Oscar-nominated actor Stanley Tucci is set to star in an upcoming Prime Video series centered on the theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Announced during a virtual presentation from London on February 12, the show — titled Masterplan — is a French–Italian co-production directed by Thomas Vincent, known for his work on Reacher. The series features Tucci as a central figure, aiming to reunite his estranged children by involving them in a high-stakes art heist, blending family drama with crime thriller elements. This new project is a notable addition to Tucci’s expanding portfolio in television.
A Unique Role Full of Complexity and Humor
In a prerecorded message shared at the launch event, Tucci expressed deep admiration for the script, calling it a rare opportunity for an actor. He described the character as one of the best he had encountered and praised the international cast and production team. The story’s mix of humor and oddity resonated strongly with Tucci, who applauded both the director, Thomas Vincent, and the picturesque locations chosen for filming.
“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, Actor
The Ensemble Cast and Heist Dynamics
Alongside Tucci, the cast includes Victor Belmondo, recognized for his role in To Live, To Die, To Live Again, and Simona Tabasco, who gained acclaim through The White Lotus Season 2. The plot focuses on Victor’s character recruiting two strangers, Chiara and Jay — a savvy Italian cybercrime expert and a confident French explosives specialist respectively — to assist in stealing the Mona Lisa. A dramatic twist reveals these recruits are actually Victor’s long-lost children, forcing the newly formed family to navigate their chaotic reunion while attempting the “heist of the century.”
“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.”
— Official series synopsis
Stanley Tucci’s Recent Television Successes
Stanley Tucci’s involvement in Masterplan continues a pattern of acclaimed television work that has earned him praise in recent years. Known for memorable roles in feature films like The Hunger Games and Captain America: The First Avenger, Tucci has increasingly thrived on the small screen. Recent credits include the voice of Herb Kazzaz in BoJack Horseman, the detective role of Eugene Morton in Fortitude, and appearances in Central Park and the Prime Video spy thriller Citadel, where he portrayed Bernard Orlick.
However, some of Tucci’s theatrical efforts have been less well-received, such as the widely criticized The Electric State. Despite this, his television work remains strong, particularly with his food and travel docuseries like Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy and Tucci in Italy, which showcase his connection to his heritage. These shows offer a unique perspective on Italian culture through cuisine and history, further enriching his portfolio.
Anticipated Impact of the Series on Tucci’s Career
With Masterplan, Stanley Tucci steps into a role that combines emotional depth with thrilling criminal intrigue, reinforcing his ability to lead complex stories on screen. This project not only capitalizes on his versatile talent but also aligns with the growing global appetite for international content on streaming platforms. As the series promises a mix of family dynamics, suspense, and humor, it is poised to attract viewers looking for fresh takes on the heist genre.
Prime Video’s international scope and collaboration between France and Italy suggest that Masterplan may set a new benchmark for cross-border storytelling, with Tucci’s performance likely to be a central draw. Fans of the actor and of sophisticated crime dramas alike can look forward to a suspenseful and emotionally charged experience when the series premieres.
