A Minecraft Movie has exploded in popularity outside theatres thanks to the now-infamous “chicken jockey” scene—and the director has finally spoken out.
For the uninitiated, A Minecraft Movie is the biggest box office hit of the year. After just one week in theatres, the film has grossed US$343 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie is based on Minecraft, the hit sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios, and follows real-life characters who are transported into the blocky world of Minecraft, Jumanji-style.
The film has continually grown in popularity due to the immense popularity of the video game and scenes like the now viral ‘chicken jockey’ scene have also helped A Minecraft Movie stay on top of the box office. Actress Jennifer Coolidge even declared her romance in A Minecraft Movie was smouldering in an interview with BBC Radio. She stated that her on-screen romance with the inaudible villager in the film, Nitwit “was just like fire”. The ‘chicken jockey’ scene has since erupted on the internet due to moviegoer behaviour during the scene.
The scene in question features an adorable pairing—a Minecraft chicken and a baby zombie. In it, the zombie saddles up the chicken like a horse. Jack Black’s character, Steve, then shouts, “Chicken Jockey!” What follows in real life has become a viral sensation: in many theatres, younger fans scream and toss popcorn into the air, with adults sometimes joining in.
The popularity of the scene has grown so large that USA Today reports some moviegoers have taken it a step further, even bringing live chickens into theatres in honour of the moment. Police have been called on more than one occasion due to the behaviour.
Today, the director of A Minecraft Movie, Jared Hess, responded to the chaos surrounding the “chicken jockey” scene. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Hess said: “It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called.”
He continued: “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.”
While A Minecraft Movie continues to surge at the box office, fans should do themselves a favour and leave the chicken (and feathers) at home.
