
'Chicken Jockey' Chaos Leads to New Theatre Rules Following 'Minecraft Movie' Madness
2025-04-08
Author: Jessica Wong
In a surprising turn of events during the highly anticipated screenings of "A Minecraft Movie," a troubling trend known as the "chicken jockey" phenomenon has sparked chaos, leading to new regulations at cinemas. A New Jersey cinema, the Township Theater in Washington Township, has announced a ban on unaccompanied minors after a disruptive incident unfolded involving a group of unsupervised boys.
The mischief occurred on Friday night and included behaviors labeled as "completely unacceptable," such as vandalism and loud disruptions during the film's crucial moments. As a consequence, the theater confirmed that any child attending the movie must be accompanied by an adult, stating, "Unaccompanied groups of boys will not be admitted."
In a public message shared on Facebook, Township Theater urged parents to engage in discussions with their children about the importance of respectful behavior in public spaces. The theater expressed their commitment to fostering a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for all patrons.
The movie, which premiered on Friday, is based on the beloved video game and features A-list stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa. As film screenings kicked off, a trend began circulating online, showcasing scenes where audiences erupted into frenzied excitement each time Jack Black’s character uttered the term "chicken jockey."
For context, a "chicken jockey" refers to a humorous character from Minecraft: a zombie riding a chicken, instantly becoming a crowd favorite as Black's character revels in the absurdity of the moment. Video clips from theaters throughout the U.S. depict moviegoers shouting "chicken jockey," leaping from their seats, and tossing popcorn into the air, which ultimately led to certain attendees being escorted out for their unruly antics.
Across the pond, Cineworld, a popular cinema chain in the UK, issued its own warning, stating that patrons who disrupt screenings will be ejected without the possibility of refunds. To accommodate the exuberant fans wanting to express their excitement during the film, they announced that special "Chicken Jockey 4DX" screenings would be available at locations nationwide, designed to embrace the spirited atmosphere.
Despite the chaos, the movie has proven to be a massive success, with a phenomenal global opening of $301 million, including $144.1 million from international audiences alone, as reported by Deadline. As the buzz continues, theaters are grappling with ensuring a balance between the electrifying enjoyment of fans and maintaining public decorum.