The first look at Owen Wilson’s new film Paint sees the Loki star transform into a seemingly young and unhappy version of TV painter Bob Ross.
The film has just released its first trailer, offering a snapshot of the world of public-access television (from a comedic standpoint). Wilson stars in the film and plays little entertainer Carl Nargle. Sporting a red afro, Nargle is the beloved host of a long-running series of painting lessons on Vermont public television.
Trouble arises in the world of Nargle when a young painter, Ambrosia Long (played by Ciara Renée), is hired to appeal to a different demographic, exacerbating Nargle’s deep insecurities about her own artistic talents – find out more, see the trailer below.
While people may think the movie is based on cult American TV painter icon Bob Ross, nothing explicit has confirmed a connection between Nargle’s character and Ross. However, it’s hard not to assume Wilson’s character is a tribute to the TV icon.
British and European audiences may be less familiar with Ross, as he remains a cult figure in America. Ross starred in the public television series The Joy of Painting in the 1980s and 1990s, before dying in 1995 at age 52.
Public-access television is a more familiar format in North America. Traditionally, it is based on attracting viewers to the station’s local communities and allows the general public to create television programming content that airs on specialty cable television channels.
The cast of Paint includes Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lusia Strus and Stephen Root. Director Brit McAdams also wrote the screenplay for the film.
Wilson’s last successful role was as Mobius Mr. Mobius in the Disney+ MCU streaming series, Loki. The series, directed by Tom Hiddleston, will return with its second season later this year.