Stanley Tucci returns to a leading role in Masterplan, a heist comedy released on Prime Video on October 16, 2026. The film follows three criminals attempting to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris. Directed by Thomas Vincent, the movie pairs Tucci with Simona Tabasco and Victor Belmondo in a story of elaborate deception, advanced technology, and an unexpected family connection.
Tucci plays Roger, an experienced thief who recruits Chiara, a cybersecurity specialist portrayed by Tabasco, and Jay, an explosives expert played by Belmondo. The plan forces the two younger criminals to confront their shared parentage after Roger reveals that they are half-siblings.
Cast and Character Dynamics in Masterplan
The production features an international ensemble cast. Tabasco, who gained widespread recognition for her role in the second season of The White Lotus, plays Chiara as a sharp, tech-savvy hacker. Belmondo, grandson of French New Wave legend Jean-Paul Belmondo, plays Jay, a capable explosives expert. Both actors portray Europe’s leading young criminals before crossing paths outside a mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva in Italy.
Upon meeting, the duo discovers they have been manipulated by Roger, a veteran British thief portrayed by Tucci. Roger’s master plan requires a decade-in-the-making scheme to steal Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa from the Louvre. Adding domestic friction to the professional operation, Roger reveals that Chiara and Jay share the same father following a period of romantic liaisons in the mid-1990s.
Critical Reception and Mixed Reviews
The film’s critical reception has been mixed across major entertainment publications. Reviewers generally praise Tucci’s debonair screen presence while expressing reservations about the screenplay and familiar genre conventions.
- The Guardian: Noted that while the film relies on pulpy tropes and features jokes that occasionally miss the mark, director Thomas Vincent successfully maintains momentum through competent espionage sequences and clever third-act reversals.
- Decider & Micropsia: Criticized the movie’s comedic timing and plotting, comparing its episodic structure to a pilot episode rather than a feature-length cinematic event, while acknowledging that Tucci anchors the production effectively.
Production Background and Tucci’s Future Projects
Directed by Thomas Vincent, known for his work on the BBC thriller series Bodyguard, Masterplan incorporates modern espionage gadgets, dark web matchmaking apps for criminals, and complex logistical setups. Despite the plot’s reliance on streaming conventions, Tucci noted that the script evoked classic 1960s and 1970s heist comedies like The Italian Job.
Following the release of Masterplan, Tucci remains active across television and film. He continues his travel documentary work with upcoming culinary and cultural projects in Great Britain while balancing a selective approach to future acting roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Masterplan released?
Masterplan was released globally on Prime Video on October 16, 2026.
Who stars in Masterplan?
The film stars Stanley Tucci as Roger, alongside Simona Tabasco as Chiara and Victor Belmondo as Jay.
What is the plot of Masterplan?
The story follows a veteran criminal who recruits two young, talented lawbreakers-who happen to be his estranged children-to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris.
Who directed the movie?
Masterplan was directed by French filmmaker Thomas Vincent, known for his work on the television series Bodyguard.
What has been the critical response to Masterplan?
Reviews have been mixed, with critics praising Stanley Tucci’s charismatic lead performance while pointing out familiar heist tropes and uneven comedic timing.
