The latest installment of Lionsgate’s action franchise, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” has made a notable entry at the box office, earning an impressive $1.35 million in its initial showings starting at 6 PM. This performance outpaces the original film’s pre-release figures from 2018, which garnered $950,000—a positive increase of 42%. However, despite this promising start, the sequel’s early box office success seems subdued compared to last year’s “The Beekeeper,” which earned $2.4 million in total previews, and effectively highlighted the competitive clutter in the action genre.
While “Den of Thieves 2” has shown stronger preview figures than Gerard Butler’s earlier release, “Plane,” which accumulated $625,000 in January 2023, the cultural and market dynamics influencing its reception cannot be overlooked. Analysts project that the sequel is likely to open between $11 million and $13 million across 3,008 screens, which constitutes a modest performance given the action film profile it is attempting to establish.
One major variable affecting box office expectations is the ongoing impact of environmental factors in the Los Angeles area. Wildfires have led to the temporary closure of several cinema locations within the prime market, inevitably influencing audience turnout. Out of 14 closed theaters, only a couple have reopened, while significant venues like AMC Century City and AMC Burbank continue to welcome patrons. This challenging context could hinder “Den of Thieves 2” from reaching its fullest potential in a city known for its heavy presence in the film industry.
Despite these hindrances, the film still faces competition from other major releases such as “Mufasa” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” both vying for the same audience demographic. The dynamics of January box office shifts are complex, and with multiple appealing options available, it raises questions about whether “Den of Thieves 2” can maintain its lead.
The return of key figures from the original film, including Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., along with director Christian Gudegast, presents a continuity that could appeal to long-time fans of the franchise. The plot also promises a thrilling escapade centered on diamond thievery, as Butler’s character, Big Nick, ventures into European criminal underworlds. This familiar narrative is paired with new stakes involving the infamous Panther mafia, amplifying the tension and excitement embedded in the heist genre.
The production, overseen by a well-regarded team including Tucker Tooley and Alan Siegel, reflects a strategic decision to build upon the unexpected success of the first film, which ultimately grossed a solid $44.9 million domestically and reached over $80 million worldwide. This sequel’s narrative arc is designed not only to capitalize on the original’s achievements but also to engage a global audience as discussed during its foreign sales announcements at Cannes 2019.
Critical Reception and Future Prospects
Critically, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” boasts a 70% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a generally favorable reception among audiences and critics alike. As discussions continue around the film’s earnings and competitive positioning, one thing seems clear: the landscape of action films continues to evolve, compelling sequels to innovative trilogies with fresh yet familiar narratives.
“Den of Thieves 2” may have emerged with strong initial earnings, but navigating a competitive market amid regional challenges will be key to determining its overall box office trajectory, and whether it can achieve blockbuster success like its predecessor.