Younger audiences attending A Minecraft Movie have been kicked out of theaters for their raucous reactions to a scene involving a "chicken jockey." Following an incident during a Saturday screening on April 5, 2025, the Township Theatre in New Jersey announced on Facebook that minors must now be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult to view the film. The movie, which premiered in theaters on April 4, 2025, features a scene where Jack Black's character sees a baby zombie fall onto the back of a chicken, prompting chaos in the audience as they screamed and threw popcorn.
The scene in question has become a viral sensation, with fans sharing videos of their exuberant reactions on social media. A chicken jockey—a baby zombie riding a chicken—is a rare occurrence in the Minecraft video game, making its appearance particularly exciting for fans. According to the Minecraft Wikipedia page, each baby zombie has a 5% chance to check for an existing chicken nearby and spawn riding it. If that chance fails, there’s another 5% chance for a new chicken to be spawned. In a chicken-free environment, the odds drop to just 0.25%.
Despite receiving a lukewarm critical reception, A Minecraft Movie has been a box office hit, grossing an impressive $163 million domestically in its opening weekend and an additional $150 million internationally. The film has sparked a TikTok trend, with audiences across the country reacting enthusiastically to the chicken jockey scene. One viewer shared, "Just got back from watching the movie myself, can confirm everyone in the theatre collectively yelled ‘CHICKEN JOCKEY’ during that moment and it was glorious ngl.”
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some cinema employees have taken to TikTok to express their frustrations with the disruptive behavior, urging viewers to refrain from throwing popcorn and causing chaos. One employee stated, "I’m a theatre employee: by throwing water, popcorn and all that onto people (which many have been doing) yall are making our jobs harder." Another added, "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just don’t be obnoxious. I worked both opening days and it has been a living nightmare. Nothing wrong with cheering during big moments but don’t be swearing."
Director Jared Hess has acknowledged the viral trend, noting that he has been staying up late watching fan videos. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he said, "It's been so bananas. It's been way too fun. People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie. It's so hysterical, man. I'm staying up way too late." Hess also commented on the absurdity of police being called to deal with rowdy audiences, saying, "It's funny because I think it's just literally cheering and throwing popcorn, which is so funny to me that cops are getting called for popcorn."
In response to the chaos, some cinemas have implemented strict policies to maintain order. The Regent Cinema in Newtown, Wales, has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behavior, while Witney Cineworld warned that offenders would be ejected from screenings. The Radway in Sidmouth echoed this sentiment, stating that anyone found participating in the trend would be removed. The Reel in Rochdale even mentioned that police would be called if necessary.
One disgruntled cinemagoer in Newtown remarked, "Quite honestly I’ve seen monkeys at Chester Zoo behave more civilised than those at the 1.45pm showing on Saturday." In a bid to channel the enthusiasm in a more controlled environment, Cineworld is hosting special showings this weekend where fans can dress up as their favorite characters and shout "chicken jockey" as they see fit.
The Township Theatre in Washington, New Jersey, has also taken action, banning unaccompanied minors following an incident on April 4, 2025. The theater reported that large groups of unsupervised boys engaged in unacceptable behavior, including vandalism. Their announcement stated, "Any minors wishing to see A Minecraft Movie MUST be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Unaccompanied groups of boys will not be admitted." They further encouraged parents to discuss their children's behavior after the incident.
As the trend continues to gain traction, the film's popularity seems unlikely to wane. The excitement surrounding the chicken jockey scene has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom are eager to relive the moment in theaters. The blend of nostalgia for the original game and the thrill of shared experiences has made A Minecraft Movie a cultural phenomenon.
With the film now showing in theaters, audiences are left wondering how long the chicken jockey trend will last and what other surprises might emerge from this unexpected cinematic experience. The buzz around A Minecraft Movie has not only captivated fans but also sparked conversations about movie etiquette and the impact of social media on the viewing experience.
