The sequel to the 2018 film "Den Of Thieves," titled "Pantera," was released on July 10, 2025. Directed and written by Christian Gudegast, this movie attempts to build on the original's heist narrative but falls short in many respects. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Nick O'Brien, alongside O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmad, Salvatore Esposito, Meadow Williams, and Swen Temmel. Despite a runtime of 144 minutes, the film struggles to engage its audience with bland characters and an uninspired plot. The story follows O'Brien’s pursuit of Donnie Wilson, leading to a new heist involving diamonds in Nice, France. However, the film fails to capitalize on its European setting or provide any substantial character development.

One of the most significant shortcomings of "Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera" lies in its inability to breathe life into its characters. The protagonist, Nick O'Brien, remains an alcoholic and estranged from his family, while Donnie Wilson continues to be portrayed as a clever thief without much depth. The dynamic between these two characters, which shifts from adversaries to reluctant partners, is reminiscent of other action films but lacks originality. The addition of new faces to the ensemble does little to enhance the narrative, as none of the characters stand out or offer fresh perspectives. This lack of character growth makes it difficult for audiences to connect emotionally with the story.

The film's plot revolves around a diamond vault heist, but it fails to captivate viewers with its predictable machinations. The heist itself is underwhelming, lacking the tension and excitement that typically characterize such narratives. Instead of introducing innovative elements or surprising twists, the movie relies on familiar tropes that do little to elevate the storyline. Moreover, the European setting, particularly Nice, France, is not utilized effectively. The production design and cinematography fail to capture the unique essence of the location, making the film feel generic and devoid of geographic specificity. Even the humor, such as jokes about pronouncing "croissant," feels forced and adds little value to the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera" ultimately disappoints due to its lack of engaging characters and a stale plot. The film misses opportunities to innovate within the heist genre and fails to leverage its international setting. While it may appeal to fans of the original who are looking for more of the same, it is unlikely to win over new audiences. The movie sets a low bar for potential future installments, leaving much to be desired in terms of both storytelling and character development.