You might remember the over-the-top absurdity of “Snakes on a Plane,” a fictional film where Samuel L. Jackson famously exclaimed, “I want these m*therfucking snakes off this m*therfucking plane!” But unlike that movie, “Cocaine Bear” is based on a real-life event. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, this film is set to hit theaters in 2022, backed by the creative minds of Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their work on “The Lego Movie.”
The true story involves a bear from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia that ingested approximately seventy pounds of cocaine after a drug drop went awry. According to The Guardian, the bear consumed around $15 million worth of the drug before meeting a rather unfortunate end. However, in its brief time of enhanced power, the infamous Cocaine Bear was said to have possessed the strength of all bears combined, almost as if it had become a rock star from the ‘80s.
“Cocaine Bear” is described as a character-driven thriller inspired by events that unfolded in Kentucky in 1985, as reported by Variety. One can only hope the film captures the more fantastical elements of Cocaine Bear’s journey, like its brief transformation into a rock star.
So, what’s the connection to Kentucky?
Well, that’s where it starts to get even more convoluted.
The Cocaine Bear Saga Begins with a Rogue Smuggler
The story kicks off with an apparent antagonist, an entitled white male named Max Baxter. On September 9, 1985, Baxter, a former narcotics officer turned drug smuggler, was engaged in a typical drug smuggling operation with his partner, who was also his karate instructor. They made a trip to Colombia, loaded up on cocaine, and attempted to fly back to the U.S. Unfortunately for them, federal agents were hot on their trail. They began dropping bags of cocaine from the plane for later retrieval.
Ultimately, they decided to jump out of the plane, with Baxter’s parachute failing to deploy. He was later found dead in a yard in Knoxville, complete with cash, night vision goggles, and a stash of drugs.
And where does Cocaine Bear fit into this tale? After one of the drug drops, the bear consumed the cocaine and met its demise. But the story didn’t end there.
The Knoxville Sentinel News recounts how, after being taxidermied, Cocaine Bear had quite the adventurous afterlife. Initially displayed at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, it was later stolen and ended up in a Nashville pawn shop. Country music legend Waylon Jennings acquired it, and after a few more twists and turns, Cocaine Bear eventually found a home at a Chinese medicine shop. Finally, the apparel brand Kentucky for Kentucky purchased it and put it on display at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington, where fans can check out the legendary bear and shop for Cocaine Bear merchandise.
What’s Next for the Movie?
Currently, details about the movie remain scarce, leaving fans guessing about its plot. It could depict the drug smuggling escapades or focus on hikers encountering the infamous bear (fingers crossed!). Whether it ends up being a cult classic or a flop, one thing is for sure: the title alone guarantees that audiences will be intrigued.
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In summary, “Cocaine Bear” promises to be a wild ride based on a true, if strange, story. With its mix of absurdity and intrigue, moviegoers are likely to be entertained—regardless of how it turns out.
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