A recent surge of enthusiasm surrounding the “chicken jockey” trend has taken cinemas by storm, particularly during screenings of A Minecraft Movie. This phenomenon, which has gained traction globally, has now reached Australian audiences, leading to a series of lively and, at times, chaotic experiences in theaters. Moviegoers have been known to erupt in cheers, tossing popcorn, flour, and even toilet paper into the air. In a particularly memorable incident, a real chicken was smuggled into a cinema, adding to the spectacle.
The disruptive nature of this trend has prompted some theaters to halt screenings, summon security, and, in certain cases, involve law enforcement. Tahlia Gass, who attended a screening in Forest Hill, Victoria, shared her experience on TikTok, showcasing the aftermath of the event, with flour and toilet paper scattered across the theater floor. “I had no idea about the trend before going in,” she recounted. “When it was the chicken jockey scene, it went crazy — popcorn was thrown, as well as toilet paper, mop signs, a 3D glasses bin, and two boys throwing some flour.” The manager had to intervene, warning participants to either watch the movie or face expulsion, while those who remained unaffected received refunds and complimentary tickets. “It was definitely an experience; I’ve never seen anything like it,” she added.
In another incident, police were called to a cinema in Erina, New South Wales, following an altercation involving two adult men and two 14-year-old boys, reportedly sparked by the popcorn-throwing antics. Brisbane Water Police confirmed they were investigating the matter. Despite receiving mixed reviews, A Minecraft Movie has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing nearly half a billion dollars in its opening weekend and surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie as the highest-grossing video game adaptation launch to date.
What is a ‘chicken jockey’?
The term “chicken jockey” originates from the popular 2011 Minecraft video game. In the game, a “chicken jockey” occurs when a baby zombie rides a chicken, akin to a horse. The movie adaptation features a scene where Jack Black’s character exclaims “chicken jockey!”—a moment that has become a cue for fans to unleash their excitement in theaters.
Why do people go off at the ‘chicken jockey’ line?
Writer and filmmaker Jamie Tram suggests that part of the motivation for this behavior stems from the desire to capture the moment on camera for social media. “On one level, it’s ironic, but there’s so many levels on which it’s operating,” noted Jason DiRosso, host of ABC Radio National’s film program, The Screen Show. The complexity of audience motivations adds layers to this phenomenon.
What do cinemas think about it?
Benjamin Zeccola, chief executive of Palace Cinemas, acknowledges the trend’s humorous aspect while recognizing the potential for disruption. “It’s quite hilarious the way it’s so communal,” he remarked. “The whole room is in on it, anticipating the moment, creating a sense of excitement.” However, he also noted the logistical challenges, including the need for additional staff and extended clean-up times. “We bought leaf mulching vacuum cleaners meant for gardeners to suck up all the popcorn,” he explained. Yet, the clean-up isn’t always straightforward; one screen will need replacing after drinks were thrown at it, incurring a cost of approximately ,000, prompting police involvement. Despite these challenges, Zeccola remains optimistic, emphasizing the trend’s role in attracting younger audiences to cinemas. “It’s pretty innocent fun,” he concluded.
How did the trend start?
Luke Goodsell, a film critic, attributes the trend’s rapid rise to social media. “Or maybe word got out early—the studio may have leaked it to key audiences,” he speculated. He believes the trend has been exaggerated online, encouraging participation from those who might not have otherwise engaged. This phenomenon highlights the power of social media in shaping audience behaviors.
When did this trend start?
The movie premiered at the beginning of April, making this trend relatively new. However, DiRosso points out that audience participation has historical roots. “This is a fascinating example of the memeification of film culture,” he explained. “It’s a long-standing tradition for certain films to inspire a more active cinema-going experience, where audiences feel compelled to interact with the film.” He drew parallels to other recent trends, such as themed dress-up events for films like Barbie and sing-along screenings for musicals like Wicked.
Viral speed of trend catches people off-guard
The scenes unfolding in some cinemas have drawn comparisons to cult classics like The Room, where audience members engage in playful antics during specific moments. Tram noted that audience participation can be enjoyable when expectations are clear for both patrons and cinema staff. “The point of audience participation in these films isn’t just to record your friends causing mayhem—it’s about celebrating the culture that has evolved around those movies,” she said. Unlike special events for films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where audience behavior is anticipated, the “chicken jockey” trend has emerged with remarkable speed, leaving some moviegoers unaware of the unfolding chaos.
What does this say about the future of cinema?
While there are drawbacks, such as the burden of clean-up, Goodsell believes that anything encouraging audiences, especially younger viewers, to attend cinemas is a positive development. However, concerns linger regarding whether studios will respond by shifting towards more interactive, audience-participation screenings. Tram expressed apprehension that the industry might misinterpret the trend, leading to an increased focus on nostalgia and fan-service moments. Nevertheless, the film industry has an opportunity to learn valuable lessons from the “chicken jockey” phenomenon, particularly about the importance of fostering communal experiences that cannot be replicated through online streaming.
