Cinema-goers have been issued with a pretty stern warning about partaking in the seriously bizarre 'Chicken Jockey' trend as the new A Minecraft Movie causes chaos across theatres worldwide.
People were clearly absolutely stoked to watch the adventure-action flick, which was just released last week (4 April), featuring stars the likes of Aquaman's Jason Momoa, School of Rock's Jack Black and White Lotus icon Jennifer Coolidge.
There's a bit of a cult following surrounding Minecraft and, specifically, the notion of a 'chicken jockey', which is basically a baby zombie riding a chicken - something deemed an extremely rare phenomenon in the game.
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It's the craze around the whole 'chicken jockey' business, which has sparked an avalanche of posts across social media showing footage of cinema audiences cheering, throwing popcorn and shouting out during the film - particularly during one scene of the film where Black calls out 'chicken jockey' after seeing a baby zombie riding a chicken, a clip seen in the trailer released last month.
Check out the official trailer here:
It's all a bit bizarre, I know.
Some people clearly find the trend hilarious with one viewer writing: "My theatre clapped every time Jack Black name dropped a Minecraft item that was in the trailers, and when he said Chicken Jockey I s*** you not the entire row in front of me gave a standing ovation."
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"Just got back from watching the movie myself, can confirm everyone in the theatre collectively yelled 'CHICKEN JOCKEY' during that moment and it was glorious ngl," beamed a second.
Others, however, couldn't have disagreed more with a third hitting out: "I’m a theatre employee: by throwing water, popcorn and all that onto people (which many have been doing) y'all are making our jobs harder."
And a final cinema-goer urged: "Theatre employee here. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just don’t be obnoxious I worked both opening days and it has been a living nightmare. Nothing wrong with cheering during big moments but don’t be swearing."
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The trend has become such a thing that cinemas are actually having to now come forward to issue warnings against going all-out for the now-viral 'chicken jockey' moment.
A spokesperson for REEL cinema in Fareham told the Daily Echo: "To ensure everyone has the best possible cinema experience, we’re increasing our monitoring of screens during performances.
"Disruptive behaviour, including taking part in TikTok trends, before, during, or after a screening will not be tolerated.
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"Anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and where necessary, the police will be called."
Meanwhile, Witney Cineworld likewise said that offenders would be ejected: "Any form of antisocial behaviour, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated. Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund.”
And the Radway Cinemas in Sidmouth posted a similar warning on social media, saying: "Anyone found taking part in the current social media trend involving A Minecraft Movie will be removed from the cinema. We wish for our customers to enjoy the experience they have paid for."
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A Minecraft Movie is currently available to watch in selected cinemas.
Topics: TV And Film, Cinema, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram
Rhiannon Ingle