Warning: SPOILERS for the ending of Den of Thieves 2: PanteraDen of Thieves 2: Panteradives back into the morally gray space between the worlds of criminals and law enforcement and changes the franchise’s core character dynamics in novel ways. Written and directed byDen of Thievescreator Christian Gudegast, the sequel takes audiences to Europe as its protagonists “Big Nick” O’Brien and Donnie Wilson work together to pull off an unprecedented diamond heist. The movie was inspired by real-world heists and meticulously researched, making its heist sequence as accurate as it is thrilling.
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. return to lead theDen of Thieves 2: Panteracastas Nick and Donnie, respectively. The two men spend the majority of the movie in anOdd Couple-style relationship that brings out their best and worst qualities, as Nick’s brusque habits and Donnie’s strategic acumen are put to the test. The final moments of the movie (spoilers from here on out) also serve as a reversal of theDen of Thievesending, with Nick proving to be the mastermind this time around.
Screen Rant’s 2025 Movie Preview: Exclusive Images From 24 Upcoming Movies
Screen Rant’s 2025 Movie preview has exclusive images from Jurassic World Rebirth, Captain America: Brave New World, Karate Kid: Legends, and more.
ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender spoke withDen of Thieves 2: Panterastars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson about their work on the long-awaited follow-up. The pair discuss the tumultuous relationship between Nick and Donnie in the sequel and reflect on how the ending sets up future stories. Plus, Butler speaks on how long it might take before aDen of Thieves 3will hit theaters.
ScreenRant: Hello gentlemen, how are we?
Wonderful. Great, great.
Gerard Butler: Where’s my boy Owen?
Owen is trapped in Texas. He missed his flight, so now he can’t get here.
I’m glad that you do. I like him too.
Gerard Butler: I really like him, yeah.
And he thought it was great howDen of Thievesreally explores the gray area between good and bad, and how both sides of the law can be similar. How do you feel your character’s morality is tested in the second movie?
Gerard Butler: Well, he goes on the other side to commit a heist. I would say that’s a pretty good [setup]. Can you imagine committing your life to the police force, you’re fighting criminals, you’re risking your life every day, and then you go through what is maybe your biggest job, and you’re essentially humiliated and you don’t feel backed up? And at the same time, other parts of your life fall out. It would set you, maybe, to question where you’re at, and maybe go on a new adventure. Or not… or parts. That’s the fun aspect where Nick sets up.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.: Yeah, and I think when Donnie sees Nick, he has this thing laid in motion and it cannot go wrong. And, also, he doesn’t know where Nick stands. I’m sure there’s that side of, like, “If I just let these guys take this dude out, nobody knows he’s here,” but Donnie’s against killing. In the first one, “Big Nick” told him, “You’re not the killers, we are,” and it’s true. I’m just trying to get in and get out without anyone noticing. I’m sure that the thought crosses the mind, but it is just not the type of person Donnie is. So, he has to see how things are going to play out.
Butler & Jackson Talk What’s Next & How Long Audiences Will Have To Wait To See It
Butler Promises A Shorter Wait Between Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera & Den Of Thieves 3
Gerard, you’ve said before that Donnie gives “Big Nick” a purpose, or a reason. At the end of the movie, do you feel that he could let Donnie alone, or is he going to be chasing after him again?
Gerard Butler: Well, I loved… By the way, that was my ending. I just want to say, it was my ending. I love that it is two guys going, “I see you. We’re quits now. I feel like you’ve had your moment in the sun [and] I’ve had my moment in the sun. I’m not quite running off into the sunset with you, but I see you, I’m doing my thing, you’re doing your thing, and maybe [we’ll give each other] a pass.” I like that we’re set in our different directions, but with respect and a nod of the cap, like, “There you go, sir.” That was fun, and who knows where that’s going to go? I like it like that.
And speaking of different directions, Donny’s in with the Panther mafia. How is he going to handle that, do you think? Do you know anything about your future?
O’Shea Jackson Jr.: Man, I know he better handle it well. [I’m talking to you,] Gudegast [Laughs]. With Donny’s life choice, Donny is forcing himself into quicksand at every opportunity, [and] every corner. He said it himself—it’ll never stop. There’s a weird, sick part of that guy who likes another challenge.
How many years for the third?
Gerard Butler: It’s not going to take that long:
O’Shea Jackson Jr.: Really?
Gerard Butler: I will not wait anymore, and I won’t do that to other people anymore. I’m sorry.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.: Okay.
Gerard Butler: It’s not all my fault, but a lot of it is.
Check out our otherDen of Thieves 2: Panterainterviews
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.
