In 2018, Christian Gudegast directed the action thriller Criminal Squad, starring Gerard Butler as Big Nick, a cop hunting a gang led by Pablo Schreiber. The sequel, Criminal Squad: Pantera, sees Big Nick pursuing Donnie, the mastermind behind the previous heist, into the world of diamond thieves. Set for release on January 8, it promises intense action and features returning cast members alongside new faces, as Nick navigates a high-stakes heist in Nice.
Criminal Squad: A Thrilling Action Saga
In 2018, director Christian Gudegast brought audiences the adrenaline-pumping action film, Criminal Squad. This gripping story features Gerard Butler in the role of Big Nick, a determined cop on a relentless mission to take down a crew of robbers led by Pablo Schreiber (Ray), 50 Cent (Enson), and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Donnie). Fast forward seven years, and Gudegast is back with a highly anticipated sequel titled Pantera, reuniting Butler and Jackson Jr. for another heart-stopping adventure.
The Plot Unfolds
In the upcoming film, Big Nick is still obsessed with tracking down Donnie as he navigates the bustling streets of Europe. Before you dive into the action of Criminal Squad: Pantera, let’s revisit the thrilling events of the first film.
Big Nick O’Brien, portrayed by Butler, is a cop who doesn’t shy away from brutal tactics. He embarks on an investigation into a series of meticulously planned heists executed by a gang led by Ray Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber). In a desperate bid for information on an imminent robbery, Nick resorts to blackmailing Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), the gang’s getaway driver.
The gang, known for their elaborate schemes, sets their sights on robbing the Federal Reserve in Los Angeles. With limited intel from Donnie, Big Nick turns to Holly, Ray’s girlfriend (Meadow Williams), for answers. However, unbeknownst to Nick, Ray has orchestrated a masterful plan that keeps him one step ahead.
During the high-stakes heist, Ray’s crew employs a clever ruse to breach the Federal Reserve’s security. However, chaos ensues, leading to a dramatic confrontation on the highway where Nick and his team ambush the fleeing robbers. In a heart-wrenching climax, most of the gang members meet their demise, including Ray, who dies in Nick’s arms during their final showdown.
As the film reaches its conclusion, a shocking revelation unfolds. Donnie, the seemingly simple driver, is unveiled as the true mastermind behind the entire operation. Having transitioned from ex-convict to bartender at a bar strategically located across from the Federal Reserve, Donnie exploited his position to gather vital information and orchestrated the heist with precision.
The film’s closing moments capture Nick’s stunned realization that Donnie was the true architect of the robbery, with the stolen money cleverly hidden away in Panama. In a tantalizing twist, viewers learn that Donnie is now in London, working in a bar near a diamond bank, suggesting that his escapades are far from over.
Anticipation for the Sequel
Seven years have passed, and fans are eager for the release of Criminal Squad: Pantera. In this new chapter, Big Nick is once again on Donnie’s trail, determined to uncover the whereabouts of the missing money. His investigation leads him back to Holly for more answers about the Federal Reserve’s stolen assets.
This time, Big Nick’s pursuit takes a thrilling turn as he tracks Donnie into the perilous realm of diamond thieves and the elusive Panther mafia. Their audacious plan? To execute a daring heist at the diamond exchange in Nice! Nick finds himself at a crossroads, faced with choices that could alter the course of his life forever.
Mark your calendars for the theatrical release of Criminal Squad: Pantera on January 8. The film promises to deliver high-octane action with returning stars Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Meadow Williams, alongside newcomers Salvatore Esposito, Evin Ahmad, and Orli Shuka. Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience!