A Minecraft Movie director Jared Hess has responded to the viral ‘chicken jockey’ trend after it emerged some movie theaters are now banning unaccompanied children.
In the movie, which arrived in theaters on Friday, Jack Black’s character sees a baby zombie fall onto the back of a chicken and shouts “chicken jockey!”, causing theater-goers to erupt into chaos by screaming or throwing popcorn.
For those wondering, a chicken jockey — a baby zombie riding a chicken — is an extremely rare phenomenon in the game.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hess said he’s been staying up into the night watching videos of fans reacting to that and other moments from the film.
“It’s been so bananas,” he said. “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.”
On Sunday, the Township Theatre in New Jersey issued a statement on Facebook announcing that minors attending screenings of A Minecraft Movie must be “accompanied by a parent or responsible adult,” following “an unfortunate situation” that took place during a Saturday showing.
Fans across the country have been so exuberant that one viral video showed police being called to a screening to deal with particularly rowdy cinemagoers.
“It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called,” said Hess.
“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.”
Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, the movie has been a smash box office success, collecting a blockbuster $163 million in its opening weekend domestically, as well as an additional $150 million from outside the U.S.
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On social media, numerous fans shared that they had witnessed, or participated in, outbursts over the chicken jockey scene in theaters.
“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,” wrote one.
In contrast, some cinema employees on TikTok have been urging viewers not to cause chaos in the screenings and to refrain from making a mess.
“Theatre employee here. 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,” said one user.
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