Minecraft movie director defends ‘Chicken Jockey’ chaos: “No one’s going to get hurt from popcorn”
The most famous Minecraft meme is creating chaos in theaters across the country.

Reports of police calls, popcorn spills, soda stains, and even a chicken in the theater—these are just some of the reactions tied to ’A Minecraft Movie’, particularly during the infamous Chicken Jockey scene. The viral meme from the game has hit the big screen, delighting fans and sparking unexpected pandemonium. Jared Hess, the film’s director, has taken the chaos in stride and defended the audience’s reactions with humor.
Jared Hess addresses the viral madness
“It’s way too funny,” Jared Hess shared in an interview with The New York Times. “It’s been a total blast. I’m just laughing my brains out every time someone sends me a new video. Just the fact that people are making memories at the movies — that’s what it’s all about. That’s why we do it. I never could have anticipated this level of passion and fun and craziness that’s happening.”
When asked about the rowdy behavior in theaters, Hess commented:
“No one’s going to get hurt from popcorn.”
He added, “Look, when I go to the movies with my kids, it’s like a popcorn massacre that happens and they’re not throwing anything, but it ends up on the ground, regardless.”
Audience reactions: fun or too far?
Not everyone is thrilled about the chaos. Critics on gaming forums have pointed out the impact on theater staff and other viewers:
- “It’s embarrassing,” wrote one user.
- “No one thinks about the person who has to clean up that mess. It’s not their job to clean an entire theater because of intentional food-throwing,” another added.
For now, the craze continues to spread as the Chicken Jockey moment inspires fans to take things to extremes.
What is a ‘Chicken Jockey’?
The Chicken Jockey is a rare occurrence in Minecraft. There’s a 5% chance that when a chicken spawns, it will have a baby zombie riding it like a mount. This quirky mob is a unicorn of the game and became a legend among players, eventually turning into a viral meme. Its inclusion in the movie is a playful nod to the game’s fanbase.
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