Lionsgate has started 2025 on a high note with the release of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. After a lackluster 2024 filled with critical and commercial misfires like Borderlands and The Crow, the studio has finally hit gold. Pantera, the sequel to the 2018 action-thriller, opened with an impressive $15.5 million, as reported by Deadline, signaling Gerard Butler's enduring appeal in the action genre. However, the weekend's box office story is far from simple, with hits and misses painting a nuanced picture.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera's Strong Opening
Mirroring the performance of its predecessor, Pantera managed to draw audiences despite the adverse conditions in Los Angeles caused by devastating wildfires. This marks Butler's best opening since Angel Has Fallen in 2019, reaffirming his reliability in “meat-and-potatoes” action films. For Lionsgate, this opening is a sigh of relief and a signal that the studio may be poised for a turnaround in the new year.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Releases
Not all films fared as well. Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King saw a steep 50% decline in its second weekend, grossing $11.7 million domestically and bringing its total to $187 million. Though respectable, this is a far cry from the record-breaking numbers of its 2019 predecessor.
Meanwhile, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continued to impress, earning $8.67 million over the weekend, pushing its domestic total past $200 million. This installment now stands as the most successful in the franchise, a testament to its growing fan base and cross-generational appeal.
Indie and Award Contenders Make Their Mark
Robert Eggers' Nosferatu continues to overperform for Focus Features, bringing in $6.3 million this weekend and reaching an $81 million domestic total. This places it as the studio's third-highest-grossing release ever, behind Downton Abbey and Coraline. Similarly, Wicked and Moana 2 remained steady performers, with $4.55 million and $5.9 million weekends, respectively.
A surprising success story lies in Searchlight's A Complete Unknown. The Bob Dylan biopic grossed $4.5 million, crossing the $50 million mark. While not a blockbuster, its profitability and critical acclaim position it well for awards season. A24's Babygirl also held strong, with its $2.9 million weekend reinforcing its status as one of the season's indie highlights.
Flops and Surprises
Unfortunately, not every release found its audience. The $100 million Robbie Williams biopic Better Man bombed with just $1 million in its wide debut, failing even to crack the top 10. In stark contrast, A24's The Brutalist, playing on just 68 screens, grossed $1.35 million, showcasing the potential of strategic platform releases. With its visually stunning 70mm roadshow screenings and awards buzz, The Brutalist appears set for a strong awards-season trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend promises more excitement with the release of The Wolf Man, which is expected to dominate the box office. Fans of classic monster reimaginings are in for a treat.
Personal Impressions
The success of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera feels like a vindication for Lionsgate and Gerard Butler, who've carved out a niche in the gritty action space. While the film's predictable beats may not push the genre forward, it delivers exactly what its audience seeks—uncomplicated thrills and relentless action. On the indie side, The Brutalist exemplifies the potential of art-house cinema to captivate, even amidst big-budget competition. Watching its rise is a reminder of cinema's ability to reward bold, uncompromising visions.
Which of this weekend's releases are you most excited about? Do you think Lionsgate can maintain its momentum in 2025? Share your thoughts below!
