Padalecki will paint the town for "Cottage"

By Carolyn Giardina

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Jared Padalecki (the CW's "Supernatural") has been cast as Thomas Kinkade alongside Peter O'Toole in "The Christmas Cottage," a drama based on the life of Kinkade and his painting of the same name.

Michael Campus will direct the Lionsgate film, which goes into production this month in Vancouver and Whistler.

Kinkade, one of America's most collected living artists, used his talents to portray his life-affirming values and explore the world around him. O'Toole will play a painter named Glen Wessler, based on one of Kinkade's mentors. A holiday release is planned.

The film is part of an intended three-picture deal between Lionsgate and Kinkade. The next two films, also planned with Padalecki as Kinkade, will be based on other paintings and reflect different points in Kinkade's life.

Padalecki stars as Sam Winchester on "Supernatural"; he also is known for his role as Dean Forester on "Gilmore Girls." His film credits include "Cry Wolf" and "Flight of the Phoenix."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter