Paint: Owen Wilson transforms into Vermont’s public television painter Carl Nargle for Brit McAdams’ film

Holy, happy little trees! Owen Wilson is rocking a fro for his new film, Paint, and we are here for it. IFC Films shared the first official image of Owen Wilson as Vermont’s #1 public television painter, Carl Nargle, for Brit McAdams’ new feature, and Bob Ross fans are screaming.

In Paint, Wilson’s Nargle is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke. Yup! Nargle is on top of the world until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.

McAdams directs from the 2010 Black List screenplay he wrote, with Michaela Watkins (Werewolves Within, Sword of Trust, CBS’ The Unicorn), Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids, ABC’s The Goldbergs), Ciara Renee (Hawkgirl from CW’s Arrowverse), Lusia Stuss (Search Party, 50 First Dates), Stephen Root (Office Space, O Brother, Where Art Thou?)and newcomer Lucy Freyer set to star.

In the first official image for Painter, Wilson’s Nargle chews on a wooden pipe while painting a breathtaking winter scene. With a curly fro atop his head, Nargle is the spitting image of Bob Ross with his patterned button-down shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy-like buckled belt. While it’s odd seeing Wilson with a full beard, I admit he’s rocking it right.

Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, said, “We’re thrilled to finally work with the boundless and versatile talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a savvy script and direction by Brit McAdams. Paint has all the makings of a quotable comedic masterpiece, and we hope audiences of all ages are ready for a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.”

“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,” McAdams added.

What do you think of Wilson’s look for Paint? Admit it; you want to touch his beard, don’t you? It’s okay. No one is here to judge. Paint is coming to theaters on April 28, 2023.