“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 crime thriller “Den of Thieves.” Directed by Christian Gudegast, the film continues the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between master thief Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and relentless detective “Big Nick” O’Brien (Gerard Butler).
The film was released in theatres on January 10th, 2025, and is currently available at the theatres. Rated R for strong language, violence, and intense action sequences, “Pantera” offers a gritty and action-packed heist narrative that attempts to build on the foundation set by its predecessor.
The Premise
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera picks up after the explosive events of the first film. Donnie Wilson, the mastermind behind the Federal Reserve heist, has disappeared into the shadows of Europe. Now in Marseille, he’s running with the Panthers, a notorious criminal syndicate planning an elaborate diamond heist.
Meanwhile, “Big Nick” O’Brien is a man undone. His obsession with catching Donnie cost him his job and his crew.
Now divorced, he only sees his daughters twice a year. With nothing left but his fixation on the one that got away, Nick drowns his days in booze and regret, until a news report shakes him awake: a high-profile diamond heist in France. He knows, without a doubt that Donnie is behind it.
Determined to find him, Nick follows the trail to Marseille. But when he finally comes face-to-face with Donnie, something unexpected happens—Nick doesn’t want to take him down. He wants in.
But Donnie has problems of his own. To gain entry into the World Diamond Center (WDC) in France, he had to steal a collection of diamonds, to pose as a jewel expert to infiltrate the most secure diamond vault on the planet. The plan? Get inside and take even more. What Donnie doesn’t know is that one of the diamonds he stole belonged to an Italian mafia—dangerous men who now want their diamonds back.
As he embeds himself in Donnie’s world, Nick wrestles with the weight of his choices. Is he still a cop chasing a criminal, or a broken man drawn to the life he once swore to destroy? With the next heist looming, the question becomes clear: is Nick here to stop Donnie—or to become him?
Casts and Performances
Gerard Butler reprises his role as “Big Nick” O’Brien, once again delivering a fierce, unpredictable performance that perfectly embodies his character’s mix of brute force and moral ambiguity. Butler leans into his rugged persona, embracing the chaotic, alcohol-fueled existence of a cop who’s lost nearly everything. His portrayal makes O’Brien simultaneously menacing and oddly sympathetic, particularly as he navigates the criminal underworld of Europe, and the dilemma of his decisions.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. returns as Donnie Wilson, bringing a cool, calculated presence to the role of the elusive thief. His performance is a highlight of the film, as he effectively conveys Donnie’s intelligence and adaptability. Jackson and Butler share a unique chemistry, making their evolving dynamic one of the film’s strongest elements.
The supporting cast is a variety of European actors portraying members of the Panther gang. Evin Ahmad (Jovanna) adds to the cast, as a crucial part of the operation. She was delicate with her role and seemed to have more potential than she was accorded.
What I liked About the Movie
“Pantera” excels in its high-octane action sequences, particularly the climactic heist scene. Much like its predecessor, the film thrives when it focuses on the mechanics of the heist itself—setting up the intricate plan, watching it unfold, and experiencing the tension as obstacles arise. The final act is full of nail-biting moments, last-minute escapes, and classic heist thrills that fans of the genre will appreciate.
The film also benefits from its European setting, which gives it a fresh visual identity compared to the first movie’s Los Angeles backdrop. The use of real locations in France adds authenticity, and the cinematography effectively captures the opulence and grit of the criminal underworld.
I enjoyed finally witnessing Donnie Wilson’s much-hyped driving skills. While not on Jason Statham’s Transporter level, it was great to see he was more than just a criminal mastermind.
What Didn’t Work
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera suffers from an overly long runtime, stretching past 140 minutes. The film takes too long to reach the heart of the action, weighed down by unnecessary subplots and excessive exposition. An attempt to build camaraderie among the group feels forced, adding little depth and only prolonging the story. A tighter edit would have improved pacing and engagement.
The film also aims to expand into a more intricate, international crime saga but struggles with execution. The Panther organization introduces multiple characters, yet they lack proper development, making betrayals and shifting loyalties difficult to follow.
Evin Ahmad’s Jovanna had potential but was underutilized. Her rushed romance with Nick felt unnecessary, and by the end, she was sidelined, leaving her character arc unresolved.
Certain scenes feel unrealistic, such as the cartel’s sudden appearance to help Nick and O’Brien after a heated car chase. How did they know exactly where to be?
Nick’s final act of absolution also felt unearned. He gave O’Brien a hint about his plan, which O’Brien seemed to grasp, yet when it was time for the rescue, he appeared lost. This made the moment feel disjointed, raising the question of whether the scene could have been presented more effectively for a stronger resolution.
Final Thoughts
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is a serviceable sequel that delivers solid action and an engaging dynamic between its leads. However, it struggles with pacing issues and missed opportunities for deeper character exploration. Fans of the first film will likely enjoy this instalment, but those looking for a more tightly constructed heist thriller may find themselves frustrated. The film’s best moments come in its final act, where it fully embraces the genre’s strengths, but getting there requires patience. Interestingly it sets up for a possible 3rd part.
How Will I Rate This Movie?
I will rate this movie 3.5/5
What did you think of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera? Did you enjoy the change in setting, or did you prefer the first film’s more grounded approach? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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