Stanley Tucci is stepping into a new role as a chaotic mastermind in the upcoming series Masterplan, an intense France–Italy co-production set to stream on Prime Video. Revealed during Prime Video’s international virtual showcase from London on February 12, the show casts Tucci as a legendary art thief planning to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. This Stanley Tucci heist project promises a thrilling mix of crime and family drama.
A Unique Heist with a Family Twist
Masterplan centers on Victor, a legendary art thief portrayed by Tucci, who aims to complete one final daring robbery by targeting the Mona Lisa. Unlike typical heist stories that feature a band of professional criminals, Victor recruits two unexpected allies — Chiara, an Italian cybercrime specialist, and Jay, a French explosives expert. What neither Chiara nor Jay initially know is that they are siblings and, moreover, Victor, their presumed stranger, is their father. The series explores this chaotic reunion as the trio must set aside their differences and work as a team to pull off an unprecedented heist.
“When a legendary thief sets his sights on the Mona Lisa, he recruits two young strangers to help him — Chiara, a sharp Italian cybercrime expert, and Jay, a swaggering French explosives specialist — before revealing they are long-lost siblings… and oh yes by the way, he is their father. 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.”
A Star-Studded Team Behind and In Front of the Camera
The project is directed by Thomas Vincent, known for his work on the series Reacher, bringing a strong sense of style and intensity to the production. Alongside Tucci, the cast includes Victor Belmondo, recognized for To Live, To Die, To Live Again, and Simona Tabasco, who garnered attention with The White Lotus. This ensemble complements a script that Tucci describes as both “incredibly funny and weird,” highlighting the unique blend of humor and tension within the story’s European backdrop.
“I thought it was one of the best characters I’ve ever read and I was thrilled to be asked to play it. It’s an actor’s dream. The international cast are great, Victor is a wonderful actor, Simona is wonderful and Thomas is an accomplished director, and the locations are stunning and has everything you could want.” — Stanley Tucci
Setting and Context: European Flair Meets High-Stakes Action
Masterplan’s setting spans locations across France and Italy, providing a sophisticated European atmosphere. The scenic backdrops and cultural elements contribute to the story’s distinctive tone, mixing stylish heist adventure with personal discovery and complicated family dynamics. The Louvre, as the target, adds an iconic cultural reference that elevates the stakes of the operation.
What to Expect From This Unconventional Heist Series
With intense drama, unexpected family bonds, and high-stakes criminal activity, Masterplan stands apart from typical crime dramas. The combination of family tensions and the pressure of pulling off a world-class heist adds depth to the narrative, promising viewers a complex story woven with humor, suspense, and emotional moments. Stanley Tucci’s involvement as the lead further positions this project as a notable addition to the heist genre.
As production progresses, audiences can anticipate updates revealing more about the characters and the unfolding of this intricate heist plot. Masterplan is poised to offer a fresh take on storytelling in the crime drama space while showcasing Tucci’s versatility and the vibrant interplay between its multinational cast.
