Cinemas across the country have started playing a video before screenings of A Minecraft Movie, urging audiences to be respectful and refrain from throwing popcorn. This initiative comes in response to a viral trend where younger viewers have been causing disruptions during the film, particularly when Jack Black's character, Steve, exclaims "chicken jockey" during an intense scene featuring Jason Momoa's character, Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, battling a baby zombie riding a chicken.
The chaos has escalated to such an extent that one audience member even brought a live chicken into the cinema, prompting theaters to take action. Jack Black himself made a surprise appearance at one of the screenings, humorously imploring moviegoers to behave. "Absolutely no 'chicken jockey'!" he exclaimed, addressing the crowd in a video shared on social media.
Director Jared Hess, however, seems to find the uproar amusing rather than problematic. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he stated, "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. Yeah, it's hilarious. I've seen so many funny videos. It's great, especially when people are climbing on their friends' shoulders and standing up and cheering for those moments. It's like this crazy anticipation. But, man, I'm just glad people are making memories with their friends and families." Hess's lighthearted take on the situation contrasts sharply with the reactions of some theater owners and staff, who are left to clean up the mess after showings.
The phenomenon began shortly after the film's release on April 4, 2025, which has since grossed an impressive $301 million worldwide during its opening weekend. The film has become a massive hit, leading to discussions about a potential sequel. The "chicken jockey" trend has been particularly popular among teenage audiences, who have taken to social media to share videos of their antics in theaters. Many clips show fans screaming, throwing popcorn, and even waving their phones in the air during the pivotal scene.
In response to the disruptive behavior, the Township Theatre in Washington Township, New Jersey, announced that minors must now be accompanied by an adult for future showings of A Minecraft Movie. The theater's management reported instances of vandalism and complaints from other patrons who were simply trying to enjoy the film. Co-owner David Rose recounted a conversation with the theater manager, who described the chaos, saying, "Well, it's a terrible mess. There is lotion squirted all over the place and there's a row of seats that have been pulled out of the floor."
Another chain, Megaplex, has also issued a warning, stating, "Please know that those who disrupt our guests and damage our theater will be escorted out of the theater immediately by police. We will press charges for any damage to our property." This reflects a growing concern among cinema operators about the impact of the trend on the viewing experience.
As the "chicken jockey" phenomenon continues to gain traction, some theaters have taken a more lenient approach. A cinema in Oxfordshire has reportedly created a special 'Chicken Jockey' screening for audiences who want to engage enthusiastically during the movie, while also reminding others that any anti-social behavior will not be tolerated. The management stated, "To make sure everyone has a blast, we ask that all cinemagoers respect cinema etiquette."
The term "chicken jockey" refers to a rare occurrence in the Minecraft game where a baby zombie rides on the back of a chicken. This unique feature, which has only a 0.2375% to 0.4875% chance of occurring, has become an inside joke among fans, adding to the excitement of the film's portrayal of this quirky element.
While Hess embraces the enthusiasm of fans, some theater staff are less amused by the aftermath of the chaos. The mixed reactions highlight a divide between the joy of shared experiences and the challenges of maintaining order in public spaces. As Hess noted, "Just the fact that people are making memories at the movies - that's what it's all about. I never could have anticipated this level of passion and fun and craziness that's happening."
With the film's success and the viral trend showing no signs of slowing down, it remains to be seen how theaters will continue to adapt to this new wave of moviegoing behavior. For now, audiences heading to see A Minecraft Movie should be prepared for a lively experience filled with popcorn, laughter, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
