‘Chicken jockey’? The viral moment causing ‘Minecraft’ theater disruptions

• “A Minecraft Movie” dominated the box office with a $163 million domestic opening weekend, becoming the biggest debut of 2025 and the most successful video game adaptation in history. The film’s now-viral “chicken jockey” scene has sparked loud audience reactions, disruptions, and even police involvement in theaters worldwide.
• The chaos prompted theaters to increase monitoring during screenings, with some issuing warnings against disruptive behavior and filming reactions.
• The trend draws comparisons to disruptions during “Wicked” screenings, where fan singalongs led theaters to enforce bans to maintain order.

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“A Minecraft Movie” is dominating the box office and sparking chaos in theaters worldwide. One moment in particular has fans cheering, recording and, in one case, being escorted out by police.

Theaters are seeing unexpected behavior tied to the film’s now-viral “chicken jockey” moment. The phrase refers to a deep-cut reference for longtime players of the game, of a baby zombie riding a chicken, one of the rarest mobs in Minecraft.

The moment takes off when Jack Black’s character yells “chicken jockey” in the movie. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter egg, but fans are reacting loudly. Videos on TikTok show moviegoers screaming, throwing popcorn, and capturing the moment on their phones like it’s a concert.

One viral TikTok from @salesmenpod shows a packed theater erupting during the scene. Just a few seconds later, the same clip cuts to fans being escorted out by police as the crowd sings, “Hey, hey, hey, goodbye.” That video now has nearly two million likes.

Box office success and unexpected side effects

Beyond the viral reactions, “A Minecraft Movie” had a massive debut. It brought in $163 million domestically during its opening weekend. That makes it the biggest movie debut of 2025 so far and the most successful video game adaptation in history.

But the disruptions are becoming just as much a headline. What started as enthusiastic fandom is now prompting some theaters to step in.

Warnings and comparisons to ‘Wicked’

Disruptive audience behavior isn’t new. Just months ago, theaters had to post rules banning fans from singing along to songs during “Wicked.” Now that movie is streaming on Peacock, where fans can sing freely without risking removal.

In response to the Minecraft madness, some theaters are issuing official warnings. One UK-based cinema, REEL Cinema, told the Daily Echo they are increasing monitoring during screenings.

“To ensure everyone has the best possible cinema experience, we’re increasing our monitoring of screens during performances,” a spokesperson said. “Disruptive behaviour, including taking part in TikTok trends, before, during, or after a screening will not be tolerated. Anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and where necessary, the police will be called.”

Another theater in Scotland is taking it a step further — warning fans not only to stay respectful but to avoid filming reactions altogether. The trend is growing fast, and cinemas around the world are watching closely.