A Minecraft Movie, Warner Bros' film adaptation of the immensely popular video game, is causing chaos at cinemas worldwide due to a new viral trend.
In the last few days, dozens of videos have emerged online where film screenings have descended into carnage when actor Jack Black yells “Chicken Jockey,” prompting viewers to leap from their seats and throw popcorn buckets in the air much to other viewers' amusement (or frustration).
According to Entertainment Weekly, some screenings have been so chaotic that police officers were called in to calm the crowds. Other theatres have also issued warnings and disclaimers at the start of the film, reminding viewers to be on their best behaviour.
While the film’s creators have welcomed the excitement among youngsters heading to the cinema, those braving the pictures in the coming days have been warned: get ready to protect yourselves from a shower of popcorn.
So what is the ‘chicken jockey’ trend? And what can you expect if you’re heading to the cinema to watch the Minecraft movie?
Out of all the Chicken Jockey reactions, This one’s crazy.. #Minecraft #MinecraftMovie #chickenjockey pic.twitter.com/gTXmbAOXHq
— Cinephly (@saichndra) April 10, 2025
What does ‘chicken jockey’ mean?
A chicken jockey is a rare feature in the Minecraft game in which a baby zombie rides on the back of a chicken.
It’s a particularly unusual feature because zombie appearances only happen at night, and it’s even rarer for it to be a baby zombie and to be close enough to a chicken for the phenomenon to occur.
Minecraft Wiki describes how rare these instances are: “Each spawned zombie has a 5% chance of spawning as a baby. In a chicken-free environment, each baby has a 4.75% chance of spawning as a chicken jockey, for a total 0.2375% chance for each spawned zombie of spawning as a chicken jockey; if chickens are present, the chance increases to 0.4875%.”
The ‘chicken jockey’ in A Minecraft Movie
Not the disclaimer before the minecraft movie this has gone too far 🫡💀 pic.twitter.com/rjVoV6Bmxs
— Jessa (@ScaredGirlTweet) April 13, 2025
Given this incident's rarity, it comes as a nice surprise for viewers of the new box office hit when it appears on cinema screens. Fuelled by the viral videos on social media, it’s seemingly become hard for teenage viewers to resist.
In the scene in question, Jason Momoa is staring down a chicken in a boxing ring when a trap door opens from the ceiling, and a baby zombie drops on its back.
Black’s character yells “chicken jockey” moments later, usually triggering the crowds of teenagers to leap in the air and throw their snacks around the theatre. In one instance, a reveller even brought a live chicken into the screening.
the minecraft movie is truly one of the worst movies i’ve ever seen but the universal reaction to “chicken jockey” im seeing made it all worth it. pic.twitter.com/0mxgliSYEp
— ollie 🧡🤍🩷 (@ollie_twt) April 5, 2025
What is the reaction to the ‘chicken jockey’ effect
There has been a mixed reaction to this new movie phenomenon, with some welcoming that young people are heading to the cinema and actively participating in the experience.
A Minecraft Movie filmmaker, Jared Hess, told Entertainment Weekly: “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."
Diabolical movie night pic.twitter.com/S2gIqXVcuZ
— E (@ElijahSchaffer) April 8, 2025
However, some cinema bosses and their cleaning teams, don’t seem as impressed. Others on social media suggesting it was ‘not funny’ for cinema staff that need to tidy up afterward.
A cinema in Oxfordshire reportedly created a special ‘Chicken Jockey’ screening for people who want to be loud during the movie, while reminding other viewers: "Any form of anti-social behaviour, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated.
"Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund."
“To make sure everyone has a blast, we ask that all cinemagoers respect cinema etiquette.”
