"Minecraft" Movie Viewings Descend Into Chaos Over Rare "Chicken Jockey" Scene

The new "Minecraft" movie, despite mixed reviews, has become a box office hit, but some screenings have been marred by disruptive behaviour from younger audiences. The Township Theatre in New Jersey issued a new policy requiring minors to be accompanied by adults after unruly reactions to a specific scene involving a "chicken jockey"-a baby zombie riding a chicken.

The scene, featuring Jack Black's character encountering the rare in-game phenomenon, has triggered outbursts in theatres across the country, with viewers screaming, clapping, and throwing popcorn. For "Minecraft" players, the chicken jockey is a well-known and incredibly rare event in the game, occurring with very low probability.

Watch the video here: 

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

The Minecraft Wikipedia describes the chicken jockey as an extremely rare event that is only 0.25% if there is no chicken and 0.4875% if chickens are present.

While some moviegoers have celebrated the shared excitement, cinema employees have taken to social media to urge viewers to refrain from causing chaos and making excessive noise. 

"I'm a theatre employee: by throwing water, popcorn and all that onto people (which many have been doing), you all are making our jobs harder," said one person on TikTok. 

Poor cinema workers: Minecraft fans grab giant bags of popcorn before the movie and spill them in the theater when Jack Black yells "Chicken Jockey"

All AD must be removed promptly before the next session begins, where they do the same thing. pic.twitter.com/Pv9YoHNhvh

— 𝕏 Ali Al Samahi 🇦🇪علي السماحي (@ali_alsama7i) April 9, 2025

"Theatre employee here. 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 another on social media and TikTok.

Despite the controversy, "A Minecraft Movie" has grossed over $300 million worldwide in its opening weekend.