Den of Thieves 2: Panterastars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. share their views on the ending of the heist movie. Released June 10, 2025, the movie, which follows sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien tracking criminal Donnie Wilson, who has fled to Europe, is the sequel to the popular 2018 action crime movie, directed and written by Christopher Gudegast.Den of Thieves 2boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Butler and Jackson Jr., reprising their roles of O’Brien and Wilson respectively, as well as Evin Ahmad, and Salvatore Esposito.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rant,Butler and O’Shea discuss the ending of the movie, which saw Big Nick and Donnie cross paths again, and evolve from enemies to developing a form of respect for one another. Butler notes how the ending was the one he had pushed for, and spoke about how the characters make the decision to go their separate ways. Jackson Jr. also discusses how his character likes a challenge, and reveals hopes that Donnie’s future would be handled well by director Gudegast in any further installments. Check out their comments below:
Gerard, you’ve said before that Donnie gives “Big Nick” a purpose, or a reason. At the end of the movie, do you feel that he could let Donnie alone, or is he going to be chasing after him again?
Butler:Well, I loved… By the way, that was my ending. I just want to say, it was my ending. I love that it is two guys going, “I see you. We’re quits now. I feel like you’ve had your moment in the sun [and] I’ve had my moment in the sun.
I’m not quite running off into the sunset with you, but I see you, I’m doing my thing, you’re doing your thing, and maybe [we’ll give each other] a pass.” I like that we’re set in our different directions, but with respect and a nod of the cap, like, “There you go, sir.” That was fun, and who knows where that’s going to go? I like it like that.
And speaking of different directions, Donnie’s in with the Panther mafia. How is he going to handle that, do you think? Do you know anything about your future?
Jackson Jr.:Man, I know he better handle it well. [I’m talking to you,] Gudegast [Laughs]. With Donnie’s life choice, Donnie is forcing himself into quicksand at every opportunity, [and] every corner. He said it himself—it’ll never stop. There’s a weird, sick part of that guy who likes another challenge.
What These Comments Mean For Den of Thieves 2
The Sequel Could Elevate The Characters & Make For a More Compelling Narrative Journey
The ending ofDen of Thieves 2storywill leave an opening for more movies, while also giving a satisfactory arc to the characters of both Donnie and Big Nick. These are two men who have been adversaries for so long, and have had to push themselves to their limits in pursuit of their goals, but the grudging respect they develop will surely add a more interesting dynamic to their relationship, and this could fuel future installments.
Right now, there is no guarantee whetherDen of Thieves 3will happen, but the way the movie ends could well leave narrative scope for a third film.
TheDen of Thieves 2trailershows that Nick switches sides in a change from the first movie and chooses to work with Donnie on his next heist. Nick’s obsession with Donnie has consumed his career and life. The fact that the two will now be working together and trusting each other all builds to an intriguing climax that Butler and Jackson Jr. speak of.
Our Verdict On The Future Of Den Of Thieves
A Third Movie Will Likely Depend On The Theatrical Run Of Den Of Thieves 2
Right now, there is no guarantee whetherDen of Thieves 3will happen, but the way the movie ends leaves possible story options open, especially with Jackson Jr.’s comments about Donnie’s involvement with the Panther mafia. The fact thatDen of Thieves 2does not have a post-credits sequence feeds into this conclusive narrative strand that book-ends the two men’s relationship, at least for now, but there is a good chance their story is not finished, and thatDen of Thieveswill get a concluding installment.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Cast
Sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien tracks Donnie Wilson to Europe after his daring escape. As Donnie becomes deeply involved with diamond thieves and the Panther mafia, the stakes rise with a plan to rob the world’s largest diamond exchange.
