'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera debuted on January 10, 2025, reigniting the action-packed heist genre. It competed with Disney's much-anticipated Mufasa: The Lion King, which premiered on December 22, 2024, offering audiences a choice between themes of adventure and family drama.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter on January 12, 2025, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera claimed the top spot at the weekend box office, earning $15.5 million in nationwide ticket sales, surpassing Mufasa: The Lion King.
Both movies were released during the prime holiday season. The earnings competition indicates that viewers have mixed preferences regarding exciting heist thrillers vs nostalgic family stories. While Den of Thieves 2 brought new life to the genre, Mufasa is still doing very well, approaching $190 million in sales in the US.
Trending
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera crosses Mufasa: The Lion King's collection
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera surpassed Mufasa: The Lion King with a $15.5 million opening, marking Lionsgate's first number-one film in years.
Directed by Christian Gudegast, the sequel performed well, aided by returning stars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. This success highlights the series' cult following since its debut in 2018. Although its global earnings of $19.7 million fell short of Mufasa's $41 million, its domestic victory was a significant achievement.
Mufasa: The Lion King performed well in the fourth weekend, earning $13.2 million. While it is overshadowed by its predecessor’s $1.6 billion haul, Mufasa remains a substantial success for Disney.
Plot of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and Mufasa: The Lion King
The sequel of Den of Thieves focuses on Sheriff Nick O'Brien, who travels to Europe to find Donnie Wilson, a thief associated with a group of thieves known as the Panthers.
After a risky heist at an airport hangar, the crew plans to target a diamond vault for their next big theft. O'Brien sneaks into the group as a partner and uses his skills to gain their trust. The film features multiple complex scenes, betrayals, and unexpected problems during the heist, such as a mafia group trying to get revenge getting in the way.
The Panthers execute an intricate heist, but they run into trouble on their way out. The action escalates into a thrilling chase between two opposing groups. Ultimately, O'Brien shows his loyalty to the police by arresting the Panthers.
Donnie is then forced to work for the mafia, setting the stage for future fights. The movie features high-stakes action, a complicated plot, and engaging character interactions.
Now turning to Mufasa: The Lion King, this prequel-sequel explores Mufasa's origins and continues the tale of Pride Rock. The narrative intertwines Simba's rule and his daughter Kiara's interest in learning, as well as Mufasa's humble beginnings as an orphan taken in by royal pride.
Mufasa's rise is marked by love, betrayal, and strength. He makes a deal with Taka (later Scar) to work together, but their relationship is ruined by jealousy.
When he faces enemies like the angry Outsiders, Mufasa shows that he is a brave leader who stands up for his pride and accepts his role as king. His resolve is strengthened by Rafiki's knowledge and Sarabi's love, which leads to his climb to Pride Rock.
On IMDb, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera received a rating of 6.6, while Mufasa: The Lion King earned a slightly higher rating of 6.7.
