Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Review – A High-Octane Heist Sequel

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

If you were a fan of Den of Thieves (2018), the surprise hit that blended heist thrills with gritty action, you’re likely to enjoy the sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. This time around, Gerard Butler’s “Big Nick” O’Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s Donnie Wilson return, but instead of the familiar chaos of Los Angeles, the story takes them to the sunnier climes of Italy and France. The international setting adds a new flavor to the mix, and while it doesn’t exactly reinvent the formula, it definitely raises the stakes.

Picking up after the events of the first film, Donnie has moved on from his involvement in the Federal Reserve heist and is now the mastermind behind his own crew—“Pantera,” which, as you might guess, translates to “Panther” in Spanish. His operation is smoother, more refined, and, of course, a lot more dangerous. On the flip side, Big Nick is struggling. His personal life is a mess, and his finances are even worse. Feeling stuck and wanting more, Nick makes the trip to Europe to team up with Donnie, looking to score big and perhaps turn his life around in the process. Naturally, things don’t go according to plan. They get in over their heads when they try to steal from the wrong people, leading to a series of increasingly intense and violent confrontations.

One of the strengths of Den of Thieves 2 is the return of two charismatic leads. Butler’s Big Nick is every bit the hardened, cynical character he was in the first film, but this time, there’s a layer of vulnerability to him. He’s not just the tough guy anymore—he’s desperate for redemption. Jackson Jr. plays Donnie with a cool confidence that contrasts nicely with Nick’s erratic energy. Their chemistry is key to the movie’s success. They’re not just the traditional partners-in-crime; there’s a genuine sense of respect between them, even as their paths inevitably collide in spectacular fashion.

Director Christian Gudegast (also the writer) doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with this sequel, but he certainly knows how to deliver the goods. The pacing is tight, and the action sequences are edge-of-your-seat thrilling. The standout, by far, is one jaw-dropping car chase/shootout scene that had me grinning like a kid. It’s not just about explosions and gunfire—it’s a carefully crafted sequence that showcases Gudegast’s knack for tension. The film’s cinematography deserves a shout-out too. The sleek European locations are captured in stunning detail, and whether it’s a high-speed car chase through narrow streets or a quiet moment of reflection, the visuals hit the mark every time. Watching it in Dolby Cinema only amplifies the experience—the picture is crisp, and the sound is immersive, especially when the action kicks into high gear.

The film doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot, but that’s not really the point. It’s a high-stakes heist film with a twist, and if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll appreciate the familiar beats, even if you know what’s coming. The action is satisfying, the stakes feel real, and the characters have enough depth to keep things interesting. The 4K disc, when it eventually drops, is going to look amazing, and rumors suggest that the first film might get a 4K release too—so if you’re a collector, there’s even more to look forward to.

In the end, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a solid, entertaining sequel that delivers everything you want from a high-octane heist thriller. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. With two charismatic leads, thrilling action, and a stunning visual presentation, this is a heist you’ll want to be a part of—just make sure you’re not on the wrong side of it.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is in theaters January 10, 2025 (United States)

• Rating Certificate: R (for pervasive language, some violence, drug use and sexual references.)
• Studios & Distributors: Atmosphere Entertainment MM | Eone Entertainment | Diamond Film Productions | G-BASE | G Unit Film and Television | Palam Pictures | Shaken Not Stirred | Sierra/Affinity | Tucker Tooley Entertainment | Lionsgate
• Country: USA | Canada | Spain
• Language: English
• Director: Christian Gudegast
• Written By: Christian Gudegast
• Run Time: 144 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
• Release Date: 10 January 2025