Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2018 film Den of Thieves. This heist thriller continues the journey of ‘Big’ Nick O’Brien, played by Gerard Butler, and his unconventional police team as they try to track down a clever criminal organization led by Merriman, portrayed by Pablo Schreiber. In a surprising twist from the first film, it turns out that Donnie, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., who was believed to be Big Nick’s informant, was actually the brains behind Merriman’s schemes. In the sequel, Nick is determined to catch Donnie, but for reasons yet to be revealed, they find themselves teaming up for a new diamond heist.
Game Rant had a chance to chat with the lead stars of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., along with director Christian Gudegast and producer Tucker Tooley. They shared their thoughts on diving back into the thrilling world of the sequel and what might lie ahead for the franchise. This interview has been refined for clarity and conciseness.
Den of Thieves Was Always Planned to Have Sequels
Q: Den of Thieves ended with a pretty surprise revelation. Did you always intend to make a sequel? Or, if not, when and why was the decision made to make one?
Gudegast: From the very beginning, we planned to create a sequel. While working on the first film, we discovered a treasure trove of heists from around the globe that were both captivating and intriguing. There was simply too much material to fit into a single movie. In fact, we had enough content for multiple seasons or even a series, so we always envisioned exploring these stories in different locations around the world.
Q: The first movie received a lot of praise for its intense and realistic heist sequences. How did you attempt to raise the bar in the sequel?
Gudegast: We really focused on the work and had a clear vision of our destination. By delving deeper into the research surrounding the actual heist that inspired the film, and collaborating with the law enforcement officers who investigated it, we gained access to their case files. This provided us with a unique insight into how everything unfolded and the intricate details involved, which is truly captivating. On the side of the gangsters and thieves, we explored their motivations, what drives them, and the skills they possess. The more we explored these worlds, the more intriguing it became. This is the essence of our project, isn’t it? That’s what it’s all about.
The Evolution of Den of Thieves
Q: How do you see the Den of Thieves franchise evolving in the future?
Tooley: We have clear plans for the next installment. As Christian mentioned, our intention has always been to create a franchise. If you noticed the clue at the end of the first film, it sets the stage for what’s to come in the second. There’s also a hint in the second that teases a third, so we’re looking at a fresh setting. It will be a completely new experience with the same characters, and we’re really thrilled to continue this journey.
Q: How did the collaboration between Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson shape this film compared to the first?
In the first film, Donnie and his gang were completely isolated from the police and Nick’s crew. During production, they were physically apart and spent time in different locations. Although we had them collaborate in their respective groups, they never interacted with each other. This created a natural rivalry that enhanced their performances. It was very effective. For this sequel, we took a different approach. We placed them right next to each other, in houses that shared a wall. They spent a lot of time together, even without our involvement, which helped foster genuine camaraderie and friendship. You can really see the impact of this on screen.
How Den of Thieves 2 Will Subvert Expectations
Q: What’s one aspect of this film that you think will catch audiences off guard that perhaps they aren’t expecting?
Tooley: There are a few elements that come to mind. One is the unexpected bond that forms between Nick and Donnie. Another aspect is the continuation of a twist that I believe will genuinely catch the audience off guard. While they might anticipate a twist, they won’t see the one we have in store for them. There are other surprising moments as well, but everything is rooted in reality. The heists and characters are inspired by actual events and real individuals we’ve researched extensively. As Christian mentioned, we have technical advisors on set to ensure everything feels authentic, and we take that very seriously.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Cranks Nick and Donnie’s Chemistry Up a Notch
Q: Gerard, your character, Big Nick, is a loose cannon, with a huge personality. There are some parallels between Nick and Al Pacino’s character in the movie Heat. How did you prepare to dive back into Nick’s mindset for the sequel, and did you draw any inspiration from Pacino in Heat, or is that just coincidental?
Butler: I really enjoy the movie Heat, but honestly, I didn’t feel the need to look at other performances. Big Nick is such a vibrant and memorable character that it would be a shame to try to imitate someone else. I collaborate closely with the director, Christian, on the scripts, and this particular story kept me deeply invested in the plot and its motivations. Understanding these elements has always been crucial for me in stepping into a character’s shoes.
I was quite taken aback by how effortlessly I fell back into the role of Nick, almost like slipping on a glove. However, I recognized that I needed to let go of certain traits. His confidence had taken a downturn, so I thought it best for him to tone down the boldness and flamboyance. This change surprisingly created space for more depth, humor, and vulnerability. Even during his more chaotic scenes, there were so many layers to uncover, which allowed me to express more by not fully embracing some of the decisions I made in the first film.
Q: O’Shea, the dynamic between Donny and Nick is electric. How did you see that kind of dynamic switching up during the sequel?
Jackson Jr. shared that during the filming of Den of Thieves, the director, Christian, intentionally kept the cast apart to create two distinct families. The goal was to capture a genuine reaction when the two groups finally came together on screen. When he learned that Nick would be joining him for this new project, he felt a rush of excitement, saying it was like bringing in the star player from a rival team. This opportunity meant he could delve deeper into Gerard’s insights and build a stronger connection with him.
We really hit it off on set, whether he was sharing his insights on my career path or I was curious about how he navigated challenges he had faced. Our connection was genuine, and it translated beautifully on camera. When you look forward to seeing someone at work each day, it shines through, especially when you’re both striving towards a shared vision. It’s important to collaborate with people you enjoy spending time with!