Stanley Tucci on Life’s ‘Master Plan’: “Don’t Get Too Attached to It”

Known for his work across film and television, as well as his passion for food, the actor shared his perspective during a conversation with IANS while promoting his latest project, *Master Plan*.

Asked whether his own life had followed the path he had envisioned, Tucci said some parts of his plan had worked out while others had not.

“I think having a master plan is a really good idea, but don’t get too attached to it,” he said.

Reflecting on whether working on *Master Plan* had changed his outlook on planning in art, life or relationships, Tucci offered a brief response: “Yeah, I would never have as many secrets. It doesn’t work.”

With a career spanning more than four decades, the 65-year-old actor has appeared in films such as *The Devil Wears Prada*, *The Hunger Games* franchise, *Spotlight*, *Conclave* and *Julie & Julia*. His work has earned him several honours, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

Discussing his approach to acting and filmmaking, Tucci said spontaneity was an essential part of the creative process. While a script provides the basic structure, he believes unexpected developments can shape a performance and influence how a film comes together.

“Accidents have to happen. That’s sort of the point of acting and filmmaking… things can become spontaneous. So, you have the master plan, which is the script, but that plan gets altered slightly day by day,” he said.

In *Master Plan*, available on Prime Video, Tucci plays Roger, a master thief who recruits two strangers for a heist targeting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, before revealing that they are his children. The three must then work together to carry out an ambitious art theft.

Asked what happens when a character tries to control the very people he loves, Tucci described the resulting situation as a mess, comparing it to parenting.

The actor also spoke about portraying Roger’s contradictory relationships with his children, which are built around secrecy and deception despite the trust required for a successful heist.

Tucci said his approach was to make the character’s words convincing to the people he was addressing, adding that the audience also needed to believe what Roger was saying.

Despite his extensive experience in acting, directing and food-related projects, Tucci said he was still considering what he wanted to pursue next.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. I’d like to do some artwork. I’d like to direct a play again. I’m not quite sure,” he said.