As the unexpected success of “A Minecraft Movie” continues to unfold, the reactions within theaters across the nation have become a spectacle in their own right. The phenomenon, dubbed the “Chicken Jockey” trend, has captivated audiences as fans share videos of their exuberant responses to a beloved character from the game. This often involves children tossing popcorn and hoisting friends onto their shoulders, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of midnight screenings filled with fervor and excitement.
Director’s Perspective on Audience Reactions
Theater owners are finding themselves in a unique position, needing to manage the enthusiastic chaos that accompanies these screenings. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Jared Hess expressed his support for this lively trend, emphasizing the importance of letting kids enjoy themselves without the interference of law enforcement. “It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called,” Hess remarked. “It’s funny because I think it’s just literally cheering and throwing popcorn, which is so funny to me that cops are getting called for popcorn.”
Hess finds joy in the memories being created among friends and families during these screenings. “I’m just glad people are making memories with their friends and families,” he added, reflecting on the shared experiences that have emerged from the film’s release.
While Hess doesn’t have to contend with the aftermath of the energetic audiences, he has been enjoying the wave of support for the film. Fans continue to post videos capturing the excitement in theaters, and Hess has been actively watching these clips. “It’s been so bananas. It’s been way too fun,” he shared, noting the amusing speeches teenagers have been delivering before the movie starts. “It’s so hysterical, man. I’m staying up way too late.”
Interestingly, Hess initially found the “Chicken Jockey” trend somewhat annoying before the film’s release, largely due to his college-aged son, Elliot, who frequently shouted the phrase at home. “My wife and daughters were like, ‘Elliot! Be quiet! We’re so sick,’ because he was quoting ‘chicken jockey’ all the time,” Hess recalled. “But we had no clue that it would then evolve into what’s been happening at theaters. It’s just a bonanza.”
“A Minecraft Movie” is currently in theaters from Warner Bros. Pictures.
