A Minecraft Movie helmer addresses latest tumult surrounding the Chicken Jockey trend & he's glad viewers are 'making memories'

A Minecraft Movie was released on April 4, 2025, by Warner Bros. Pictures and grossed more than $400 million at the box office. The fantasy adventure comedy film is adapted from Minecraft, which is a video game released in 2011.

Here's the official synopsis:

Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter.

A Minecraft Movie director, Jared Hess, recently spoke about the Chicken Jockey scene that has been received with loud cheers across different theatres among the young audience. Hess said that he is glad the audience is making good memories.

A Minecraft Movie director talks about the Chicken Jockey trend

Hess spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the Chicken Jockey trend in the theatres. It's a scene where a zombie is seen riding a chicken. This is a rare phenomenon in the Minecraft video game, and the film scene has been received reportedly by disruptive and loud behavior from the younger audience members. This even led to New Jersey's Township Theatre ensuring that minors must come to the theatre with accompanying adults.

Hess spoke about it and extended his support to this trend. He said:

“It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called. 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. Yeah, it’s hilarious. I’ve seen so many funny videos. It’s great, especially when people are climbing on their friends’ shoulders and standing up and cheering for those moments. It’s like this crazy anticipation. But, man, I’m just glad people are making memories with their friends and families.”

He further added that his son Elliot is also enjoying the scene:

“It’s been so bananas. It’s been way too fun. People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie. It’s so hysterical, man. I’m staying up way too late. My wife and daughters were like, ‘Elliot! Be quiet! We’re so sick,’ because he was quoting ‘chicken jockey’ all the time… 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 produced by Roy Lee, Mary Parent, Vu Bui, Jon Berg, Jason Momoa, Cale Boyter, Jill Messick, and Torfi Frans Olafsson. It revolves around four people who get sucked into a cubical world and must befriend Steve the crafter to get out. The cast of A Minecraft Movie includes: