With a promising debut, Lionsgate’s “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” generated $1.35 million during its Thursday previews, starting at 6 PM. Notably, this figure is a commendable 42% increase over the $950,000 previews grossed by its predecessor in 2018. Nevertheless, it must contend with the performance of similar films released in the competitive January landscape. For example, last year’s “The Beekeeper” outperformed with $2.4 million in preview earnings, ultimately securing a solid $16.5 million over its opening weekend. Additionally, the film “Plane,” featuring Gerard Butler, had a more modest start earlier this year, earning $625,000 and leading to a $3.5 million Friday gross.
While “Den of Thieves 2” is projected to open within a range of $11 million to $13 million from about 3,008 theaters, the overall box office climate remains soft, particularly influenced by current circumstances in key markets. The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles are contributing to this subdued atmosphere, closing several theaters while only a few, including the AMC Americana in Glendale and AMC Topanga 12 in Canoga Park, manage to remain operational. Such external factors could ultimately impact the film’s total earnings.
This sequel faces stiff competition from other anticipated releases, such as “Mufasa” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” both vying for box office supremacy. Each of these films is similarly eyeing an opening performance in the same range, underscoring the intensely competitive nature of the current market. Historical data reveals that the original “Den of Thieves” managed to exceed expectations, originally opening to a modest single-digit figure before raking in a total of $44.9 million domestically.
The circumstances surrounding this sequel highlight the complexity of box office dynamics. While there is considerable anticipation due to its popular cast, which includes Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., the movie’s trajectory amidst various challenges remains uncertain.
“Den of Thieves 2” sees the return of the gripping storyline, with Butler reprising his role as Big Nick, who is on a mission across Europe to track down Donnie, portrayed by Jackson. As they delve into the perilous world of diamond thieves and the notorious Panther mafia, the stakes are heightened with a plot revolving around a gargantuan heist at the world’s largest diamond exchange.
The film’s production, marshaled by accomplished figures such as Tucker Tooley, Butler, Alan Siegel, and Mark Canton, emphasizes a level of investor confidence based on the performance of the original film. In addition, the involvement of established production company Sierra/Affinity for foreign sales amplifies the expectations for international revenue.
As reviews start to roll in, it is encouraging to note that “Den of Thieves 2” holds a fresh rating of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive critical reception could enhance its appeal to a broader audience, potentially countering some of the obstacles faced during its opening. It remains to be seen whether strong word-of-mouth will propel the film’s box office success beyond initial estimates.
While “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” opens with noticeable promise compared to its predecessor, it operates within a complicated landscape that could either enhance or impede its overall success. The interplay of critical reviews, competitive releases, and market challenges will ultimately define the film’s trajectory in the coming weeks.
Leave a Reply