Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Cast and Crew Discuss Raising the Stakes for the Heist Sequel

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The upcoming film titled “Den of Thieves 2: Panthera” is a follow-up to the 2018 heist movie “Den of Thieves“, where we followed ‘Big’ Nick O’Brien (Gerard Butler) and his unique police team as they chased after a cunning criminal group headed by Merriman (Pablo Schreiber). In the original film, it was revealed that Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), who was believed to be Big Nick’s informant, was in fact the mastermind behind Merriman’s schemes. So, the sequel finds Nick on a chase for Donnie as he tries to bring him to justice. However, an unexpected twist has them joining forces for a new diamond heist, though the reasons behind this alliance remain unclear at this point.

In this article, Game Rant had a conversation with the main stars of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., director Christian Gudegast, and producer Tucker Tooley. They shared insights about returning to the thrilling setting for the sequel and hinted at potential future developments for the series. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, this interview has been condensed and edited.

Den of Thieves Was Always Planned to Have Sequels

Was it a shocking twist at the end of “Den of Thieves” that caught you off guard? If so, had you planned all along to create a sequel, or did the idea come later? And if it came later, when and why was the choice made to develop another film?

Gudegast: As we delved deeper into our initial project, we discovered an abundance of captivating heists from different corners of the globe. With such a wealth of material, it became clear that there wasn’t enough room to fit it all into a single film. In fact, we had more than enough content for multiple seasons or a full series. Thus, the concept has always been to revisit this theme in various global locations.

A: What methods did you use to make the second film’s heist scenes even more acclaimed, since the original was highly praised for its gripping and authentic heist sequences?

Gudegast: By simply performing the tasks and determining our destination, we delved further into the research, exploring the real-life heist that inspired the film, collaborating with the investigative police officers who handled the case. They shared their case files with us, offering a peek behind the curtain, revealing the intricacies of how it was accomplished and the specific details which are captivating. On the criminal underworld side, we uncovered the motivations behind these individuals, their actions, and their unique abilities. The deeper one delves into these worlds, the more fascinating they become. This is the essence of our exploration, isn’t it? This is the core of it all.

The Evolution of Den of Thieves

Q: How do you see the Den of Thieves franchise evolving in the future?

Tooley: Our plans for the next installment are clear-cut, just as Christian mentioned earlier, this was intended to be a series from the start. The ending of the first one subtly hinted at what would follow in the second, and there’s also a suggestion of a third within that. We’re moving into a fresh setting for the sequel, but with the same beloved characters, and we can hardly wait to continue this journey!

What impact did the partnership between Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson have on this movie, as opposed to the original one?

In the initial film, Donnie’s criminal gang and the cops, including Nick’s team, were strictly isolated from each other. While producing the movie, we ensured they remained apart physically and frequented distinct locations. We even arranged for them to collaborate, but never with one another. This fostered a genuine rivalry that enhanced their film performances. In contrast, for this sequel, we deliberately made them neighbors, placing their homes side by side, sharing a common wall. They spent considerable time together without our presence, cultivating authentic camaraderie and friendship. The on-screen outcome of this approach is quite evident.

How Den of Thieves 2 Will Subvert Expectations

A: Could you tell me one surprising element about this movie that might surprise viewers, something they probably won’t anticipate?

Tooley: I can come up with a couple of aspects. One is the improbable bond between Nick and Donnie that unfolds. Another is the anticipation of the unexpected turn that I doubt many viewers will guess. They might predict a twist, but they won’t foresee the twist we present to them. Other elements may surprise, yet they are all based on real events. These heists, these characters, are a blend of actual heists that have taken place, with authentic individuals we’ve researched extensively. As Christian mentioned, our technical advisors are always on set, ensuring the accuracy of everything, so we meticulously attend to those details.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Cranks Nick and Donnie’s Chemistry Up a Notch

A: What about your character, Big Nick, being like a wild gunpowder keg with a boisterous spirit? There seems to be some similarities between Nick and Al Pacino’s role in the film Heat. How did you rekindle the spirit of Nick for the sequel, and was there any influence from Pacino’s portrayal in Heat, or is it merely coincidental? Was this something you intentionally considered while preparing for the sequel?

As for “Heat,” it’s one of my favorite films, yet I didn’t feel compelled to imitate anyone else’s performance while portraying Big Nick. With so many intriguing ideas and character development at my disposal, it would have been a missed opportunity to focus on someone else’s portrayal. Instead, I spent considerable time collaborating with the director, Christian, to fully immerse myself in the story and understand the reasons behind each event, which is crucial for me when delving into a character.

In my opinion, slipping back into the character of Nick was like putting on a well-fitted glove, yet there were aspects I had to let go. His self-assuredness had taken a hit, which led me to believe he didn’t need to be as aggressive or boastful in his actions. This unexpected change actually opened up more room for humor, personality, and vulnerability. Even when Nick seemed unhinged, there were various layers to this character, allowing for subtler choices in the performance compared to the first film.

Question: In the sequel, how did you observe the relationship between Donny and Nick changing, given it was so energetic and intense like electricity, as portrayed by O’Shea?

In the film “Den of Thieves,” our director, Christian, intentionally kept us apart to foster two distinct groups. The concept was that when these groups eventually clashed on screen, it would provide a unique perspective. However, when I learned that Nick would be working alongside me in this project, I felt it opened up a whole new realm. It’s as if we were drafting the star player from a rival team, making it all the more thrilling. This collaboration meant I could delve deeper into Gerard’s thoughts and establish a stronger bond with him.

In the filming process, we developed a strong connection, sharing insights about my career path and his experiences. We grew closer, and this camaraderie translated onto the screen. When you genuinely enjoy working alongside someone, it reflects positively, particularly when collaboration is aimed at achieving a mutual objective. It’s a delight to collaborate with individuals who you would look forward to spending extended periods of time with!

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2025-01-08 16:26