A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, has not only topped box office charts with $300 million globally on its opening weekend but also sparked a viral trend around the phrase “chicken jockey.” The phenomenon, detailed in an exclusive Entertainment Weekly interview, stems from audience reactions to a key scene and has reshaped the theater experience for many.
In the Minecraft game, a “chicken jockey” is a rare pairing of a baby zombie riding a chicken. The film turns this into a comedic highlight, with Jack Black’s character, Steve, facing the odd creature in a boxing ring alongside Jason Momoa’s Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison. Black’s shout of “Chicken jockey!” has triggered varied responses, from cheers to popcorn-throwing. Hess observed, “It’s been so bananas. People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie.”
The trend started before the film’s debut. Hess noted his son Elliot and college friends obsessively quoting the line during a break. “My wife and daughters were like, ‘Elliot! Be quiet! We’re so sick,’ because he was quoting ‘chicken jockey’ all the time… but had no clue that it would then evolve into what’s been happening at theaters,” he said. Social media has fueled the fire, with videos capturing audiences chanting, some climbing on shoulders, and one incident involving police removing disruptive teens. Hess remarked, “It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called.”
Additional lines like “Water bucket, release!” and “This is a crafting table!”—prominent in trailers—have also prompted applause. However, the enthusiastic reactions have caused issues. New Jersey’s Township Theatre now mandates adult supervision for minors due to “completely unacceptable behavior, including vandalism,” with reports of messes ranging from popcorn to worse. Hess described the overall vibe as “just a bonanza,” noting the film’s role in fostering shared excitement.
With a cast featuring Momoa, Black, Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene, and Kate McKinnon voicing Alex in a post-credits cameo, the film leans heavily on Minecraft references like crafting tables and rare mobs to engage fans. The “chicken jockey” trend persists online, blending fervor with occasional controversy in theaters nationwide.
