Owen Wilson Emulates Bob Ross in New Film Paint
Owen Wilson channels the artistry of the late Bob Ross in the official trailer for Brit McAdams’ new film Paint.
Paint is a comedy movie that follows Carl Nargle (Owen Wilson), Vermont’s preeminent public television painter. In the film, Wilson’s character grapples with personal and professional challenges when a young, new artist steals his spotlight with her own painting broadcast.
Alongside Wilson, the cast boasts impressive names, including Ciara Renée, Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Stephen Root. At the helm of the project is writer and director Brit McAdams, who reportedly worked very closely with Wilson when developing the film.
Commenting on their shared creative process in an interview with People, McAdams explained, “I spent months talking with Owen about the script — I think people forget about the incredible movies he’s written with Wes Anderson — but he’s so good at tracking every part of a story so it was an absolute gift to spend time with him going through the beats of the film.”
The release of this film has been a long time coming. In fact, the original screenplay for Paint first appeared on the 2010 Black List, a list of promising screenplays compiled by film executive, Franklin Leonard. Speaking on the nearly 13 years of development, McAdams revealed that the hard work paid off the moment Wilson stepped in front of the camera as Carl Nargle. When describing the moment, McAdams stated, “The years of prep and rewriting the script and having the movie come together and fall apart were immediately beyond worth it. With Owen as Carl Nargle everything just came alive. That’s what Owen brings to the part and the world of Paint.”
Most viewers will likely notice the similarities between Wilson’s character and the iconic public TV painter, Bob Ross. Both Carl Nargle’s signature perm and calm demeanor bear an uncanny likeness to the famous painter. However, while the character is clearly inspired by Ross and his prolific career, the film is not based on any of his real-life experiences.
People have already begun reacting to the first official trailer, commenting on the resemblances between Wilson’s character and Bob Ross and sharing in excitement to see more of Carl Nargle’s story this Spring.
Good morning to everyone but a very special good morning to whomever decided to make a film about Bob Ross called Paint and cast Owen Wilson as the lead. I’ll be in the front row with a large coke slushee and sour patch watermelon. WOW! 🎨 ☀️ pic.twitter.com/CFZP9GawnA
— Zwë 👑 (@ZwebackHD) March 7, 2023
‘Paint’ with Owen Wilson has potential to be my favorite movie of the year pic.twitter.com/N1ZX1lJUFE
— AJ (@AFord7787) March 7, 2023
Paint will premiere in theaters on April 7. Until then, you can watch the full trailer below.
