The recent worldwide release of “A Minecraft Movie” on April 4, 2025, has been a box office sensation, grossing well over $300 million on its opening weekend. The film’s success has come at a cost, though, with turbulent scenes in cinemas, fueled by a viral moment called the “Chicken Jockey” scene. Police had to be called at several showings, in one instance leading several kids out of the cinema because of their out-of-control reactions.
The controversy started with a particular scene in which Jack Black’s character, Steve, yells out “Chicken Jockey!” during a fight with a rare type of Minecraft mob—riding a baby zombie on a chicken. The moment, a nod to the famous online game, has become a phenomenon among fans, particularly young audiences. From eyewitness accounts, children and teenagers watching in cinemas stunned their elders by shouting, hurling popcorn, and even rising to their feet to cheer, giving showings a raucous feel.
The chaos escalated to a level where the theatre staff could no longer control the crowd, prompting police to be brought in. In at least one, officers had to stop screening and escort several children who were shouting, throwing popcorn buckets, and creating general mayhem. Videos online reveal police leading the children out of the cinema as other fans were singing along to “Na, na na na, hey, hey-ey, goodbye” by Bananarama, demonstrating how intense the scene was.
This behavior isn’t isolated. Social media platforms like TikTok and X have been flooded with clips of audiences mimicking the “Chicken Jockey” scene, with some fans waiting for the moment to throw popcorn in unison. The trend has been compared to cult classic movie screenings but has also raised concerns about cinema etiquette and safety. Some theaters, including locations in the UK, have issued warnings that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and could result in police involvement or ejection.
The “Chicken Jockey” phenomenon has turned “A Minecraft Movie” into more than just a film—it’s now a participatory event for many viewers. While some fans celebrate the excitement, others complain that the disruptions ruined their experience. For now, the film continues to draw massive crowds, but theaters are on high alert to manage the fervor surrounding this particular scene.
