Trivia: The black body armor that Gerard Butler wears in this movie actually has a patch on it next to the word Sheriff that says "fuck you". (02:13:45)
Trivia: Gerard Butler and his crew are loosely based on former ATF agent, Jay Dobyns, who consulted on the film. Dobyns is best known for his undercover work and his willingness to infiltrate crime organizations, much like Gerard Butler. Dobyns makes a cameo in the film at the bar Donnie works at in LA, closing his tab at the bar.
Trivia: The $100 bill in the closing credits has the serial number DOT00002018. Which stands for Den of Thieves 2018, the year it was released. (02:24:00)
Suggested correction: Only Big Nick and the other cops knew Donnie had served. They had his records pulled up. Donnie never told the other crew so he could look inexperienced enough to not run the whole show. It made it easier to double cross both sides later. Donnie played the fool to get the upper hand.
50 cent told Merrimen "he was a marine for a minute" also Donnie has an Eagle, Globe and Anchor tattoo (Marine Corps).