Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera!Den of Thieves 3 has received a promising update from Gerard Butler. Written and directed by Christian Gudegast, the Den of Thieves franchise boasts a strong cast, including Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Curtis Jackson, and follows Butler’s jaded cop Big Nick tracking down a crew of thieves, led by Jackson Jr.’s Donnie. The first movie was a box office success, grossing $80 million, and spawned a sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which has received a 79% Rotten Tomatoes audience rating. The movie’s unexpected narrative direction, which saw Big Nick switch sides, has fueled speculation of a third installment.

In an interview with The Direct, Butler has revealed that he was given a fresh and unique pitch for Den of Thieves 3, which relocated the story to Africa, and involves great adventure. He detailed that, although the pitch from Gudegast was short, it filled him with excitement, and helped form hopes he had for the remainder of the franchise. He also reiterated his positive working relationship with Gudegast and Jackson Jr., and confirmed he felt they did something unique for a heist movie. Check out the star’s comments below:

There’s an idea [that has] just been pitched to me by Christian, and it’s literally been one minute and thirty-second pitch, so I haven’t had time to ᴀssimilate it because I’m too busy trying to get ready for this movie.

So I don’t know. It sounds like it’s a great adventure, and I’m scared to say anything if we don’t go with this version. But it could involve Africa, and it’s some really exciting stuff over there. I don’t know enough about it to know what I could do with Nick…

I love working with [Christian], and Donnie, by the way, I love working with O’Shea [Jackson]. I mean, it’s just that you could feel it from the first movie, and now we get a chance to really spend time with each other. I love watching that he’s just so talented; it is so fun to work with him. And I really feel what we did together is something unusual for a heist movie.

What These Comments Mean For Den of Thieves 3

If It Happens, The Third Movie Could Tread Exciting New Ground

Butler’s comments should appeal to fans of the first two movies, as it would imply that the chances of a third movie are high. If Den of Thieves 2: Pantera enjoys a successful box office run, this should all but guarantee a third installment to round off the trilogy. However, if the pitch Butler discusses winds up being a core part of the third film, there is a good chance it could extend the franchise to future movies. Both Den of Thieves films tread familiar ground, but also manage to inject fresh and exciting takes on their own narrative structures.

Whilst Den of Thieves 3 is not confirmed yet, there is a strong chance the movie will happen, especially if Butler retains interest in the series, and continues to enjoy a strong professional relationship with Gudegast. Whilst the first Den of Thieves movie was more gritty and raw, the second movie is a more polished, bigger budget affair, even in spite of only costing an additional $10 million, and the third movie could combine those two things. ᴀssuming Butler, Jackson Jr., and Gudegast are interested in continuing the story, it is highly likely the story will continue.

Our Verdict On Den of Thieves 3

The Series Could Mark Another Strong Franchise For Butler

The success of Den of Thieves came perhaps a little unexpectedly, whilst the longer, grander, and more stylish Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was all but confirmed. Though the mid-budget project would need to at least enjoy a modest box office run, something it’s not yet achieved with only $24.6 million grossed against its $40 million budget, I believe that the involvement of Lionsgate doesn’t necessitate the need for a high theatrical gross. It’s likely Den of Thieves 3 will mark another strong franchise offering from Butler, and would mark his latest trilogy after the Has Fallen franchise and the How to Train Your Dragon movies.

Source: The Direct