The Minecraft film has accomplished something more than pull in enormous box office figures—it’s caused a viral phenomenon within cinemas. Projected to pull in more than $140 million in domestic ticket sales in its opening weekend alone and more than $100 million worldwide, the film’s achievement is not limited to being screen-based but even extends to having a cultural pull.
The ‘Chicken Jockey’ Frenzy
The surprise craze started with a humorous moment showcased in the trailer: Jack Black as the voice of Steve yells ‘Chicken jockey!’ in a ridiculously silly fight scene. He and Jason Momoa’s characters battle a Minecraft-themed chicken ridden by another character, a nod to one of the most popular aspects of the video game.
The short and unusual line had a instant hit with fans. The moment since gained a life of its own, with viewers at the movie theatre chiefly young viewers, shouting ‘Chicken jockey!’ out loud whenever the line is quoted in the movie. The instant response has evolved into a trend sparked by TikTok, as social media floods with videos showing the entire crowds shouting and laughing in unison.
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Theatre Mayhem Brings Police Onstage
While the trend has introduced a new degree of fan interaction, it’s also created some unforeseen disturbances. In one especially unruly screening, the audience’s boisterous response to the scene reached such a fever pitch that law enforcement had to intervene. Police were reportedly summoned to the theater after patrons got too rowdy during the notorious ‘Chicken jockey’ scene, according to social media accounts.
Online videos recorded the moment when officers led a number of people out of the theatre, which was followed by applause from the rest of the audience.