Director Jared Hess is still processing the overwhelming response to his latest film, A Minecraft Movie, which has not only taken the box office by storm but also sparked an unexpected viral sensation among moviegoers. The movie, based on the globally popular video game Minecraft, has garnered millions in its opening weekend, but it's the audience reactions—especially the "chicken jockey" trend—that have made waves online and kept Hess glued to his phone.
A Viral Moment Like No Other: The "Chicken Jockey" Scene
The moment that has captivated audiences and sent fans into hysterics involves a scene where Jason Momoa's character, Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, enters a boxing ring to face off with what he believes is a simple chicken. But in true Minecraft fashion, the situation takes a wild turn. As the chicken rises into the ring, a tiny zombie, resembling Frankenstein's monster, drops from above, mounting the chicken to become a "chicken jockey." This moment is a direct reference to Minecraft, where rare zombie mobs sometimes ride chickens, becoming an iconic part of the game's lore. As soon as the chicken jockey makes its appearance in the film, the audience erupts into a frenzy. Jack Black's character, Steve, exclaims, "Chicken jockey!" which prompts the theater-goers—mostly teens—to shout the phrase in unison. The scene has become a moment of communal joy, with fans throwing popcorn and cheering as if attending a sports event. It’s this kind of wild, passionate reaction that has been immortalized in countless social media reaction videos, with some screenings getting so rowdy that they’ve attracted police attention.The "Bonanza" of Audience Reactions: Hess’s Late-Night Obsession
Jared Hess can’t seem to stop watching the reaction videos. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hess admits that he’s been staying up way too late, glued to his phone as fans share their hilarious and enthusiastic reactions. "It's been so bananas," Hess says. "People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie. It's so hysterical, man." Hess’s enthusiasm is evident as he describes how much fun he’s having watching the excitement unfold. Despite the late hours, Hess can’t tear himself away. His wife, he jokes, is telling him to put the phone down and get some sleep, but it’s hard to resist when you’re seeing so many fans enjoying the movie in such an unfiltered, energetic way.
The Unexpected Consequences: Police Involvement and Social Media Frenzy
One particular viral video shows a screening so rowdy that it attracts the attention of local police officers. The video, which has been widely shared across platforms, shows audience members cheering and creating chaos over the "chicken jockey" moment—so much so that the police had to step in and escort the offenders out. "It's weird when you're having too much fun and the cops get called," Hess quips, adding, "I think it's just literally cheering and throwing popcorn, which is so funny to me that cops are getting called for popcorn." The viral nature of these audience reactions is only adding to the movie's success, with A Minecraft Movie earning a staggering $157 million domestically and $301 million worldwide over its opening weekend. Hess admits that the boisterous theater responses—though sometimes disruptive—are undoubtedly part of the reason the movie is performing so well at the box office.A Unique Experience: Bringing People Back to the Cinema
Hess likens the phenomenon to the cult following of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where audience participation is part of the fun. He’s thrilled that fans are finding joy in going back to the cinemas to experience the movie together. "I’m just so happy that people are finding joy in going back to cinemas and seeing things as a community," Hess says. "We’ve become so isolated on our devices, and it’s just fun to experience things as a group of human beings." Despite the chaotic energy in the theaters, Hess emphasizes how important it is for people to come together and share in the magic of cinema. In an age dominated by streaming services and isolation through personal devices, A Minecraft Movie is proving that people still crave the communal experience of going to the theater.