Den of Thieves 3: What’s Next for Big Nick and Donnie?

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Following its successful streaming debut on Netflix last week, the action thriller Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has sparked renewed interest in the potential for a third installment in the franchise. Fans are eagerly asking: Is Den of Thieves 3 in the works and when can they expect it to hit theaters?

Seven years after the original Den of Thieves premiered, the sequel, released in January 2025, sees sheriff “Big Nick” O’Brien, portrayed by Gerard Butler, on the trail of criminal mastermind Donnie Wilson, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr. The plot thickens as Wilson escapes to Europe to orchestrate another high-stakes heist involving diamonds.

While no release date for Den of Thieves 3 has been set, director Christian Gudegast confirmed the film is currently in development. Just weeks after the sequel’s theatrical release, Gudegast announced plans for a third film, which he has already pitched to the studio. “It’s already pitched. It’s already done. We’re ready to go,” he stated in an interview.

Both Butler and Jackson Jr. are expected to reprise their roles. The first sequel grossed over $56 million at the box office, showing promise for future installments of the franchise. Lionsgate, along with Butler’s G-BASE production company and Tucker Tooley Entertainment, is actively developing Den of Thieves 3.

Despite enthusiasm, fans may need to exercise patience. Jackson Jr. revealed that he has yet to receive a script for the anticipated sequel, indicating that the third film is not yet in production. “You’ll likely have to wait at least a year before seeing Den of Thieves 3 in theaters,” he remarked.

Production of the second film ran from April to July 2023, with a release over a year later. Should Den of Thieves 3 follow a similar timeline, fans might not see the film until 2026. However, industry insiders expect the wait will be shorter than the seven years fans endured for the sequel.

In interviews concerning the franchise’s future, Gudegast hinted at an exciting new direction for the third installment. He disclosed plans to incorporate geopolitical elements and international settings, with rumors suggesting a potential storyline in Africa. This change may align with themes from Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which involved a high-profile diamond heist.

Furthermore, both Butler and Jackson Jr. have hinted at expanding the cast, with hopes of attracting high-profile actors to join the ensemble. They expressed interest in having actor Idris Elba as part of the project, which could elevate the film’s appeal.

The Den of Thieves franchise, known for its kinetic action and gripping storylines, has built a loyal audience eager for the next chapter in O’Brien and Wilson’s dramatic saga. As details about the threequel emerge, fans are left anticipating further developments while enjoying the recently released sequel currently available for streaming.