Peter O'Toole is back on the Oscar trail as he's apparently in final talks to star in "The Christmas Cottage". Inspired by Thomas Kinkade's festive painting, the movie is said to be partly biographical and based on the events that led Kinkade to become an artist. O'Toole is in the frame to play painter Glen Weissler, a fictional character based on one of Kinkade's mentors.
Michael Campus will direct the film with production scheduled to begin this month in Vancouver and Whistler. The movie is expected to reach screens in time for Christmas 2007.