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The release of Cocaine Bear is just around the corner, and the film has already generated quite a buzz. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a wild bear who consumes a large quantity of cocaine, causing chaos and mayhem for the people around it.
With an all-star cast and a fascinating premise, it’s no surprise that fans are already clamoring for a sequel.
Enter Cocaine Shark, a potential follow-up that has social media users buzzing. The idea for the film came after New Zealand authorities announced the interception of 3.2 tonnes of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean, leading many to wonder what would happen if a shark were to ingest a similar amount of the drug.
Filmmaker Elizabeth Banks has confirmed that she would be interested directing Cocaine Shark, but only if the script meets two conditions. The first condition is that the story must be based on a true event, much like the original Cocaine Bear. The second condition is that the film must be socially responsible, portraying the consequences of drug use in a realistic and informative way.
“I’ve seen that. If there’s a great story, then sure,” Banks said in an interview with PEOPLE. “Jaws with cocaine? I don’t see how that loses.”
Banks’ insistence on a socially responsible script is a welcome one. While the idea of a coked-out animal may be entertaining, it’s important not to trivialize the dangers of drug use.
In real life, drug addiction can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities. By portraying these consequences in a responsible way, Cocaine Shark could serve as an important reminder of the dangers of drug use.
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Cocaine Shark After Cocaine Bear
Of course, it’s still to be seen whether Cocaine Shark will actually come to fruition. Making a movie is a complicated and expensive process, and there are many factors that could prevent the project from moving forward. However, the fact that Banks is open to the idea is a promising sign, and it’s clear that the concept has struck a chord with many people.
Banks stated in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly that she would “seriously consider” directing Cocaine Shark if the script was as good as the one for Cocaine Bear. She added that the project must have “just some great elements” to make it worth pursuing.
Banks also addressed concerns that Cocaine Shark would be too similar to Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, stating that she would want the project to be “differentiated enough” to avoid comparisons. She acknowledged that Jaws is a classic film that she would not want to be compared to.
Cocaine Bear chronicles a wild bear that ingests a large quantity of cocaine and wreaks havoc on the people around it. The film features a star-studded cast, including O’Shea Jackson Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, Alden Ehrenreich, and the late Ray Liotta.
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Cocaine Shark was proposed after New Zealand authorities intercepted 3.2 tonnes of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean. The concept of a coked-out shark has generated significant buzz on social media, and fans are eager to see if Banks will take on the project.
During the interview, Banks also mentioned that it was the script for Cocaine Bear that initially caught her attention.
“As an actor, I love reading great character journeys and this was chock-full of really fun characters woven together really beautifully by Jimmy Warden’s script,” she stated. “I really felt like there was so much that was very grounded and real but then set against the backdrop of a bear on a bender.”
Cocaine Bear is set to be released on February 24th in theaters.
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Banks
Elizabeth Banks is a highly acclaimed actress, director, and producer known for her diverse roles in film and television. Born on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Banks began her acting career in the late 1990s, making appearances in several popular TV shows such as Third Watch, Sex and the City, and Scrubs.
Banks’ breakout role came in the 2005 comedy film The 40-Year-Old Virgin, in which she played the love interest of Steve Carell’s character. She went on to achieve critical acclaim for her performances in several other hit comedies, including The Hunger Games franchise, Pitch Perfect, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
In addition to her acting work, Banks has made a name for herself as a director and producer. She had her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015, which grossed over $287 million worldwide. She also directed and produced the 2019 action-comedy Charlie’s Angels, which featured an all-female cast.
Banks has received numerous accolades for her work in the entertainment industry, including three Emmy nominations for her performance in the TV series 30 Rock. She has also been recognized for her work behind the camera, receiving a Visionary Award at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards in 2019.
Despite her success, Banks has been vocal about the challenges she has faced as a woman in Hollywood. She has been a longtime advocate for gender equality and has worked to promote opportunities for women in the entertainment industry.
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