Den of Thieves franchise star O’Shea Jackson Jr. has tantalizingly teased an unrecognizable return to his character in the upcoming Den of Thieves 3, alongside potential WWE cameos. This thrilling development follows the success of the first two films, where Gerard Butler‘s LA County Sheriff Big Nick attempted to thwart Jackson Jr.’s Donnie and his gang of jewel thieves. The original film’s success led to the creation of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, where audiences witnessed Nick and Donnie team up, setting the stage for a confirmed third installment by Lionsgate.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant at the WWE 2K25 preview event in Indianapolis, Jackson Jr. expressed excitement about the future of Den of Thieves 3, revealing insights into his character’s evolution. While no script has been finalized for the installment, he confirmed that the project has received a greenlight, and he recently met with director and writer Christian Gudegast to discuss the film’s direction.
Jackson Jr. articulated his desire for Donnie to undergo a complete transformation in this new chapter. “Well, right now, we just got the greenlight, so we don’t even have the script yet. We’re still working that out. I actually have to talk to Christian Gudegast the director and writer today about the direction of the third one, but I’m going for a complete transformation,” he said. “For the last month or so, I’ve been on a bit of a fitness journey, and I want Donnie to keep being a chameleon. We’ve seen him in two different ways now. Now, I kinda need to be unrecognizable. That’s what I want for the third one.” This dedication to character development suggests that fans may witness a new, sculpted version of Donnie.
With Donnie’s storyline evolving, Jackson Jr. has hinted at a potential pivot towards more unexpected cameos. His enthusiasm for WWE might translate into recruiting some well-known wrestlers for Den of Thieves 3. This personal touch could provide an exciting dynamic to the film, integrating the worlds of wrestling and action in novel ways. The possibility of a transformed Donnie alongside familiar wrestling faces kicks up the anticipation surrounding the franchise.
An impressive transformation would enhance Donnie’s character, especially as he continues to adapt and thrive in challenging environments. Following the dramatic events that concluded Den of Thieves 2, where Donnie escaped from prison and aligned with the Octopus, audiences can expect his next appearance to be more intense and multifaceted. This evolution is particularly significant as Jackson Jr. embraces the complexities of his role, suggesting that he may take the character on a risky, action-packed journey during the film.
As the franchise progresses, the question of Donnie’s relationship with Big Nick hangs in the balance. Their dynamic, characterized by moments of cooperation and tension, has always played a central role in the narrative. Following their escapade at the end of Den of Thieves 2, it remains to be seen if Big Nick will interact with the Octopus or if his previous alliance with Donnie was merely an isolated event.
Furthermore, with the conclusion of Den of Thieves 2 leaving avenues for further character exploration, it becomes clear why Jackson Jr. and the film team are eager to delve into Donnie’s evolving persona. The injection of WWE personalities could also add a fresh twist to the action genre, similar to what was witnessed with wrestlers transitioning into successful acting careers, much like Dwayne Johnson. Jackson Jr.’s ambition to make Donnie “unrecognizable” raises curiosity and excitement among fans as they ponder how the transformation will unfold in Den of Thieves 3.
The anticipation surrounding Den of Thieves 3 is palpable, particularly given the mixed reception of Den of Thieves 2. Fans are hopeful that the third installment will deliver an engaging narrative that honors the franchise’s roots while introducing new challenges and thrilling developments. With Jackson Jr. at the helm of this transformation, audiences are bound to witness a fresh take on the character—one that could redefine not just Donnie’s path, but possibly the entire franchise’s trajectory.
In summary, O’Shea Jackson Jr. is poised to deliver an unforgettable performance in Den of Thieves 3 as he hints at a shocking character transformation and explores the possibility of WWE cameos. The combination of Jackson Jr.’s dedication, his ongoing fitness journey, and the suggestions of wrestling influences promise a gripping continuation of the Den of Thieves saga, generating buzz and enthusiasm for what’s to come.