Lionsgate’s crime thriller sequel, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” has stormed to the top of the domestic box office, raking in $5.8 million on its opening day from 3,008 theaters. The film, which sees Gerard Butler reprising his role as the gritty, Pepto Bismol-chugging L.A. cop big nick, is pacing slightly ahead of its 2018 predecessor, which opened with $5.6 million and went on to earn $15.2 million over its first weekend.
This marks Lionsgate’s first No.1 opening as “The Hunger Games: the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” debuted in November 2023. While “Pantera” isn’t seeing a massive surge compared to the original, the studio is optimistic about its staying power during January’s typically slow moviegoing season.With a modest $40 million production budget and foreign rights pre-sold to offset costs, the film is positioned as a steady earner.
Directed and written by Christian Gudegast, “Pantera” follows Big Nick as he heads to Europe to track down heist mastermind Donnie, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr. Early audience reactions have been positive, with the film earning a B+ CinemaScore, a slight improvement over the first installment. Reviews, while mixed, lean more favorably than those for the original.
The weekend’s box office performance has been relatively subdued, with holiday season holdovers and the impact of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles affecting local theatre attendance. Despite these challenges, “Pantera” has managed to stand out in a quiet market.
Simultaneously occurring, paramount’s Robbie Williams biopic, “better Man,” expanded to 1,291 theaters but struggled to gain traction, earning just $580,000 on its opening day. Directed by Michael Gracey of “The Greatest Showman” fame, the film features a unique twist: Williams is represented by a CGI chimpanzee, a concept that charmed critics during fall festivals but failed to resonate with broader audiences. despite strong initial reviews, the film’s marketing campaign, which leaned heavily into its primate premise, didn’t translate into box office success.
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” continues to roar, securing second place with $2.9 million on Friday. The photorealistic CGI prequel is expected to add $12 million in its fourth weekend, pushing its domestic total past $187 million. While it had a slower start, “Mufasa” is on track to surpass other 2024 hits like “Kung fu Panda 4” and “Godzilla x Kong: The new Empire.”
Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is also holding strong, projecting $8.6 million in its fourth weekend, a 59% drop from the previous frame. By Sunday, the film will cross the $200 million mark domestically, joining an elite group of 2024 releases to achieve that milestone.
Focus Features’ “Nosferatu,” a breakout horror hit, continues to impress, adding $6.3 million in its third weekend. The Robert Eggers-directed remake has now earned $81 million domestically, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most prosperous horror films.
Rounding out the top five is Disney’s “moana 2,” which earned $1.2 million on Friday. Now in its seventh weekend, the animated sequel is nearing the end of its theatrical run with an impressive $430 million in North america.
What aspects of _Den of Thieves 2: Pantera_ contributed to its success and how do they reflect Lionsgate’s overall film strategy?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A conversation with Fictional Film Analyst, Dr. Emily Carter, on the Success of ”Den of Thieves 2: Pantera”
By Archyde News Editor
As Den of Thieves 2: Pantera dominates the domestic box office, raking in $5.8 million on its opening day, we sat down with Dr.Emily Carter, a renowned film analyst and industry expert, to discuss the film’s success, its place in the crime thriller genre, and what this means for Lionsgate and the future of the franchise.
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has opened strong, slightly outperforming its 2018 predecessor.What do you think is driving this success?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me.The success of Pantera can be attributed to a few key factors. First, Gerard Butler’s return as Big Nick is a major draw. His portrayal of the gritty, flawed cop resonates with audiences, and his chemistry with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s donnie adds a compelling dynamic. Second, the film’s timing is strategic.January is typically a slow month for moviegoing, so a high-octane crime thriller like this stands out.the franchise has built a loyal fanbase as the first film, and this sequel delivers on the action and intensity they expect.
Archyde: The film’s $40 million production budget is relatively modest compared to other blockbusters. How does this impact its performance and Lionsgate’s strategy?
Dr. Carter: A modest budget is a smart move, especially in today’s market. It lowers the financial risk and allows the studio to focus on storytelling and character progress rather than relying solely on spectacle. Lionsgate also pre-sold foreign rights, which offsets costs and ensures profitability even before the film’s release. This approach positions Pantera as a steady earner,which is crucial for the studio as it navigates a competitive landscape.
Archyde: christian Gudegast returns as director and writer for this sequel. How does his vision shape the film, and how does it compare to the original?
Dr. Carter: Gudegast has a clear vision for this franchise. He excels at crafting tense, character-driven narratives within the crime thriller genre. In Pantera, he expands the scope by taking Big Nick to Europe, which adds a fresh layer of intrigue and stakes.The film maintains the gritty tone of the original while exploring new territory, both geographically and thematically. It’s a balancing act, but Gudegast pulls it off effectively.
Archyde: The film’s pacing is slightly ahead of the original,which went on to earn $15.2 million in its opening weekend. Do you think Pantera will sustain this momentum?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. The film’s strong opening day performance, coupled with positive word-of-mouth, suggests it has staying power. January’s lack of competition works in its favor, and the franchise’s established fanbase will likely drive repeat viewings. While it may not break box office records, it’s poised to be a solid performer for Lionsgate.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what does this success mean for the future of the Den of Thieves franchise?
Dr. carter: This sequel’s success solidifies the franchise’s potential. Lionsgate now has a proven formula: a charismatic lead,a talented director,and a story that balances action with character depth. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a third installment, possibly exploring new heists or delving deeper into Big Nick’s backstory. The franchise has room to grow, and audiences are clearly invested.
Archyde: what’s your take on Gerard butler’s performance as Big Nick? How does he continue to elevate the character?
Dr. Carter: Gerard Butler is the heart of this franchise. He brings a raw, unpolished energy to Big Nick that makes the character both relatable and compelling. His dedication to the role—whether it’s chugging Pepto Bismol or diving into intense action sequences—adds authenticity. Butler’s ability to balance toughness with vulnerability keeps audiences rooting for him, even when he’s operating in morally gray areas.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s clear that Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is more than just a sequel—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted crime thrillers.
Dr.Carter: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for the genre, and I’m eager to see where this franchise goes next.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and the latest in entertainment news.
