Famous painter Owen Wilson, who plays Bob Ross in his new film, is likened to Bob Ross.
The first teaser trailer for Paint, starring 54-year-old Wilson as Vermont public television celebrity and painter Carl Nargle, was made available on Wednesday by IFC Films. Carl Nargle’s reputation is in jeopardy when a younger painter begins airing her television show.
The teaser depicts Carl’s impact on his admirers, those watching at home or in nearby bars, and those in his television studio as he records episodes.
The painter, who seems to have drawn inspiration from the late PBS host of The Joy of Painting, appears to be enjoying his level of fame in Vermont until another artist, Ambrosia (Ciara Reneé), launches her program, Paint with Ambrosia, which upends the public television painting environment and causes Carl to even deface several of his paintings in the aftermath, according to the trailer.
According to the official summary of the movie, Carl “convinces he has it all” with “a signature perm, bespoke van, and followers hanging on his every stroke” — “until a younger, greater artist snatches everything (and everyone) Carl loves.”
The first time Paint gained attention was when IFC Films unveiled a first-look image in November featuring Ross, who passed away in 1995, and Wilson dressed as him with a similar iconic hairstyle. The PBS series by the artist, which aired from 1983 through 1994, gained additional notoriety during the pandemic.
At the time, according to Deadline, IFC Films President Arianna Bocco remarked, “We’re happy to finally collaborate with the unlimited and multifaceted talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a smart story and directing by Brit McAdams.”
We hope audiences of all ages are prepared for lots of laughs and emotion, said Bocco, who said, “Paint has all the makings of a quotable comedy masterpiece.
The film, written and directed by McAdams, is based on the screenplay for The Black List (2010). Along with Wilson and René, Paint also features Casual alum Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey from Bridesmaids, Barry actor Stephen Root, Lusia Strus, and Lucy Freyer. The movie Paint premieres on April 7.
