Cocaine Bear Movie is Happening … Inspired by a Bizarre True Tale

The upcoming film “Cocaine Bear,” directed by Elizabeth Banks, draws from a truly strange real-life event. Set to release in 2022, the film is produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their work on “The Lego Movie,” making this project a curious shift for them.

The true story revolves around a bear that ingested approximately seventy pounds of cocaine after a botched drug drop in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia. According to reports, the bear eventually succumbed to the effects of the drugs, but in those fleeting moments before its demise, it likely possessed an extraordinary level of strength and a wild aura that could rival rock legends like David Bowie.

“Variety” describes the film as a character-driven thriller inspired by actual events from 1985 in Kentucky. This raises eyebrows since the drug drop originated in Georgia. Get ready for an unusual twist in this narrative.

The Start of Cocaine Bear’s Tale

The saga kicks off with a typical antagonist—an entitled drug smuggler. On September 9, 1985, a man named Andrew Thornton II, identified as a former narcotics officer turned drug trafficker, was working with his karate instructor and bodyguard, Bill Leonard. They traveled to Colombia to acquire cocaine and were on their way back to the States when they found themselves pursued by law enforcement. In a desperate move, they began ejecting bags of cocaine from their plane with parachutes for later retrieval.

Ultimately, both men leaped from the aircraft, but while Leonard’s parachute opened successfully, Thornton’s did not. He was later discovered deceased in a Knoxville yard, with cash, night vision goggles, guns, and a staggering amount of cocaine.

What Happened to Cocaine Bear?

While the smuggling escapades of these men are grim, the fate of Cocaine Bear took a bizarre turn. After consuming the drugs, the bear’s journey did not end there. Someone had the foresight to have it taxidermied. Initially displayed in a national recreation area, it ended up being stolen and later found in a Nashville pawn shop, purchased by the singer Waylon Jennings. Eventually, Cocaine Bear found a new home in a Chinese Medicine shop before being acquired by the apparel company Kentucky for Kentucky, where it now resides at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington.

Movie Details Remain Under Wraps

Specifics about the film’s plot are scarce. It might delve into the lives of American drug smugglers or feature hikers facing off against the bear itself. The potential for humor or absurdity is high, reminiscent of films like “Hot Tub Time Machine” or “Snakes on a Plane.” Whatever the outcome, the title “Cocaine Bear” is sure to intrigue viewers.

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In summary, “Cocaine Bear” is set to be a wild cinematic experience, rooted in a strange but true story. With its mix of real-life drama and absurdity, it promises to engage audiences eagerly awaiting its release.