Cocaine Bear is a 24 February 2023 released film that tells the bizarre true story of a black bear that ingested a large amount of cocaine that was accidentally dropped from a drug smuggler’s plane in 1985. The film is directed by Elizabeth Banks and stars Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ray Liotta, and Alden Ehrenreich.
The film takes a comedic and somewhat satirical approach to tell the story of this strange event, with a fictionalized version of the bear becoming the main character of the story. The bear, named Pablo in the film, is depicted as a curious and adventurous animal that stumbles upon the cocaine and proceeds to ingest it, leading to a wild and surreal adventure through the forests of Georgia.
The film’s narrative is not strictly focused on the bear’s story, however, and also explores the perspectives of the human characters involved in the incident. Keri Russell plays a journalist who becomes interested in the story of the bear, while O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Alden Ehrenreich play drug smugglers who are trying to retrieve the lost cocaine.
Overall, Cocaine Bear is an entertaining and surreal film that is sure to capture the attention of viewers who are interested in true crime stories, bizarre events, or offbeat comedies. While the film’s satirical tone may not be to everyone’s taste, those who appreciate dark humor and unusual storytelling are likely to find it to be a unique and memorable experience.

Name | Cocaine Bear |
Release Date | 24 February 2023 |
IMDb ratings | 6.6 |
Net Budget | $30–35 million |
Type | Horror-Comedy |
Cast | Keri Russell – Sari ; Alden Ehrenreich – Eddie ; O’Shea Jackson Jr. -Daveed ; Ray Liotta – Syd ; Isiah Whitlock Jr – Bob. |
Director & Producers | Elizabeth Banks & Max Handelman, Phil Lord, and more |
Art director | Christine McDonagh |
Language | English |
Cocaine Bear: 7 Untold Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
In 1985, a black bear in the Chattahoochee National Forest ingested a massive amount of cocaine that had been dropped from a drug smuggler’s plane. The bizarre incident made headlines around the world and has since become a source of fascination for many. But there are many untold facts about the infamous “Cocaine Bear” story that may surprise you. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and mind-blowing facts about this strange event.

1. The bear’s name wasn’t actually “Cocaine Bear”:
Contrary to popular belief, the bear that ingested the cocaine wasn’t actually named “Cocaine Bear.” In fact, the bear wasn’t even given a name at the time of the incident. The name “Cocaine Bear” was a later invention, likely created by the media or other interested parties.
2. The amount of cocaine ingested was massive:
The amount of cocaine that the bear ingested was estimated to be around 70 pounds, with a street value of roughly $15 million. This amount of cocaine would have been fatal for a human being, but the bear was able to survive for several hours before eventually succumbing to the effects of the drug.
3. The bear wasn’t the only animal affected by the cocaine:

While the bear is often the focus of the Cocaine Bear story, it’s worth noting that it wasn’t the only animal that was affected by the drug. Several vultures that fed on the bear’s carcass also experienced the effects of the cocaine, with some reportedly flying into trees and dying shortly after.
4. The drug smuggler responsible for the incident was never caught:
Despite a massive search effort, the drug smuggler responsible for dropping the cocaine from the plane was never caught. It’s unclear what happened to the individual or whether they were ever identified.
5. The bear’s skull is now on display at a museum:
After the bear’s death, its skull was preserved and eventually ended up on display at the Kentucky Fun Mall, a tourist attraction in Lexington, Kentucky. The skull has since become a popular attraction for visitors, with many eager to see the remains of the infamous Cocaine Bear.
6. The story inspired a song by country singer David Allan Coe:
In 2002, country singer David Allan Coe released a song called “The Ride,” which was inspired by the Cocaine Bear story. The song tells the tale of a truck driver who picks up a hitchhiking bear and ends up getting caught up in a drug smuggling operation.
7. The story is now being turned into a feature film:
Perhaps the most surprising fact about the Cocaine Bear story is that it’s now being turned into a feature film. The movie, directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ray Liotta, and Alden Ehrenreich, is set to be released in 2022 and is expected to bring the story of the infamous bear to a whole new generation of viewers.
Feedback from the Viewers about the film on 24th Feb 2023:
#1. “I had never heard of the true story behind Cocaine Bear before watching the movie, but I was hooked from the opening scene. The bear is the star of the show, but the human characters are just as interesting and well-developed. I thought the balance between humor and drama was perfect, and the ending left me feeling surprisingly emotional. This is a must-watch movie!” – Alex M.
#4. “I went into Cocaine Bear with low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The movie is both hilarious and heartfelt, and the way it explores the perspectives of both the bear and the humans involved in the incident is really interesting. The direction and cinematography are both excellent, and the cast is fantastic. Definitely recommend giving this movie a watch!” – Mark L.
#2. “As a big fan of Keri Russell, I was excited to see her in Cocaine Bear and she didn’t disappoint. The movie is hilarious and offbeat, but also surprisingly touching at times. Elizabeth Banks does a great job directing, and I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. Highly recommend!” – Sarah T.
#3. “Cocaine Bear is one of the weirdest and most enjoyable movies I’ve seen in a long time. The humor is definitely dark, but it’s also smart and well-written. I was impressed by the performances across the board, and I thought Elizabeth Banks did a great job bringing this bizarre story to life. If you’re looking for something different and entertaining, give Cocaine Bear a try.” – Emily W.
#5. “Cocaine Bear is a truly unique movie that manages to be both funny and thought-provoking. The performances are all great, but the real star of the show is the bear itself. I appreciated that the filmmakers didn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the story, but also managed to find moments of genuine heart and humor. This movie is definitely not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something different and memorable, give Cocaine Bear a chance.” – Rachel S.
In conclusion, the story of the Cocaine Bear is one that is both strange and fascinating, and there are many untold facts about the incident that may surprise you. From the massive amount of cocaine ingested by the bear to the fact that the drug smuggler responsible was never caught, this story is one that continues to captivate audiences years after the fact. With a new feature film set to be released soon, it’s clear that the Cocaine Bear’s legacy is here to stay.