Gerard Butler: A Decade-Long Journey to Action Stardom
Gerard Butler has had a remarkable career, starting with his role as Count Dracula in Dracula 2000. He went on to star in The Phantom of the Opera and P.S. I Love You, solidifying his position as a romantic lead. But it was his role as King Leonidas in 300 that catapulted him to global recognition and established him as an action star. He has since appeared in numerous blockbusters, including the Has Fallen franchise and Geostorm.
Butler’s success has also led to producing credits, and 2025 looks poised to be a big year for him, with three films scheduled for release and an action sequel performing well at the box office. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is one such example, which has already passed a significant box office milestone.
The action heist sequel, directed by Christian Gudegast and starring Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., has earned $31.6 million domestically and is on track to surpass the original’s total of $80.5 million. Despite being released in a typically quiet period for the box office, Den of Thieves 2 has a strong cast and established franchise, giving it an edge in the long run.
While it’s unclear whether the film will breaks even theatrically, it’s expected to perform better when it hits streaming platforms. The movie’s success could lead to a cult following, making it a potential franchise for Butler. With a budget of $40 million, Den of Thieves 2 has already exceeded expectations and is likely to continue to do well in the coming months.