Everyone remembers how “Snakes on a Plane” was purely fictional, with its iconic line delivered by Samuel L. Jackson being a product of fan creativity. But “Cocaine Bear” is different; it’s based on an actual event. Directed by Elizabeth Banks and set for release in 2022, this film has the creative minds of Phil Lord and Chris Miller behind it, known for their work on “The Lego Movie.”
The real-life Cocaine Bear reportedly ingested about seventy pounds of cocaine after a drug drop gone awry in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia, as noted by The Guardian. Unfortunately, the bear succumbed to the effects of the drug, but in its fleeting moments, it may have been the most formidable creature on Earth.
Now, the film promises to be a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that occurred in Kentucky in 1985,” according to Variety. This raises the question: how does Kentucky fit into a story that began in Georgia?
The Story Begins with a Notorious Figure
Cocaine Bear’s saga starts with an almost archetypal villain: an entitled white man. On September 9, 1985, Andrew Thornton II, identified by the Knoxville News Sentinel as a former narcotics officer turned drug smuggler, teamed up with Bill Leonard, his karate instructor and bodyguard. They flew to Colombia, loaded their plane with cocaine, and attempted to return to the U.S. But the authorities were on their trail.
In a desperate bid, they dropped bags of cocaine from the plane, with parachutes attached, for later retrieval. Eventually, both men leaped from the plane, but only Leonard’s parachute deployed. Thornton was found dead in a Knoxville yard, surrounded by cash, night vision goggles, guns, and 35 kilos of cocaine strapped to him.
The Strange Afterlife of Cocaine Bear
After Cocaine Bear ingested the drugs and died, an enterprising individual had the foresight to have it taxidermied. Originally displayed at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the bear endured a wild journey, including being stored during a wildfire and eventually stolen.
Cocaine Bear ended up in a Nashville pawn shop, purchased by country music star Waylon Jennings, who had a collection of preserved animals. After changing hands a few times, it found a home at a Chinese Medicine shop before finally being acquired by the apparel company Kentucky for Kentucky. Now, you can see Cocaine Bear on display at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington, where various related merchandise is available.
What to Expect From the Movie
Details about the film remain scarce, leaving much to the imagination. It could focus on American drug smugglers with a side of Cocaine Bear or on unsuspecting hikers facing off against the bear. The possibilities are endless, leading to a mix of potential outcomes ranging from entertaining to downright bizarre. Regardless of the direction it takes, the title alone has generated interest and curiosity.
Would you spend a couple of hours watching a film called “Cocaine Bear”? Many are likely to say yes, and that’s what the creators are counting on.
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In summary, “Cocaine Bear” promises to be an intriguing mix of fact and fiction, drawing inspiration from a bizarre true story that captivates audiences. With its unusual premise and the allure of the supernatural bear, it’s a film that many are eager to see.