This Friday, January 10th, finally sees the highly anticipated release of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, the Hollywood action blockbuster starring Gerard Butler, filmed in Tenerife. The thrilling plot is sure to draw audiences worldwide, but it holds special significance for residents of the island who followed production to locations across Tenerife.
The production spent two months on the island, utilising its diverse landscapes both as a cinematic backdrop and as a haven for the cast and crew during downtime.
The film's director, Christian Gudegast, has been actively sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the shoot on social media since early December. These posts reveal a mix of high-energy filming moments and leisurely experiences, giving fans a closer look at the process of creating a movie of this scale.
Tenerife in the Spotlight
Gudegast’s social media posts highlight the island’s role as both a film set and a host for the production team. Videos and photos show actors rehearsing, reviewing footage, and enjoying the island's hospitality during breaks. Memorable moments included evenings spent at the iconic Hotel Mencey and strolls through the streets of Santa Cruz.
A standout experience for both Gudegast and Butler was a night shoot at the renowned restaurant Tito’s Bodeguita in Puerto de la Cruz. The scene, set in a nightclub, was described by Gudegast as magical, capturing an extraordinary atmosphere that left a lasting impression on the crew.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, the director wrote, “Set of a nightclub. Sunrise. Wrapped a 12-hour shoot. Kept the energy high all night. What a night, magical vibe, unforgettable experience.” Butler echoed this sentiment, declaring it his favourite moment of the entire production.
A High-Stakes Plot
The film follows Donnie (played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.), a skilled thief who joins the infamous Pantera Mafia, a criminal organisation known for its meticulously planned heists and ruthless efficiency. Their latest venture involves orchestrating the most daring diamond theft in European history.
But standing in Donnie’s way is Big Nick (Gerard Butler), a relentless detective determined to bring them to justice. As the two men face off, the tension builds to an explosive crescendo, with each willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals.
Tenerife on the Big Screen
The trailer offers a tantalising glimpse of Tenerife’s starring role, featuring sweeping sunset vistas of Barrio de la Salud and La Cuesta, high-octane car chases on the Los Campitos road, and scenes set against the dramatic backdrop of Santa Cruz. The island’s distinct landscapes, including the Juan Amigó de Lara tunnel leading to the TF-5 motorway, add a unique flavour to the film’s action-packed sequences.
As fans eagerly await the film’s release, excitement is high to see how director Christian Gudegast and leading man Gerard Butler have captured the essence of Tenerife on screen. The premiere this Friday promises to reveal not only a gripping story but also the cinematic beauty of the Canary Islands.
