At the start of 2025, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera premiered with solid critical ratings but a disappointing box office performance that, hopefully, will be fixed once the movie comes to streaming. As its name implies, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is the sequel to 2018’s Den of Thieves. After defeating criminal Ray Merriman at the end of Den of Thieves, Gerard Butler’s Nick O’Brien returns in Den of Thieves 2 to track down Merriman’s escaped ally, Donnie Wilson, who plans an even bigger scheme in Europe.
In some ways, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was a success. It earned a 63% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is significantly better than the first movie’s 41%. Furthermore, audiences were just as impressed with the sequel as they were with the original, giving it an 80% audience score. However, on the financial front, Den of Thieves 2 faced some struggles. On a budget of $40 million, the movie only grossed $56.8 million. In this way, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera may have done well with viewers, but it is considered a box office flop.
Den Of Thieves 2’s Netflix Release Will Turn The Sequel Into A Global Hit
Why Den Of Thieves 2 Will Do Well On Streaming
Although Den of Thieves 2: Pantera had a disappointing box office performance, the movie has a chance for a second life once it hits streaming. For many movies, especially in the action genre, it is difficult to bring audiences into theaters. Movie theater attendance is generally at a low, and a lack of marketing can make this worse. However, once these films are easily accessible on Netflix or other streaming services, they quickly shoot to the top of the platform. This exact scenario occurred for Den of Thieves back in 2018, and continues to this day.
Considering the Netflix cult following for Den of Thieves, it seems inevitable that once Den of Thieves 2: Pantera hits the service on March 20, the sequel will gain just as much streaming success. Those who loved Den of Thieves will be eager to see the sequel from the comfort of their own home. More than just franchise ties, though, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has the chance to be a success because of its star-studded cast and engaging plot. It will fit in well with Netflix’s current Top 10 movies, including Sicario or Counterattack.
Den Of Thieves 2’s Streaming Launch Is A Bigger Deal After Its Box Office Underperformed
Den Of Thieves 2 Can Have A Second Surge Of Popularity
Image via Liongate
Den of Thieves 2’s imminent success on Netflix is exciting, but considering the movie’s poor box office numbers, it is also incredibly important. Before streaming, box office performance could make or break a movie. It was the film’s one chance to rake in money, and if it didn’t, hopes for a sequel could be dashed instantly. Yet, with streaming, movies like Den of Thieves 2 can show that they are lucrative, even if their box office performance is bad. Strong Netflix viewership is worth a lot, and Den of Thieves 2 will have the chance to prove its chops.
When it comes to Den of Thieves 2, in particular, the movie’s Netflix release will give it a chance to be more successful in numerous ways. Not only will it make up for the movie’s lack of box office money, but it will also make the film more accessible to audiences. Those who were already committed to the Den of Thieves franchise will return to see Nick O’Brien’s fate, while new viewers may find themselves becoming invested. This second push for success helps Den of Thieves 2, but also puts the franchise on a stronger track for the future.
Den Of Thieves 3 Could Benefit Greatly From Den Of Thieves 2’s Netflix Release
What Do We Know About Den Of Thieves 3
Den of Thieves 2 gaining more popularity on streaming is definitely important, but its Netflix release also opens the door for future franchise success. If audiences, new and old, enjoy Den of Thieves 2, then that will increase the chances of a third movie. Notably, if the sequel was only going to be based on box office numbers, it likely wouldn’t happen, but streaming gives Den of Thieves another big chance at proving itself. If Den of Thieves’ original Netflix success led to Den of Thieves 2, then Den of Thieves 3 seems almost inevitable.
Butler told Screen Rant at the start of the year that he is planning on appearing in a third movie, citing himself as the cause of the seven-year gap between the first two films.
At this point, Den of Thieves’ cast and crew have offered several exciting hints at a third installment. Butler told Screen Rant at the start of the year that he is planning on appearing in a third movie, citing himself as the cause of the seven-year gap between the first two films. On top of that, Den of Thieves director Christian Gudegast also confirmed that the script for Den of Thieves 3 has been completed, and that studios are hoping to start production before 2026. Thus, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is just the start of a fantastic streaming success.
