Den of Thieves 2’s Gerard Butler on Why Nick Joins the Villains

Gerard Butler recently discussed the unexpected transformation of his character in “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera”. In a recent interview, he revealed the reasons behind Detective Nick O’Brien’s transition from a law enforcement officer to a criminal. The movie delves into this change through Nick’s growing alliance with Donnie, portrayed by O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Gerard Butler reveals why Nick becomes a villain in Den of Thieves 2

In a conversation with The Direct, Gerard Butler explained the reasons behind Detective Nick O’Brien’s shift towards criminal activities in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. This transformation is rooted in both personal and professional hardships that Nick faces. According to Butler, Nick feels unsupported by his fellow officers, is divorced, and has had a tough time lately. However, he has a beacon of hope in the form of Donnie, whom he aims to emulate, as shared by Butler.

In the last movie, Nick found himself in a fix, thinking, “I’m in trouble, and that guy is competent.” This sentiment left him feeling drained but also rejuvenated, as Butler explained. The upcoming film delves into the evolving bond between them, starting from adversaries to collaborators in a heist, resulting in intriguing character interactions that were not anticipated earlier.

In the same interview, director Christian Gudegast referred to the sequel as a “buddy flick” centered around the evolving relationship between Nick and Donnie. Essentially, it’s like a heartwarming tale between Nick and Donnie. These two characters are American, and they find themselves in an unfamiliar foreign land. In the story, Nick will ultimately switch allegiances for the movie. Gudegast further explained that the film delves into the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal activities.

In the next installment, we’re introduced to a new gang of crooks known as the Panthers. Interestingly, this crew is modeled after real individuals Gudegast encountered in Europe. He mentioned, “Each and every one of those characters are inspired by actual people I met, spent time with, and know from my experiences in the Balkans and Europe.” Moreover, Donnie, who was initially an outsider, manages to earn his spot within the group by demonstrating his abilities.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is set to hit theaters on January 10.

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2025-01-06 13:41