Jack Black has recently made headlines with his memorable “chicken jockey” line in “A Minecraft Movie.” However, the beloved comedian and star of “School of Rock” has expressed his disapproval of the unruly fan behavior that has erupted in theaters and on social media. Over the weekend, Black surprised an audience at a screening of the film, urging viewers to maintain decorum during the show, as captured in a video shared by the Hollywood Handle.
In a playful twist, Black adopted the voice of a theater spokesperson, advising fans, “For today’s presentation of ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ please no throwing popped corn.” He humorously added, “And also no lapis lazuli. And absolutely no…,” before enthusiastically shouting, “chicken jockeys!”
As he introduced himself to the eager young audience, Black referenced his character from the Warner Bros. adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, declaring, “I am Steve.” He showcased a prop pickaxe and energized the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm before the film commenced.
The reason behind Black’s popcorn disclaimer became clear as videos surfaced online depicting chaotic scenes from various screenings. Fans were seen throwing objects, cheering loudly, and reveling in the excitement during a pivotal moment in the film where Black and Jason Momoa’s characters face off against a blocky baby zombie riding a cubist chicken—aptly named a “chicken jockey.”
Since its inception over a decade ago, the “Minecraft” franchise has inspired a plethora of memes, with the unique combination of a chicken and a zombie being a cherished inside joke among fans. The film’s reference to this lore has only amplified its popularity.
Numerous viral clips captured the frenzy of moviegoers during the “chicken jockey” scene, with audiences flashing their phone lights, tossing popcorn and drinks toward the screen, and cheering throughout the action. In one particularly striking video, a masked attendee was seen balancing a live chicken while perched on another moviegoer’s shoulders.
The aftermath of such exuberance has placed additional responsibilities on theater staff, who are often left to manage the mess and remind audiences to refrain from throwing items at the screen. In some instances, police have had to intervene to escort unruly patrons out of the theater. Beyond the chaos surrounding the “chicken jockey” moment, some “Minecraft” fans have taken it upon themselves to personalize their viewing experiences with pre-show speeches.
Director Jared Hess, known for his work on “Nacho Libre” and “Napoleon Dynamite,” shared his thoughts with Entertainment Weekly, stating, “It’s been way too fun.” He expressed amusement at the situation, noting, “I find it funny that cops are getting called for popcorn.” Hess emphasized the importance of shared experiences, saying, “I’m just glad people are making memories with their friends and families.”
On its opening weekend, “A Minecraft Movie” achieved remarkable success, grossing a record-breaking 7 million domestically and 4 million internationally. This action-comedy has emerged as a frontrunner in Hollywood’s ongoing trend of video game adaptations, surpassing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” to become the highest-grossing film in this category.
In her review, Times critic Amy Nicholson described “A Minecraft Movie” as “essentially a meathead version of ‘The Wizard of Oz.'” The film features a star-studded cast, including Black, Momoa, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks.
