Den of Thieves 2: Pantera marked one of the first major cinematic releases of the year, serving as a sequel to the 2018 thriller Den of Thieves, which starred Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was generally embraced by audiences. This positive reception has paved the way for a third installment, with director Christian Gudegast returning, alongside the main characters Big Nick and Donnie, portrayed by Butler and Jackson respectively.
Despite a modest box office performance, the anticipation for its streaming release was high, considering that nowadays, streaming success can rival that of theatrical releases. Upon its debut on Netflix, Pantera swiftly climbed to the top of the platform’s charts, securing its spot as the most-watched film. This combination of box office revenue and streaming popularity presents a pivotal moment for the future of the franchise.
Den of Thieves 2 Surpassing Theatrical Success on Netflix
The Sequel Dominates Netflix Following Its Release
During its theatrical run, Den of Thieves 2 garnered around $57 million against an estimated production budget of $40 million. While these figures appear to signal a modest achievement, they don’t fully capture the film’s financial landscape, as promotional and distribution costs typically inflate the actual expenditure. Thus, concerns remain regarding how truly successful Pantera has been.
The film’s recent surge on Netflix indicates that there is substantial audience interest, even if its theatrical earnings weren’t initially impressive. This newfound streaming success breathes fresh life into Pantera, potentially aligning the series for a more favorable reception going forward.
Should Den of Thieves 2 Have Premiered Exclusively on Netflix?
The Dilemma: Theatrical Release vs. Streaming Debut
Given the success of Pantera on Netflix, a common question arises: might it have fared better without a theatrical release? Although this assertion seems reasonable, bypassing cinemas could have deprived the film of essential revenue—albeit modest—from box office sales. A direct Netflix release could have attracted viewers right away. However, by releasing in theaters first, the film benefits from a dual advantage.
The costs associated with theatrical launches are substantial, often exceeding the production budget itself. Aiming for a Netflix-only release might have saved certain expenses, yet the lack of the $57 million earned from theaters raises doubts about the project’s profitability had it not followed this dual release route.
Upcoming Release of Den of Thieves 3: A Crucial Indicator for Franchise Success
Den of Thieves 3: The Ultimate Test for the Franchise
Image via Lionsgate
With Den of Thieves 2 achieving impressive streaming numbers, the next film will face heightened expectations. Viewers are eager to follow Big Nick and Donnie’s storyline, and the film’s significant streaming success suggests a robust interest in the franchise. However, it remains uncertain whether this enthusiasm will translate into box office attendance for the upcoming installment.
No specific release date for Den of Thieves 3 has been announced, although production is anticipated to commence before 2026. If audience interest wanes, the franchise could potentially falter, struggling to sustain momentum as seen with the increasingly disappointing theatrical earnings. Even with Netflix viewership, consistent box office performance is essential for the viability of future films.