Prime Video has fired a shot across Netflix's bow with a brand-new heist comedy that's already making waves on the streaming charts. Masterplan, starring Stanley Tucci, arrived just days before the highly anticipated return of Netflix's global phenomenon Lupin, and it's quickly carving out its own audience.
Directed by Thomas Vincent, who previously helmed episodes of Prime Video's hit series Reacher and the assassin comedy Role Play, Masterplan centers on a master thief who recruits his estranged children for an audacious plan: stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. Tucci leads the cast alongside Simona Tabasco and Victor Belmondo, bringing a mix of family drama and high-stakes crime to the screen.
The timing is no accident. Lupin, starring Omar Sy, has been one of Netflix's most successful non-English series ever, with its first two seasons amassing 99 million and 68 million views respectively. The show, inspired by the classic Arsène Lupin character created over a century ago, returns for its fourth season on October 23 after a three-year hiatus. Its co-creator George Kay is known for Killing Eve and Hijack, while directors like Louis Leterrier (Fast X) and Xavier Gens (Under Paris) have lent their talents.
While Masterplan doesn't yet have an official Rotten Tomatoes score, early reviews on Prime Video are mixed. That hasn't stopped it from climbing both domestic and global viewership charts, according to FlixPatrol. The film's appeal seems to lie in its star power and the universal allure of a heist, even if critics aren't fully on board.
This isn't the first time Prime Video has challenged Netflix's dominance. The streaming wars are heating up, with both platforms vying for international audiences. Masterplan offers a lighter, comedic take on the heist genre compared to Lupin's more dramatic tone, giving viewers a choice in how they get their crime fix.
For those looking to expand their watchlist, our weekend binge guide highlights other must-see shows, and if you're in the mood for more thrillers, check out our list of near-perfect thriller series. Meanwhile, Prime Video members can also grab Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong free this October.
As Lupin prepares to dominate Netflix's October lineup, Masterplan is proving that Prime Video is ready to compete. Whether it can sustain its momentum remains to be seen, but for now, it's a fun diversion for heist enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more updates on both titles and the ever-evolving streaming landscape.
