Den of Thieves 3 is officially in the works, and with how the second film ends, there are already a few ways Den of Thieves 2: Pantera sets up the sequel. The second installment of Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s crime action franchise finally arrived in 2025 in theaters. Shortly after Lionsgate released the movie, it was officially confirmed that Big Nick and Donnie would be back. Den of Thieves 3 is now in development with writer/director Christian Gudegast returning alongside the two lead stars. Other details, like the story, remain unconfirmed.

Yet, Den of Thieves 2‘s ending provides several clues for what could come in the next installment. The movie wraps up its World Diamond Center heist and delivers a few surprises for Big Nick and Donnie. The very end is all about positioning the characters and franchise up for ongoing adventures. While there will certainly be another heist and new cast members in Den of Thieves 3, what will come next in the series is set up in particular ways throughout Den of Thieves 2. This includes teases for what’s next for Donnie and Big Nick individually and together.

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Donnie Working For The Italian Mafia Is Set Up For Den Of Thieves 3

He Has A New Boss After His Freedom

One of the most blatant pieces of Den of Thieves 3 setup in Den of Thieves 2 is how Donnie’s story ends. Instead of staying in prison after Big Nick betrayed the Panthers, he’s broken out of a transport bus and greeted by the Italian mafia, known as The Octopus. They confirm that he now works for them after they were impressed with his previous work. There’s a direct tease that Donnie is ready to get to work on whatever the Italians want him to steal next.

While we don’t know what the Italians are after, it’s clear that this is where Den of Thieves 3‘s story will begin at the very least. His next heist for the mafia could be featured as the threequel’s opening set piece or be what the entire plot is built around. In any case, it’s clear that Den of Thieves 2‘s conclusion is only the beginning of Donnie and the Italian mafia working together. What victories or defeats come as a result of this partnership is for Den of Thieves 3 to explore.

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Big Nick Staying Abroad Teases Den Of Thieves 3’s Story

A Return To Los Angeles Is Unlikely

It’s also become clear that Den of Thieves 3 will be another internationally-focused story. Donnie’s alliance with the Italian mafia suggests this, but so too does the glimpse of Big Nick staying abroad. He’s last seen driving through the mountainous countryside of an undisclosed foreign country. There’s no indication that he or the franchise are leaving Europe anytime soon.

This is notable as Big Nick could have returned to Los Angeles after helping take down the Panthers to resume his regular life in America. Instead, Den of Thieves will continue copying Fast & Furious by embracing an international setting.

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Donnie’s Text To Big Nick Sets Up Their Reunion In Den Of Thieves 3

They’re Poised To See Each Other Again

There’s no mystery about the future of Big Nick and Donnie’s relationship in Den of Thieves 3. Big Nick’s betrayal could have severed the blossoming bromance permanently. But, Donnie texts him, “And the tiger changes stripes. All the cats out of the cage. C U soon, Fraulein.” That makes Big Nick smile at the end of Den of Thieves 2 and promises to audiences that Donnie and Big Nick will be reunited in the threequel.

What’s more telling is the implication that Donnie and Big Nick could officially be on the same side from the jump. Big Nick was part of the Italian mafia’s plan to break Donnie out of prison, and it appears he’s ready to embrace the criminal lifestyle fully. That should mean more of the Big Nick and Donnie bromance as they become partners on the next heist.

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The Pantera Crew Should Factor Into Den Of Thieves 3

We Probably Haven’t Seen The Last Of Them

Donnie and Big Nick might be on good terms in Den of Thieves 3, but the sequel will also likely explore the full fallout of how he betrayed the Pantera crew. Jovanna and Slavko are the only remaining Pantera members alive and in prison. However, Donnie’s text saying “all cats out of the cage” could imply that he wasn’t the only person who escaped jail. Jovanna and Slavko could also be free and ready to work another job.

Even if Jovanna and Slavko are not already free of prison, that could be an element of Den of Thieves 3‘s story. Big Nick will need to apologize for betraying them if he hopes to rekindle the romance with Jovanna. If his apology and attempts to work with them does not work, then the Panthers could become an opposing heist team working against Big Nick and Donnie to twist up the franchise’s character dynamics further.

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Den Of Thieves 2 Leaves A Merrimen Storyline For The Third Film To Resolve

Merrimen’s Girlfriend Still Wants His Money

Merrimen may have died in Den of Thieves‘ ending, but Den of Thieves 2 teased that his storyline might not be over. Merrimen’s girlfriend Holly returns to blackmail Big Nick until she gets the $7 million cut that belonged to Merrimen from the Federal Reserve Bank heist. She does help point Nick in Donnie’s direction to try and get the money she thinks she’s owed, but the movie doesn’t resolve her blackmail plot.

That means this could be an element for Den of Thieves 3 to answer. How this would happen remains unclear, although the theories about Merrimen’s brother entering the picture as part of this plotline would be fun. It’d be weird if the franchise just never addressed this subplot after Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, so Den of Thieves 3 is the next chance to do so.