Yes, that is Owen Wilson. No, he isn’t playing Bob Ross. Yes, we are sure about that, even if Ross clearly inspires the character.
“Paint” is a 2010 screenplay that landed on The Blacklist alongside “Argo” and what would become “Succession.” If follows Carl Nargle (Wilson), who has hosted Vermont’s number-one painting show for over two decades. Viewers from Pittsfield to St. Albans hang on his every whisper and stroke until the station hires someone younger and better to replace Nargle.
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The film is brought to audiences by writer-director Brit McAdams. McAdams started his career directing commercials and then moved on to short films. That being said, McAdams is best known for his work on Comedy Central’s “Honesty,” “Katt Williams: American Hustle,” and “Tosh.O.”
Being no stranger to comedy, it is no surprise that he would bring together an all-star comedic cast to bring this film to a Ross-esque life. Alongside Wilson, you’ll find Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renee, Lusia Strus, Stephen Root, and newcomer Lucy Freyer.
“Paint” was initially slated for theatrical release on April 28, 2023. However, that has been moved forward to April 7, 2023. The film will stream exclusively on AMC+ later in the year.
McAdams teamed up with IFC Films and AMC Networks to distribute the film. In their November press release, he stated, “In every step of making the film, we’ve fought to team up with talented collaborators who are also good people. From our first conversation, IFC felt like the perfect home for Paint, not only because of how much they love the film and how respected they are in the industry but also because of who they are as individuals. We’re all beyond excited to have them add their signature to this picture.”
Watch the teaser trailer below.