As most fans know, when Owen Wilson strikes a match in just about any comedy film he does, the sparks and laughs always fly. In this case, it’s the flick of a paintbrush set to get audiences laughing while on a nostalgic ride back to the 80s and 90s into that niche corner of public television saved just for one person. Luckily, per a Deadline report, viewers will see the charming wit and artistic talent of Wilson’s character Carl Nargle in his new film Paint a little sooner than expected. As a result, the film’s theatrical release has moved up three weeks to its new date on Apr. 7.

Paint in and of itself was a comedic happenstance project that was first written back in 2010 by Brit McAdams, who is also directing the film. It was first featured on the premier online screenplay community, The Black List, as one of the most-liked, unproduced screenplays before McAdams adapted it into an independent project with IFC. The president of IFC Films, Arianna Bocco, said of the network acquiring the film:

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Alongside lead actor Owen Wilson, the film also stars Michaela Watkins (Werewolves Within), Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids), Ciara Renée (Arrowverse), Lusia Strus (Search Party), Stephen Root (Barry), and the up-and-coming Lucy Freyer.

“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.”

Despite bumping the theatrical release date up to Apr. 7, IFC still has yet to show a trailer for the film. However, with the new schedule change, we may get one relatively soon. The film will also stream exclusively on AMC+ later in the year for those who’d prefer to watch at home.

What is Paint, and Why Does Carl Look So Familiar?

     American Public Television

The premise of Paint centers around a famous painter named Carl Nargle, played by Owen Wilson, who has hosted Vermont’s most popular painting show for nearly three decades. He sports a very recognizable permed hairstyle, drives his custom orange van, and shares afternoons with his audience, painting serene landscapes and conversing in his signature whispery tone on each and every broadcast. However, a younger, better painter suddenly emerges on the scene and steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.

While it would seem like this film is a clear homage to famous TV painter Bob Ross, with quite literally the same hairdo and painting style, the story is entirely fictional and actually has nothing to do with the painter most of us know from one pop culture reference or another, or from growing up watching him in our living rooms. The similarity is simply uncanny, and likely just means that there is a “Bob Ross” archetype in every alternate universe who exists to bring calm to our world through paint.