Lionsgate’s latest installment, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” debuted with a robust box office performance, grossing $1.35 million on its opening day. This figure, recorded from showtimes starting at 6 PM, reflects a notable increase compared to its predecessor, which garnered $950,000 in previews during its launch in January 2018. This surge of 42% demonstrates a positive trend, suggesting that the anticipation for this sequel might be strong among audiences. However, while the opening figures appear promising, they pale in comparison to other recent action films, such as “The Beekeeper,” which enjoyed a substantial $2.4 million during its previews last year.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that “Den of Thieves 2” outperformed another Gerard Butler film, “Plane,” which opened with $625,000 in early January 2023. The sequel is poised to achieve a weekend opening between $11 million and $13 million across 3,008 theaters, although it still faces a challenging early January period often characterized by lackluster attendance. Factors contributing to this slowdown include external impacts, notably wildfires severely affecting business in Los Angeles, which remains a critical market for movie releases.
The current competitive landscape complicates the sequel’s prospects as it enters a market filled with other significant releases, including “Mufasa” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” both of which aim for a similar audience demographic. The pandemic has already altered viewing habits, and with multiple films vying for the same attention, “Den of Thieves 2” could struggle to maintain its momentum despite strong early numbers.
Moreover, the closure of various theaters in LA, which has traditionally been a vital box office hub, further compounds the challenges that the film may face. Even though some locations have reopened, the uncertainty surrounding attendance could hinder projected earnings. As two prime venues are still shut down, the distributor may need to explore alternative promotional strategies to maximize revenue.
The motivation behind producing “Den of Thieves 2” stems from the impressive commercial performance of the original film, which took in a total of $44.9 million domestically and reached $80.5 million worldwide following its surprising $15.2 million opening. The sequel brings back fan-favorite characters portrayed by Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., directed by Christian Gudegast, which should entice audiences further. The storyline promises thrilling intrigue as audiences follow Big Nick in a perilous journey involving diamond thieves and the notorious Panther mafia, raising the stakes for what appears to be an exhilarating cinematic experience.
It is worth noting that the film’s foreign sales were initiated as early as Cannes 2019, indicating a strategic approach to international markets. Despite initial prevailing skepticism around the necessity of a sequel, particularly one removed from its original studio, its critical reception is starting to shape a more favorable outlook. The film boasts a decent 70% critic approval on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that reviews could help bolster its performance as it continues its rollout.
Ultimately, while “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” shows signs of promise with its increased preview sales and the re-engagement of familiar characters, it faces an uncertain market environment filled with significant competition and external challenges. Its ability to capitalize on previous successes will depend heavily on audience reception in the coming weeks, as well as effective marketing strategies to navigate organizational obstacles presented by external factors such as weather and competitive releases. If managed skillfully, this sequel could pave the way for further exploits in its franchise and strengthen Lionsgate’s foothold in the action genre.