While everyone knows that “Snakes on a Plane” was purely fictional, with its iconic line delivered by Samuel L. Jackson being plucked from fan enthusiasm, the same can’t be said for “Cocaine Bear.” Directed by Elizabeth Banks, this film is slated for a 2022 release and features the creative team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for “The Lego Movie,” making this a curious departure for them. This time, there truly was a Cocaine Bear.
According to The Guardian, this bear ingested an estimated seventy pounds of cocaine from a botched drug drop in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia. Tragically, after consuming around 15 million dollars worth of the substance, the bear ultimately died from a myriad of complications.
Yet, during its final moments, Cocaine Bear was arguably the mightiest creature on the planet, embodying the strength of an entire species. It was said to have joined Mötley Crüe and even crossed dimensions to become one with the essence of David Bowie from the Berlin era. Now, Cocaine Bear will feature in a “character-driven thriller inspired by actual events that occurred in Kentucky in 1985,” as Variety reports. One can only hope the film explores the bear’s wild adventures, including its brief time as a rock star.
But hold on: Kentucky? The drug drop happened in Georgia.
Get ready for a twisty ride, because this story is about to get even stranger.
The Tale of Cocaine Bear Starts with an Entitled Character
Cocaine Bear’s saga kicks off with a presumed antagonist, fitting the mold of an entitled white male. On September 9, 1985, Andrew Thornton III, described by the Knoxville News Sentinel as a former narcotics officer turned notorious drug smuggler, teamed up with Bill Leonard, his karate instructor-turned-bodyguard.
Their escapade took them to Colombia for a cocaine pickup, after which they were to return to the States. However, federal agents were hot on their trail. The duo began jettisoning bags of cocaine from the plane, each equipped with parachutes for later retrieval. Ultimately, they activated autopilot and leapt from the plane with the cocaine in tow. Leonard’s parachute deployed successfully, while Thornton’s did not. Authorities later discovered him dead in a backyard in South Knoxville, surrounded by cash, night vision goggles, firearms, and 35 kilos of Colombian cocaine strapped to him. He also had a membership card to a Miami Jockey Club and multiple IDs, according to Slate.
So, What Happened to Cocaine Bear?
The drug-smuggling misadventures of these men are one thing, but Cocaine Bear’s story takes a bizarre turn after its demise. After snorting up some of the leftover cocaine and subsequently dying, the saga continues.
The Knoxville Sentinel News details the bear’s unusual postmortem journey, which began when a clever individual had the foresight to have it taxidermied. Initially displayed at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, it was put in storage during a wildfire. Eventually, Cocaine Bear was stolen, presumably because who wouldn’t want such a unique centerpiece?
Cocaine Bear eventually surfaced in a Nashville pawn shop, where it was acquired by country music legend Waylon Jennings. While he didn’t decorate it for the holidays, he did have a collection of preserved animals in Las Vegas. After passing through several hands, Cocaine Bear ended up residing in a Chinese Medicine shop.
Ultimately, the apparel brand Kentucky for Kentucky, whose mission is to promote the culture and products of the state, purchased Cocaine Bear and now showcases it at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington. Visitors can see it up close and even snag some Cocaine Bear-themed merchandise.
As for the film’s details, they remain scant. Speculation abounds regarding whether it will focus on American drug smugglers alongside Cocaine Bear or perhaps feature hikers facing off against the titular character (one can only hope for the latter). The film’s potential could range from gloriously entertaining to a complete misfire.
But one thing is certain: “Cocaine Bear” is a title that captures attention, and many would willingly devote time to watch a film with such an outrageous premise.
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In summary, the film “Cocaine Bear” is based on a true story about a bear that consumed a massive amount of cocaine from a drug drop gone awry. The film promises to be a wild ride, blending elements of dark humor and thrill, while showcasing the bear’s outrageous journey posthumously. The tale has garnered attention not only for its bizarre premise but also for its potential to explore themes of excess and consequence in a uniquely entertaining way.