Cocaine Bear is a comedy thriller movie directed by Elizabeth Banks about a large bear who accidentally ingests cocaine from a stranded bag. Shortly after, he is hit by the drug and goes on a killing spree. Everyone in close proximity bands together and tries to stay alive as the bear tries to hunt people down. So, is Cocaine Bear based on a true story, and is it rooted in any real events and facts?
Is Cocaine Bear based on a true story?
No, Cocaine Bear is not entirely based on real events, but it is loosely inspired by one. As per reports, a drug smuggler dropped a bag while flying over Georgia in 1985. The bag contained 75 pounds of cocaine and landed in the Chattahoochee National Forest. An unassuming bear came across the bag and ingested the drug after being attracted to its strong scent. Sadly, the power stimulant was fatal for the poor animal, and it eventually passed away.
Cocaine Bear’s real events and facts explained
The actual incident occurred in 1985 and received a lot of news coverage. However, there are no actual records of the bear killing or harming anyone. The whole fiasco of the drugged animal killing people and survivors banding together to save their lives in the movie is a fictionalized comedic situation.
In reality, the lifeless body of the bear was purportedly discovered in the forest, surrounded by cocaine. The story became known as “cocaine bear” and was referenced multiple times in pop culture. As of now, the Kentucky Fun Mall, in Lexington, Kentucky, has put up a taxidermied display of the eponymous bear.
The real people behind Cocaine Bear’s characters
The majority of the characters in Cocaine Bear are not based on real people. They all exist to drive the narrative toward an estranged dark comedy. So, even though the movie is partially based on a true story, it mainly incorporates fictional characters and an exaggerated aftermath.
Is Andrew Thorton a real person?
Andrew Thorton is the only character based on a real person in Cocaine Bear. He is the drug smuggler who jumped off of a plane and died due to a failed parachute attempt. He carried the duffel bag filled with cocaine that was later found by the black bear. The total value of all the cocaine in the bag is estimated to be around $15 million.
Is Bob a real person?
Bob is a fictional character and he’s a local detective in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the one who’s been assigned the task of solving the mystery behind cocaine. As Bob delves deeper into the case, he gets tangled in a web of crime and chaos.
