Stanley Tucci leads the cast of Masterplan, an international heist thriller beginning production in 2024 across France and Italy. This English-language film, marking Prime Video’s first French–Italian Original, follows a daring attempt to steal Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, blending suspense with familial drama.
Plot and Lead Characters in the High-Stakes Heist
In Masterplan, Tucci plays a legendary thief targeting the Mona Lisa, joining forces with two unexpected partners — Chiara, a sharp Italian cybercrime prodigy portrayed by Simona Tabasco, and Jay, a confident French explosives expert played by Victor Belmondo. The story reveals that the two younger accomplices are long-lost siblings and that Tucci’s character is their father. The plot centers on their uneasy reunion and teamwork as they attempt the heist of a lifetime.
Thrown into a chaotic reunion they never asked for, this new family must learn to work together — and try not to kill each other — if they want any chance at pulling off the heist of the century,
the synopsis explains.
Creative Team Behind the Project
Masterplan was written by Thomas Vincent, known for directing hit series like Reacher and Bodyguard, along with BAFTA-winning screenwriter David Wolstencroft, famous for Spooks and The Escape Artist. The story credits also include Giacomo Durzi, Alessandro Fabbri, Alberto Vignati, Vincent, and Wolstencroft. The film is set for an exclusive release on Prime Video in over 240 countries worldwide.
A Strategic Collaboration Between France and Italy
Produced by Gaumont, the renowned French studio behind the hit series Lupin, and Amazon MGM Studios, Masterplan continues a tradition of co-productions merging French and Italian film expertise. Filming locations will prominently feature iconic cities like Rome and Paris, including the actual Louvre museum, adding authenticity and grandeur to the production.
Nicole Morganti, head of local originals for Amazon MGM Studios in Southern Europe, and Thomas Dubois, her counterpart in France, emphasized the project’s goal to create Southern European content with global reach. Dubois noted that the film’s family subplot provides emotional depth beyond the heist narrative.
The movie is full of twists and turns, but Thomas Vincent also wanted to made a film about family and it gives it some depth,
Dubois said.
Morganti highlighted Simona Tabasco’s role as
a kick ass woman who is incredibly smart.
Stanley Tucci’s Essential Role
Dubois explained that casting Tucci was a priority early in the development because they needed an actor who could portray complex nuances. The team was unanimous in their admiration for Tucci’s talent.
When we started to discuss casting with Thomas Vincent, Stanley Tucci was one of the first names that we all aligned on because we were like, ‘He is so special.’ And luckily, he said yes very, very quickly, after reading the script,
Dubois revealed.
Though American, Tucci is considered an expert on both Italy and France, bringing cultural authenticity to the role of the seasoned thief, as noted by Morganti. His prior work includes significant projects partly shot in Italy.
Building on Southern Europe’s Film Industry Strengths
Morganti observed that Masterplan exemplifies the flourishing talent and production capabilities of Southern Europe for global English-language storytelling.
Both Thomas and I are convinced that Southern Europe has the potential to become an incubator for more global content and this project gives us the possibility to show how French and Italian producers and creators can actually produce ambitious English-language content for the world,
Morganti said.
Dubois agreed on the value of combining creative expertise from both countries.
In France and Italy, we have savoir-faire in film and television production and in joining our creative powers, we know that we’re able to access a certain level of production and of ambition,
Dubois explained.
From a production perspective, the co-production also allows Prime Video to
rationalize the cost of a very ambitious project,
adding efficiency to the creation of high-quality content.
Ensuring Authenticity Through Local Culture and Locations
Dubois stressed that while some international co-productions become disjointed, they ensured Masterplan would feel both organic and authentic by integrating France and Italy as essential elements within the story.
Having France and Italy be characters in the story,
he emphasized.
The film’s use of iconic locations such as Rome and Paris, coupled with Gaumont’s trusted presence in both countries, helped ground the production in regional authenticity.
Prime Video’s Expanding Southern European Portfolio
Prime Video France has collaborated on multiple projects with Gaumont recently, including the action film Carjarkers and the drama Once Upon My Mother. In Italy, a forthcoming Christmas movie developed with Gaumont is scheduled for release in November, highlighting ongoing partnerships between the companies.
Morganti conveyed enthusiasm about future co-productions prompted by the excitement local producers expressed toward Masterplan.
Locals producers got excited when hearing of the first French-Italian Original film at Prime Video.
The streamer has also made strides in English-language content from Southern Europe with shows like Hotel Costiera, starring Jesse Williams as a former U.S. Marine turned hotelier on Italy’s picturesque Positano coast. The show recently reached No. 1 on Prime Video in the U.S., signaling strong international appeal.
Morganti highlighted the unique flavor and ambition behind such projects:
‘Hotel Costiera’ shows the level of ambition we have in creating English content from Southern Europe that resonates globally with a flavor that is different from what is being made in the U.S.
Further bolstering their slate, Prime Video is producing the English-language series Postcards From Italy, currently filming with Nicole Wallace and directed by Jessica Yu, known for work on Only Murders in the Building and The Morning Show.
The Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Masterplan represents a strategic move to expand globally appealing, high-quality English-language content rooted in distinct Southern European cultures. Combining star power, a compelling heist story, and an emotional family dynamic, the film is positioned to captivate audiences worldwide. Prime Video’s investment and strong partnerships reinforce Southern Europe’s emerging role as a creative hub that can compete internationally.
This project also signals the potential for further cross-border productions that blend local expertise with universal storytelling, offering fresh narratives that differ from typical U.S. content. Fans of thrilling heist films and nuanced character dramas alike can anticipate a rich, stylish experience when Masterplan debuts exclusively on Prime Video.
