Jared Padalecki has joined Peter O'Toole in the biopic, The Christmas Cottage for Lionsgate.

He'll play Thomas Kinkade in the film, based on his painting of the same name; Kinkade was one of America's most collected living artists who used his gift as an artist to portray his life-affirming values and explore the world around him, notes The Hollywood Reporter. 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.

Michael Campus will direct The Christmas Cottage, which goes into production this month in Vancouver and Whistler.

Thomas Kinkade's Home for Christmas was released November 11th, 2008 and stars Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden, Peter O'Toole, Aaron Ashmore, Richard Burgi, Geoffrey Lewis, Chris Elliott, Richard Moll. The film is directed by Michael Campus.