History of The Country Bears in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

The Country Bears, a 2002 musical road comedy film by Walt Disney Pictures, centers on Beary Barrington, voiced by Haley Joel Osment, an adopted bear cub who discovers his origins and embarks on a journey to reunite the legendary Country Bears band for a benefit concert. The film features Christopher Walken as the antagonist, along with Daryl Mitchell and Diedrich Bader in supporting roles. The movie draws inspiration from the Country Bear Jamboree Disney theme park attraction and incorporates a blend of humor and music as Beary navigates challenges to bring the band back together.

1991: The Country Bears Disband

In 1991, the country rock band The Country Bears, consisting of anthropomorphic bears, disbanded after years of popularity.

1997: Release of Tower of Terror

In 1997, Tower of Terror was released as a television film based on an attraction.

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2000: Release of Mission to Mars

In 2000, Mission to Mars was released theatrically.

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March 15, 2001: Start of Filming for The Country Bears

Filming for The Country Bears began on March 15, 2001, in Franklin, Tennessee, and various locations in California.

August 21, 2001: End of Filming for The Country Bears

Filming for The Country Bears concluded on August 21, 2001.

October 5, 2001: The Country Bears Trailer Release

On October 5, 2001, the first trailer for The Country Bears was released, attached to Max Keeble's Big Move in theaters.

November 10, 2001: Daryl Mitchell's Motorcycle Accident

On November 10, 2001, Daryl Mitchell was involved in a motorcycle accident, which resulted in paraplegia. This was eight months before the theatrical release of The Country Bears and his last film role.

July 26, 2002: Theatrical Release of The Country Bears

On July 26, 2002, "The Country Bears" was released theatrically in the United States.

December 17, 2002: VHS and DVD Release of The Country Bears

On December 17, 2002, The Country Bears was released on VHS and DVD.

2002: Release of The Country Bears film

In 2002, Walt Disney Pictures released "The Country Bears", a musical road comedy film directed by Peter Hastings, based on the Disney theme park attraction Country Bear Jamboree.