It’s widely recognized that films like “Snakes on a Plane” are purely fictional, with memorable lines—like Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable “I want these m*therfucking snakes off this m*therfucking plane!”—originating from fan enthusiasm rather than reality. However, the same can’t be said for “Cocaine Bear,” a film directed by Elizabeth Banks slated for release in 2022, featuring producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller (known for “The Lego Movie,” this project marks quite a shift for them). The tale of Cocaine Bear is rooted in fact.
This infamous bear consumed approximately seventy pounds of cocaine, resulting from a botched drug drop in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia, according to The Guardian. Tragically, after ingesting about $15 million worth of the substance, the bear succumbed to an overdose from multiple causes.
Before its untimely demise, Cocaine Bear was arguably the most formidable creature on Earth—imbued with the strength of a bear and mythical qualities. It’s been humorously imagined as a rock star of Mötley Crüe or an otherworldly being merging with the essence of David Bowie from his Berlin days.
The upcoming film is described as a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events in Kentucky in 1985,” as reported by Variety. One can only hope it delves into the more fantastical elements of Cocaine Bear’s story.
But wait, Kentucky? The drug drop actually occurred in Georgia. Get ready for an unusual ride.
The Story Begins with a Notorious Figure
Cocaine Bear’s saga kicks off with a quintessential villain—a privileged man, Andrew Thornton II. On September 9, 1985, as detailed by the Knoxville News Sentinel, this former narcotics officer and lawyer turned drug smuggler, along with his karate instructor-turned-bodyguard Bill Leonard, made a trip to Colombia to obtain cocaine. They returned to the U.S. under the watchful eye of law enforcement. As part of their plan, they began parachuting bags of cocaine out of their aircraft for later collection.
In a twist of fate, they attempted to jump from the plane once it was on autopilot. Leonard’s parachute deployed; Thornton’s did not. He was later discovered deceased in a Knoxville yard, fully equipped with cash, night vision goggles, firearms, and 35 kilos of cocaine strapped to him. He also possessed multiple IDs and a membership card to the Miami Jockey Club, according to Slate.
Where Does Cocaine Bear Come In?
While the saga of drug smuggling is grim, Cocaine Bear’s encounter with the substance led to his tragic fate. After ingesting the cocaine from one of those drops, he died—an unfortunate end to a wild story.
However, his legacy didn’t end there. The Knoxville Sentinel News chronicles the bear’s bizarre posthumous journey, starting with its taxidermy. Initially displayed at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Cocaine Bear was moved to storage during a wildfire and later stolen—because who wouldn’t want a centerpiece like that? After a series of events that saw him end up in a Nashville pawn shop, he eventually became part of Waylon Jennings’ collection before finding his way to a Chinese medicine shop.
Ultimately, the apparel company Kentucky for Kentucky purchased Cocaine Bear, and he now resides at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington, where visitors can view him and snag Cocaine Bear merchandise.
Details About the Movie
As for the film itself, details are scant. Speculation abounds: Will it focus on American drug smugglers with an angle on Cocaine Bear? Or perhaps it will feature hikers facing off against the bear? This film could range from delightfully absurd, akin to “Hot Tub Time Machine,” to disappointingly bad, similar to “Snakes on a Plane.” The anticipation is palpable, and we can only hope for the best.
Two words: Cocaine. Bear. Many would gladly spend two hours watching a movie titled “Cocaine Bear.” That’s precisely what the producers are banking on.
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Summary:
The film “Cocaine Bear,” directed by Elizabeth Banks, is based on a true story of a bear that ingested a massive amount of cocaine from a drug drop gone wrong. The tale weaves through the life of a drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton II, who met his end in a tragic parachuting accident, and the bear’s bizarre postmortem journey to becoming a taxidermied exhibit. As details about the movie remain unclear, anticipation grows for what this eccentric film will deliver.
Keyphrase: Cocaine Bear movie
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