Get in line, because Cocaine Bear has made its way to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital following a successful theatrical run. The “Maximum Rampage Edition” features several featurettes, including a fun audio commentary by director/producer Elizabeth Banks and producer (and Banks’ husband) Max Handelman.
Here are eight things I learned from the Cocaine Bear commentary…
1. The film opens with a Wet Hot American Summer reference.
Cocaine Bear opens to the tune of Jefferson Starship’s “Jane,” which many will recognize as the theme song to Wet Hot American Summer, the film in which Banks got her start. She explains:
“This song straight up is an homage to Wet Hot American Summer. Anybody who knows my work knows Wet Hot American Summer was technically my first movie as Elizabeth Banks. That’s my SAG card, got it on that movie. This is the opening song to Wet Hot American Summer, and I sent David Wain,...
Here are eight things I learned from the Cocaine Bear commentary…
1. The film opens with a Wet Hot American Summer reference.
Cocaine Bear opens to the tune of Jefferson Starship’s “Jane,” which many will recognize as the theme song to Wet Hot American Summer, the film in which Banks got her start. She explains:
“This song straight up is an homage to Wet Hot American Summer. Anybody who knows my work knows Wet Hot American Summer was technically my first movie as Elizabeth Banks. That’s my SAG card, got it on that movie. This is the opening song to Wet Hot American Summer, and I sent David Wain,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Universal Pictures gave director Elizabeth Banks’ “character-driven thriller” Cocaine Bear (read our review Here) a theatrical release on February 24th, and now, just two and a half weeks later, the movie has already received a digital release! The digital release of Cocaine Bear can be purchased at This Link for $24.99, or rented for $19.99.
As of this writing, Cocaine Bear – which was reportedly made on a budget in the 30 to 35 million range – has earned almost $66 million at the global box office.
Cocaine Bear is based on true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. As our own Kevin Fraser reported last year, the true story goes like this: “In 1985, convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton was on a smuggling run from Columbia and had dumped several packages full of cocaine before bailing from the plane himself. Unfortunately, he hit his head on the tail of the aircraft and wound up in a...
As of this writing, Cocaine Bear – which was reportedly made on a budget in the 30 to 35 million range – has earned almost $66 million at the global box office.
Cocaine Bear is based on true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. As our own Kevin Fraser reported last year, the true story goes like this: “In 1985, convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton was on a smuggling run from Columbia and had dumped several packages full of cocaine before bailing from the plane himself. Unfortunately, he hit his head on the tail of the aircraft and wound up in a...
- 3/14/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers for “Cocaine Bear.”
How challenging was it to create a CGI bear high on cocaine? Where do you even begin? Those were the questions Weta VFX supervisor Robin Hollander and the team faced when “Cocaine Bear” director Elizabeth Banks approached the company to create “Cokie,” the star of her latest film.
“[Banks] said, ‘If it’s not photo-real, the whole thing falls apart, and the film is a horror-comedy. So, we can’t straddle either realm too much,'” Hollander says.
The film is based on the true story of convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton, who died after a parachuting accident. The working theory is that Thornton was traveling in a plane with 880 pounds of cocaine and thought the feds were trailing him, so he decided to throw some of the stash out of the plane and take some with him when he parachuted out.
How challenging was it to create a CGI bear high on cocaine? Where do you even begin? Those were the questions Weta VFX supervisor Robin Hollander and the team faced when “Cocaine Bear” director Elizabeth Banks approached the company to create “Cokie,” the star of her latest film.
“[Banks] said, ‘If it’s not photo-real, the whole thing falls apart, and the film is a horror-comedy. So, we can’t straddle either realm too much,'” Hollander says.
The film is based on the true story of convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton, who died after a parachuting accident. The working theory is that Thornton was traveling in a plane with 880 pounds of cocaine and thought the feds were trailing him, so he decided to throw some of the stash out of the plane and take some with him when he parachuted out.
- 2/28/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The following post contains spoilers for "Cocaine Bear"
There is currently a movie by a major studio, loosely based on true events, packed with name actors, directed by Elizabeth Banks called "Cocaine Bear." What a time to be alive. If you have yet to hear of this soon-to-be coked-out camp classic, the premise is a bunch of cocaine gets dumped in the woods, and a bear does a lot of said cocaine and then murders a call sheet full of characters looking for more. The real story ended tragically with the bear dying from an overdose, but luckily the film takes about three kilos worth of liberties with the events. Imagine taking a screwball ensemble comedy and mixing it with an ultra-gory '80s creature B-movie, and you'll get a sniff of what this movie is cooking up.
It would be a total buzzkill if it didn't live up to...
There is currently a movie by a major studio, loosely based on true events, packed with name actors, directed by Elizabeth Banks called "Cocaine Bear." What a time to be alive. If you have yet to hear of this soon-to-be coked-out camp classic, the premise is a bunch of cocaine gets dumped in the woods, and a bear does a lot of said cocaine and then murders a call sheet full of characters looking for more. The real story ended tragically with the bear dying from an overdose, but luckily the film takes about three kilos worth of liberties with the events. Imagine taking a screwball ensemble comedy and mixing it with an ultra-gory '80s creature B-movie, and you'll get a sniff of what this movie is cooking up.
It would be a total buzzkill if it didn't live up to...
- 2/28/2023
- by Ben Begley
- Slash Film
And why would you? Cocaine Bear perfectly sums up the recently released movie by Elizabeth Banks, but when you choose that title, you’d better deliver. Cocaine Bear writer Jimmy Warden spoke with THR and said that he never once considered giving the movie another title.
“There was never a question in my mind,” Jimmy Warden said. “Why wouldn’t we call it Cocaine Bear? It’s not every day that a title comes your way that describes the movie in two words. You understand exactly what it is and what you want it to be.” I’m reminded of Snakes on a Plane being briefly changed to Pacific Air Flight 121 before Samuel L. Jackson demanded that it be returned to the original title. Thankfully, Cocaine Bear has fared better than Snakes on a Plane.
Related Modern Horror Movie Talk episode covers Cocaine Bear, Thanksgiving, and more!
The true story...
“There was never a question in my mind,” Jimmy Warden said. “Why wouldn’t we call it Cocaine Bear? It’s not every day that a title comes your way that describes the movie in two words. You understand exactly what it is and what you want it to be.” I’m reminded of Snakes on a Plane being briefly changed to Pacific Air Flight 121 before Samuel L. Jackson demanded that it be returned to the original title. Thankfully, Cocaine Bear has fared better than Snakes on a Plane.
Related Modern Horror Movie Talk episode covers Cocaine Bear, Thanksgiving, and more!
The true story...
- 2/28/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Stars: Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ray Liotta, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Brooklynn Prince, Christian Convery, Margo Martindale, Jesse Tyler Ferguson | Written by Jimmy Warden | Directed by Elizabeth Banks
In 1985, Andrew Thornton, a corrupt lawyer-turned-drug smuggler, dumped packages of cocaine over Georgia before attempting to escape with nearly 80 pounds of the drug strapped to his body. However, the parachute malfunctioned, and Thornton fell to his death in a Georgia resident’s driveway. The rest of the drugs landed in a forest and were consumed by a black bear, who overdosed and died within minutes, eating $20 million worth of the white powder. But what if the bear didn’t die? What if instead, the bear went on a killing rampage, and the lives of some very plain and bland characters crossed paths with the drug-fuelled predator? Well that seems to be the exact question the writers of Cocaine Bear have asked themselves.
In 1985, Andrew Thornton, a corrupt lawyer-turned-drug smuggler, dumped packages of cocaine over Georgia before attempting to escape with nearly 80 pounds of the drug strapped to his body. However, the parachute malfunctioned, and Thornton fell to his death in a Georgia resident’s driveway. The rest of the drugs landed in a forest and were consumed by a black bear, who overdosed and died within minutes, eating $20 million worth of the white powder. But what if the bear didn’t die? What if instead, the bear went on a killing rampage, and the lives of some very plain and bland characters crossed paths with the drug-fuelled predator? Well that seems to be the exact question the writers of Cocaine Bear have asked themselves.
- 2/27/2023
- by Alex Ginnelly
- Nerdly
A new video series has just made its premiere on the Arrow in the Head Show YouTube channel, and you can check out its first episode in the embed above! This series is called Modern Horror Movie Talk, and for each episode we’ll be joining host Tyler Nichols as he covers all new horror releases, the latest horror movie news, and new horror trailers. Films discussed in the first episode of Modern Horror Movie Talk include Cocaine Bear, which is now in theatres, and Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving… which will finally be heading into production next month. Thanksgiving is based on the faux trailer Roth made for the Robert Rodriguez / Quentin Tarantino collaboration Grindhouse way back in 2007.
Here’s the episode’s official synopsis with more information: Cocaine Bear has been taking the internet by storm since the release of its first trailer, so we’re going to tell...
Here’s the episode’s official synopsis with more information: Cocaine Bear has been taking the internet by storm since the release of its first trailer, so we’re going to tell...
- 2/27/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
“There was never a question in my mind,” says writer Jimmy Warden. “Why wouldn’t we call it Cocaine Bear?”
Warden’s movie is about a black bear who ingests copious amounts of — you guessed it — cocaine and goes on a murderous rampage. Says the writer of the movie that is roaring at the box office this weekend, “It’s not every day that a title comes your way that describes the movie in two words. You understand exactly what it is and what you want it to be.”
Warden came to the true story that inspired his screenplay by way of Twitter. As the tale goes, a black bear was found in the forests of Georgia in 1985 surrounded by 40 opened containers of cocaine. The drugs were traced back to Andrew Thornton, a convicted drug smuggler, who was believed to have piloted an aircraft loaded with the illegal drugs, some...
Warden’s movie is about a black bear who ingests copious amounts of — you guessed it — cocaine and goes on a murderous rampage. Says the writer of the movie that is roaring at the box office this weekend, “It’s not every day that a title comes your way that describes the movie in two words. You understand exactly what it is and what you want it to be.”
Warden came to the true story that inspired his screenplay by way of Twitter. As the tale goes, a black bear was found in the forests of Georgia in 1985 surrounded by 40 opened containers of cocaine. The drugs were traced back to Andrew Thornton, a convicted drug smuggler, who was believed to have piloted an aircraft loaded with the illegal drugs, some...
- 2/26/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This has absolutely No Spoilers for the movie Cocaine Bear…
The year is 1985. The sappy but well-intentioned charity ballad “We Are The World” is inescapable. Pastels and Patrick Nagel art prints are in fashion. And Miami Vice, the stylish cop show where Don Johnson gets suave while busting drug dealers, is the biggest thing on television. These are the golden years of cocaine, where every investment banker and rich kid is lit to the gills on Colombian blow. Bringing the in-demand drug into the United States is a high-risk/high-reward career move, and once you’re in the game, then primarily controlled by Pablo Escobar and his Medellin Cartel, it’s hard to get out.
Ironically, one of the easiest ways to get into moving bricks is to be a former cop. Ex-DEA agent turned drug smuggler Andrew Thornton is where the story of the real-life Cocaine Bear begins,...
The year is 1985. The sappy but well-intentioned charity ballad “We Are The World” is inescapable. Pastels and Patrick Nagel art prints are in fashion. And Miami Vice, the stylish cop show where Don Johnson gets suave while busting drug dealers, is the biggest thing on television. These are the golden years of cocaine, where every investment banker and rich kid is lit to the gills on Colombian blow. Bringing the in-demand drug into the United States is a high-risk/high-reward career move, and once you’re in the game, then primarily controlled by Pablo Escobar and his Medellin Cartel, it’s hard to get out.
Ironically, one of the easiest ways to get into moving bricks is to be a former cop. Ex-DEA agent turned drug smuggler Andrew Thornton is where the story of the real-life Cocaine Bear begins,...
- 2/25/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Elizabeth Banks’ “Cocaine Bear” is now playing in theaters, bringing with it an onslaught of detached limbs, blood-soaked bodies and gory mayhem. But that’s not exactly how one would describe the real story of the Cocaine Bear, also known as Pablo Eskobear. Banks’ film, scripted by Jimmy Warden, is inspired by the 1985 discovery of a dead bear in Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest.
The true story behind “Cocaine Bear” started in September 1985, when convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton died after a parachuting accident. The working theory is that Thorton was traveling in a plane with 880 pounds of cocaine and thought the Feds were trailing him, so he decided to throw some of the stash out of the plane and take some more with him when he parachuted out. His plan went awry.
Thorton was reported dead on Sept. 11, 1985. He was found in a driveway in Knoxville, Tenn. wearing Gucci...
The true story behind “Cocaine Bear” started in September 1985, when convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton died after a parachuting accident. The working theory is that Thorton was traveling in a plane with 880 pounds of cocaine and thought the Feds were trailing him, so he decided to throw some of the stash out of the plane and take some more with him when he parachuted out. His plan went awry.
Thorton was reported dead on Sept. 11, 1985. He was found in a driveway in Knoxville, Tenn. wearing Gucci...
- 2/24/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The plot of the new comedy “Cocaine Bear” is so outrageous it must be true, right?
In the film, which Elizabeth Banks directs, a black bear ingests bricks of cocaine and goes on a drug-fueled killing spree in Georgia’s Chattahoochee Forest.
So where does fact end and fiction begin? We break it down for you.
Did a Bear Really Overdose on Coke?
Yes, a bear really ingested and overdosed on cocaine. Here’s what happened.
In September 1985, drug smuggler Andrew Thornton (played by Matthew Rhys in the film) was trafficking hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cocaine from Columbia into the U.S. aboard a Cessna plane.
The plane was carrying too heavy a load, so Thornton began throwing duffel bags full of cocaine out the hatch while above Georgia. Thornton, who had trained as a paratrooper, then jumped out of the plane. His parachute malfunctioned and Thornton...
In the film, which Elizabeth Banks directs, a black bear ingests bricks of cocaine and goes on a drug-fueled killing spree in Georgia’s Chattahoochee Forest.
So where does fact end and fiction begin? We break it down for you.
Did a Bear Really Overdose on Coke?
Yes, a bear really ingested and overdosed on cocaine. Here’s what happened.
In September 1985, drug smuggler Andrew Thornton (played by Matthew Rhys in the film) was trafficking hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cocaine from Columbia into the U.S. aboard a Cessna plane.
The plane was carrying too heavy a load, so Thornton began throwing duffel bags full of cocaine out the hatch while above Georgia. Thornton, who had trained as a paratrooper, then jumped out of the plane. His parachute malfunctioned and Thornton...
- 2/24/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Cocaine Bear is exactly what you want, need, and expect it to be. Director Elizabeth Banks assembled a cast willing to just go for it, and together they’ve delivered one of the funniest, most insane R-rated horror / comedy / thriller / crime caper / buddy comedy / cautionary tale / coming-of-age films in history. Of course, it helps that there are very few, if any, films that have dipped their toes into that many genres all at once and been successful while doing so.
Cocaine Bear’s very loosely inspired by a true story. Fact: In 1985, a 175-pound black bear, now lovingly referred to as Pablo Escobear, did ingest cocaine that had fallen from a plane. Fact: The bricks of cocaine tumbled into the bear’s path after drug smuggler Andrew Thornton (played by The Americans’ Matthew Rhys in a brief but memorable cameo) tossed them from a plane and then followed them out.
Cocaine Bear’s very loosely inspired by a true story. Fact: In 1985, a 175-pound black bear, now lovingly referred to as Pablo Escobear, did ingest cocaine that had fallen from a plane. Fact: The bricks of cocaine tumbled into the bear’s path after drug smuggler Andrew Thornton (played by The Americans’ Matthew Rhys in a brief but memorable cameo) tossed them from a plane and then followed them out.
- 2/24/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
There perhaps isn’t a better experience at the cinema than when you discover a film without knowing much, if anything, about the choice you’ve made and the journey you are about to embark on. Whether it’s exploring strange new worlds in space, embarking on a road trip with some on-screen friends on the quest to better themselves, or taking that first tentative step into the haunted house and discovering what surprises – good and bad – lurk behind the door, the power of cinema and the wonders it can conjure are immeasurable and unique. With something like Cocaine Bear, however, you’d be forgiven for hoping to discover exactly what it says on the tin: a black bear high on cocaine. Well, thanks to director Elizabeth Banks, we get just that. This, as they say, is cinema.
If you weren’t familiar with the yarn, you’d be as...
If you weren’t familiar with the yarn, you’d be as...
- 2/23/2023
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Cocaine Bear is a film worthy of its title, and perfectly constructed to feel like the kind of cult horror movie you’d find on a dusty VHS tape somewhere in a stoner’s basement. It’s bloody and grotesque, at times quite dark, but also surprisingly endearing. Any worry that actor and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks’s third feature wouldn’t live up to its gloriously stupid title is misplaced.
The fact that Cocaine Bear is based on a true story isn’t particularly relevant beyond its initial hook. The real Cocaine Bear – a dead 175-pound male nicknamed Pablo Eskobear – was discovered in the Chattahoochee National Forest during the mid-Eighties. His body was surrounded by 40 opened plastic containers with traces of cocaine, supposedly tossed from a plane by convicted smuggler Andrew Thornton. Thornton had attempted to parachute down to Earth with his spoils, only to die in the attempt – his...
The fact that Cocaine Bear is based on a true story isn’t particularly relevant beyond its initial hook. The real Cocaine Bear – a dead 175-pound male nicknamed Pablo Eskobear – was discovered in the Chattahoochee National Forest during the mid-Eighties. His body was surrounded by 40 opened plastic containers with traces of cocaine, supposedly tossed from a plane by convicted smuggler Andrew Thornton. Thornton had attempted to parachute down to Earth with his spoils, only to die in the attempt – his...
- 2/23/2023
- by Clarisse Loughrey
- The Independent - Film
Universal Pictures is giving director Elizabeth Banks’ “character-driven thriller” Cocaine Bear a theatrical release tomorrow, February 24th (you can read some early reactions Here), and some movie-goers are already hoping for a follow-up that would be called Cocaine Shark. It remains to be seen is there’s going to be a sequel at all, let alone one that would go aquatic, but during a conversation with Variety screenwriter Jimmy Warden (who happens to be married to genre icon Samara Weaving) confirmed that he has ideas for multiple sequels.
When asked if he has a sequel in mind, Warden replied, “Yeah, for sure. Not just a sequel. Many sequels. Cocaine Bear in Space is where we would probably end.“
When the interviewer said they couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not, Warden continued: “No, I’m f*cking with you about Cocaine Bear Goes to Space. But for the sequels,...
When asked if he has a sequel in mind, Warden replied, “Yeah, for sure. Not just a sequel. Many sequels. Cocaine Bear in Space is where we would probably end.“
When the interviewer said they couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not, Warden continued: “No, I’m f*cking with you about Cocaine Bear Goes to Space. But for the sequels,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
This week brings the larger-than-life horror comedy Cocaine Bear, from director Elizabeth Banks (Charlie’s Angels) and arriving exclusively in movie theaters on February 24, 2023.
The movie, written by Jimmy Warden, “finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists, and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500-pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow … and blood.”
The raucous feature is stacked with an all-star cast, including Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Cocaine Bear also happens to be based on a true story. No, seriously.
Almost forty years ago, news of the now infamous “Cocaine Bear” hit the trades mere days before Christmas. A brief three-sentence article from United Press International that appeared in The New York Times, published on December 23, 1985, said it all yet begged so many unanswered questions.
United Press International...
The movie, written by Jimmy Warden, “finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists, and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500-pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow … and blood.”
The raucous feature is stacked with an all-star cast, including Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Cocaine Bear also happens to be based on a true story. No, seriously.
Almost forty years ago, news of the now infamous “Cocaine Bear” hit the trades mere days before Christmas. A brief three-sentence article from United Press International that appeared in The New York Times, published on December 23, 1985, said it all yet begged so many unanswered questions.
United Press International...
- 2/21/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
When you think of a forest ranger facing off against a black bear going on a drug-fueled rampage, you likely don’t think of Margo Martindale, but you should. Margo Martindale is starring in Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear, and if you were surprised she appears in the film… so was she.
“I never thought at age 70 I would be doing an action movie, but I guess I did!” Margo Martindale told Entertainment Weekly. The actress, and national treasure, plays a forest ranger named Liz who crosses paths with a bear who has ingested a duffel bag full of cocaine. “She’s no-nonsense,” Martindale said of her character. “She’s devoted to her craft, wanting to go up in the ranger world, does everything by the book, and has her heart set on [a character played by] Jesse Tyler Ferguson.” Martindale has a number of physical scenes in the movie, but it all worked out for her.
“I never thought at age 70 I would be doing an action movie, but I guess I did!” Margo Martindale told Entertainment Weekly. The actress, and national treasure, plays a forest ranger named Liz who crosses paths with a bear who has ingested a duffel bag full of cocaine. “She’s no-nonsense,” Martindale said of her character. “She’s devoted to her craft, wanting to go up in the ranger world, does everything by the book, and has her heart set on [a character played by] Jesse Tyler Ferguson.” Martindale has a number of physical scenes in the movie, but it all worked out for her.
- 2/21/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Take a look at more new footage from the upcoming crime thriller "Cocaine Bear", directed by Elizabeth Banks ("Charlie's Angels"), starring Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Rhys, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta, inspired by the true story of a black bear that ingested a duffel bag full of smuggled cocaine before going on a drug-fueled rampage, opening in theaters February 24, 2023:
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 2/13/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Cocaine Bear will be roaring into theaters in just two weeks, but could Cocaine Shark be far behind?
The upcoming action comedy is based on real events, in which a black bear died after eating a shipment of cocaine that has been dropped out of a plane by a smuggler. After it was reported that the New Zealand police had recovered more than three tons of cocaine floating in the Pacific Ocean, Cocaine Shark began trending on Twitter. While speaking with People, Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks said that she was aware of the news, as well as the demand for a Cocaine Shark follow-up. “I’ve seen that. If there’s a great story, then sure,” Banks said. “Jaws with cocaine, I don’t see how that loses.” And just like that, the unlikely animals on cocaine franchise was born.
Related Universal 2023 Film Schedule
The first trailer for Cocaine Bear certainly exceeded my expectations.
The upcoming action comedy is based on real events, in which a black bear died after eating a shipment of cocaine that has been dropped out of a plane by a smuggler. After it was reported that the New Zealand police had recovered more than three tons of cocaine floating in the Pacific Ocean, Cocaine Shark began trending on Twitter. While speaking with People, Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks said that she was aware of the news, as well as the demand for a Cocaine Shark follow-up. “I’ve seen that. If there’s a great story, then sure,” Banks said. “Jaws with cocaine, I don’t see how that loses.” And just like that, the unlikely animals on cocaine franchise was born.
Related Universal 2023 Film Schedule
The first trailer for Cocaine Bear certainly exceeded my expectations.
- 2/10/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Elizabeth Banks has discussed a controversial scene in her wild new movie, Cocaine Bear.
The movie, which Banks directs, follows a black bear in Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia, that goes on a rampage after consuming vast quantities of lost cocaine.
One scene likely to ruffle feathers when the film is released on 24 February depicts two children, played by Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery, trying cocaine.
“It was definitely controversial,” Banks conceded in a new interview with Variety.
“There were conversations about, should we age up these characters? We all kind of held hands and we were like, ‘Guys, they’ve got to be 12.’ It’s their innocence being tested,” she said.
“That’s what was interesting to me about that scene.”
Producer Christopher Miller added: “It’s the naïveté of the kids that makes it okay. It’s what makes it so tense and funny. It doesn’t work if they’re teenagers.
The movie, which Banks directs, follows a black bear in Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia, that goes on a rampage after consuming vast quantities of lost cocaine.
One scene likely to ruffle feathers when the film is released on 24 February depicts two children, played by Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery, trying cocaine.
“It was definitely controversial,” Banks conceded in a new interview with Variety.
“There were conversations about, should we age up these characters? We all kind of held hands and we were like, ‘Guys, they’ve got to be 12.’ It’s their innocence being tested,” she said.
“That’s what was interesting to me about that scene.”
Producer Christopher Miller added: “It’s the naïveté of the kids that makes it okay. It’s what makes it so tense and funny. It doesn’t work if they’re teenagers.
- 2/9/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Take a look at more new footage from the upcoming crime thriller "Cocaine Bear", directed by Elizabeth Banks ("Charlie's Angels"), starring Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Rhys, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta, inspired by the true story of a black bear that ingested a duffel bag full of smuggled cocaine before going on a drug-fueled rampage, opening in theaters February 24, 2023:
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 2/3/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The trailer for Cocaine Bear has been released – and there’s a good chance it’ll be 2024’s wildest movie.
Announced in April, Cocaine Bear has prompted raised eyebrows due to its incredible premise that is, in fact, inspired by real-life events.
In September 1985, a 175lb black bear in north Georgia ingested a duffel bag of cocaine that convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton had abandoned.
The horror-comedy, which is directed by Pitch Perfect star Elizabeth Banks, sees the drug-fuelled animal then embark on a murderous rampage, which was not part of the true story.
In real life, the bear ingested the cocaine and subsequently overdosed. It was found three months later next to approximately 40 plastic containers of cocaine.
The first trailer for the film arrived on Thursday (1 December), prompting a number of reactions from fans – many of whom posted memes in response to the clip.
Among those memes is a...
Announced in April, Cocaine Bear has prompted raised eyebrows due to its incredible premise that is, in fact, inspired by real-life events.
In September 1985, a 175lb black bear in north Georgia ingested a duffel bag of cocaine that convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton had abandoned.
The horror-comedy, which is directed by Pitch Perfect star Elizabeth Banks, sees the drug-fuelled animal then embark on a murderous rampage, which was not part of the true story.
In real life, the bear ingested the cocaine and subsequently overdosed. It was found three months later next to approximately 40 plastic containers of cocaine.
The first trailer for the film arrived on Thursday (1 December), prompting a number of reactions from fans – many of whom posted memes in response to the clip.
Among those memes is a...
- 12/1/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
Take a look at the new crime feature "Cocaine Bear", directed by Elizabeth Banks ("Charlie's Angels"), starring Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Rhys, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta, inspired by the true story of a black bear that ingested a duffel bag full of smuggled cocaine before going on a drug-fueled rampage, opening in theaters February 24, 2023:
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 12/1/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The official trailer is here for Elizabeth Banks’ latest directorial effort, the upcoming thriller “Cocaine Bear” from Universal Pictures, which is inspired by a true story. As the title suggests, the film follows a black bear that embarks on a murderous rampage following its unintentional consumption of cocaine.
The film stars Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Kahyun Kim, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince and newcomer Scott Seiss. This film marks one of Liotta’s final acting roles and the first to be released following the actor’s death in May at the age of 67.
While the murderous rampage was not part of the true story that “Cocaine Bear” is based on, the actual chain of events took place in September 1985 when a convicted drug smuggler named Andrew Thornton offloaded a duffel bag of cocaine over northern Georgia. A 175-pound black...
The film stars Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Kahyun Kim, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince and newcomer Scott Seiss. This film marks one of Liotta’s final acting roles and the first to be released following the actor’s death in May at the age of 67.
While the murderous rampage was not part of the true story that “Cocaine Bear” is based on, the actual chain of events took place in September 1985 when a convicted drug smuggler named Andrew Thornton offloaded a duffel bag of cocaine over northern Georgia. A 175-pound black...
- 11/30/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
“Cocaine Bear”, directed by Elizabeth Banks (“Charlie's Angels”) is a new thriller, starring Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Rhys, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta, inspired by the true story of a black bear that ingested a duffel bag full of cocaine before going on a drug-fueled rampage, opening in theaters February 24, 2023:
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…corrupt narcotics officer ‘Andrew Thornton’, who had become the head of an international drug smuggling operation, was transporting 15 million worth of cocaine by plane when he ran into engine trouble.
“Panicked, he dumped the drugs out the door before escaping via parachute, but the chute didn't open and Thornton died on impact 50 miles away in Knoxville…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 11/28/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Universal Pictures will be giving director Elizabeth Banks’ “character-driven thriller” Cocaine Bear a theatrical release on February 24, 2023, and today the studio has unveiled a poster for the film. A poster that features the titular cocaine bear itself! You can check it out at the bottom of this article.
Cocaine Bear is based on true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. As our own Kevin Fraser reported last year, the true story goes like this: “In 1985, convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton was on a smuggling run from Columbia and had dumped several packages full of cocaine before bailing from the plane himself. Unfortunately, he hit his head on the tail of the aircraft and wound up in a freefall to the ground where he was found dead in someone’s driveway. Several months later, a 175-pound black bear was found dead after devouring approximately 15 million worth of cocaine that had been dropped by Thornton.
Cocaine Bear is based on true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985. As our own Kevin Fraser reported last year, the true story goes like this: “In 1985, convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton was on a smuggling run from Columbia and had dumped several packages full of cocaine before bailing from the plane himself. Unfortunately, he hit his head on the tail of the aircraft and wound up in a freefall to the ground where he was found dead in someone’s driveway. Several months later, a 175-pound black bear was found dead after devouring approximately 15 million worth of cocaine that had been dropped by Thornton.
- 11/28/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Once upon a time, Elizabeth Banks wrote, directed, produced, and starred in a big-screen reboot of Charlie’s Angels. The film featured Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska as a new generation of Angels working for a private detective agency known as the Townsend Agency. Charlie’s Angels received mixed reviews upon release and under-performed at the box-office, grossing just 73.3 million worldwide.
Related Drew Barrymore admits she doesn’t want to return to acting anytime soon
Looking back on the Charlie’s Angels reboot, Elizabeth Banks told The New York Times that she wishes the marketing for the film hadn’t pushed the “just for girls” angle.
I wish that the movie had not been presented as just for girls, because I didn’t make it just for girls. There was a disconnect on the marketing side of it for me.
Elizabeth Banks added that she’s proud of the movie. “I...
Related Drew Barrymore admits she doesn’t want to return to acting anytime soon
Looking back on the Charlie’s Angels reboot, Elizabeth Banks told The New York Times that she wishes the marketing for the film hadn’t pushed the “just for girls” angle.
I wish that the movie had not been presented as just for girls, because I didn’t make it just for girls. There was a disconnect on the marketing side of it for me.
Elizabeth Banks added that she’s proud of the movie. “I...
- 9/27/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Elizabeth Banks has been set to direct the adaptation of the thriller ‘Cocaine Bear’ for Universal Pictures.
Inspired by events that took place in Kentucky in 1985 which was published by The New York Times, the story unveiled the strange instance of a 175-pound black bear who had guzzled down the contents of a duffle bag filled with more than 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an aeroplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead of an apparent drug overdose.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller will produce the project which was originally to be made by the team behind ‘Ready or Not’ Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett and Chad Villella. Lord Miller president Aditya Sood will also produce alongside Brian Duffield, Banks and Max Handelman via their Brownstone Productions banner.
Also in news – ‘Nomadland’ and ‘Rocks’ reign in the nominations for the 2021 Ee BAFTAs
Plot...
Inspired by events that took place in Kentucky in 1985 which was published by The New York Times, the story unveiled the strange instance of a 175-pound black bear who had guzzled down the contents of a duffle bag filled with more than 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an aeroplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead of an apparent drug overdose.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller will produce the project which was originally to be made by the team behind ‘Ready or Not’ Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett and Chad Villella. Lord Miller president Aditya Sood will also produce alongside Brian Duffield, Banks and Max Handelman via their Brownstone Productions banner.
Also in news – ‘Nomadland’ and ‘Rocks’ reign in the nominations for the 2021 Ee BAFTAs
Plot...
- 3/10/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Elizabeth Banks has set her next directing gig — inspired by an (almost unbelievable) true story involving cocaine smuggling and a 175-pound bear.
Banks has signed on to direct “Cocaine Bear,” which is described as a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985,” produced by “The Lego Movie” filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
As such, the project also serves as a reunion for Banks, Lord and Miller after the actor voiced Wyldstyle in the animated franchise. Lord and Miller’s production banner (Lord Miller) will produce the project as part of the duo’s first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
The script for “Cocaine Bear” comes from Jimmy Warden, but additional information around the project, is being kept under wraps.
Now, back to the bear.
According to a New York Times report, published in Dec. 1985, the bear died of an apparent cocaine overdose, found by the...
Banks has signed on to direct “Cocaine Bear,” which is described as a “character-driven thriller inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985,” produced by “The Lego Movie” filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
As such, the project also serves as a reunion for Banks, Lord and Miller after the actor voiced Wyldstyle in the animated franchise. Lord and Miller’s production banner (Lord Miller) will produce the project as part of the duo’s first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
The script for “Cocaine Bear” comes from Jimmy Warden, but additional information around the project, is being kept under wraps.
Now, back to the bear.
According to a New York Times report, published in Dec. 1985, the bear died of an apparent cocaine overdose, found by the...
- 3/10/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Elizabeth Banks has found her next directorial project with a bear-centric thriller that has Phil Lord and Chris Miller set to produce.
Universal is behind Cocaine Bear that is based on an untitled spec written by Jimmy Warden that is inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.
The true story, as reported in 1985 by the New York Times, was that a 175-pound black bear consumed the contents of a duffle bag filled with over 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an airplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead ...
Universal is behind Cocaine Bear that is based on an untitled spec written by Jimmy Warden that is inspired by true events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.
The true story, as reported in 1985 by the New York Times, was that a 175-pound black bear consumed the contents of a duffle bag filled with over 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an airplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead ...
Elizabeth Banks has found her next directorial project with a bear-centric thriller that has Phil Lord and Chris Miller set to produce.
Universal is behind Cocaine Bear, which is based on an untitled spec written by Jimmy Warden, inspired by events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.
The true story, as reported in 1985 by The New York Times, was that a 175-pound black bear consumed the contents of a duffle bag filled with more than 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an airplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead of an apparent ...
Universal is behind Cocaine Bear, which is based on an untitled spec written by Jimmy Warden, inspired by events that took place in Kentucky in 1985.
The true story, as reported in 1985 by The New York Times, was that a 175-pound black bear consumed the contents of a duffle bag filled with more than 70 pounds of cocaine that was dropped from an airplane by a local drug smuggler, Andrew Thornton. The bear was later found dead of an apparent ...
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