In recent weeks, a new trend has emerged among moviegoers in the U.S. and U.K., particularly during screenings of “A Minecraft Movie.” The phenomenon, dubbed the “Chicken Jockey” trend, has sparked both excitement and chaos in theaters, leading to some unexpected consequences.
What is a Chicken Jockey?
The Chicken Jockey is a character from the popular Minecraft video game, depicted as a baby zombie riding a chicken. In the film, this quirky character makes an appearance during a fight club scene, prompting Jack Black’s character to exclaim, “Chicken Jockey.” This moment has become a rallying point for audiences, igniting a wave of enthusiasm in theaters.
What is the Chicken Jockey trend?
The Chicken Jockey trend is straightforward yet chaotic. Participants gather in theaters, eagerly awaiting Jack Black’s line. Upon hearing “Chicken Jockey,” they erupt in unison, creating a raucous atmosphere that often leads to disorderly conduct. Reports indicate that attendees have engaged in various antics, including:
- Standing, shouting, and clapping.
- Throwing full buckets of popcorn and soda.
- Shooting off fireworks.
- Dancing with live chickens.
Has the Chicken Jockey trend happened in Georgia?
One notable instance of the Chicken Jockey trend occurred at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Following a chaotic screening, the theater shared footage of the aftermath on social media, appealing to patrons to refrain from similar behavior in the future. The theater reportedly contacted law enforcement, but many participants exited through a fire exit before officers arrived. Alexi Alvear, a theater employee, described the cleanup as a daunting task that took him three hours to complete. Theater owner Brandt Gully expressed concern over the trend, stating, “It’s a good film that people are enjoying… They just need to enjoy it the right way.”
‘A Minecraft Movie’ cast, crew react to Chicken Jockey trend
The director of “A Minecraft Movie,” Jared Hass, shared his thoughts on the trend in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He found the videos of the Chicken Jockey antics amusing, noting, “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.” Hass appreciated the joy and camaraderie that audiences are experiencing, emphasizing the importance of making memories with friends and family.
In a lighthearted response to the trend, Jack Black surprised an audience by appearing in character and humorously requesting, “For today’s presentation of ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ please no throwing popped corn, and also no lapis lazuli…and absolutely no chicken jockeys!” His playful approach resonated with fans, who greeted him with enthusiasm.
Is ‘A Minecraft Movie’ a good movie?
As of now, “A Minecraft Movie” holds a 46% rating from Rotten Tomatoes’ critics and an impressive 87% audience score. The film has garnered a Metascore of 46 and an IMDb rating of 6 out of 10. Financially, it has performed remarkably well, generating over 0 million against a production budget of 0 million.
When will ‘A Minecraft Movie’ be available to stream?
Given the popularity of the Chicken Jockey trend, many viewers may opt to wait for “A Minecraft Movie” to become available on streaming platforms. As a Warner Bros. production, it is expected to land on Max. Streaming availability typically correlates with box office performance; thus, the film’s success may delay its streaming release. According to Forbes, the earliest streaming date could be around May 19, although this may change in light of its box office achievements. Pre-orders for digital copies are already available on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.