuming Butler, Jackson Jr., and Gudegast are interested in continuing the story, it is highly likely the story will continue.
Our Verdict OnDen of Thieves 3
The Series Could Mark Another Strong Franchise For Butler
The success ofDen of Thievescame perhaps a little unexpectedly, whilst the longer, grander, and more stylishDen of Thieves 2: Panterawas all but confirmed. Though the mid-budget project would need to at least enjoy a modest box office run, something it’s not yet achieved with only $24.6 million grossed against its $40 million budget, I believe that the involvement of Lionsgate doesn’t necessitate the need for a high theatrical gross. It’s likelyDen of Thieves 3will mark another strong franchise offering from Butler, and would mark his latest trilogy after theHas Fallenfranchiseand theHow to Train Your Dragonmovies.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Cast
Sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien tracks Donnie Wilson to Europe after his daring escape. As Donnie becomes deeply involved with diamond thieves and the Panther mafia, the stakes rise with a plan to rob the world’s largest diamond exchange.
