A Minecraft Movie Director Jared Hess Calls Chaotic Screenings with Cheering, Popcorn Throwing, and Police Involvement Hilarious and Fun

A Minecraft Movie has taken theaters by storm, but not just for its box office numbers. Fans, especially younger audiences, have turned screenings into chaotic celebrations, shouting, throwing popcorn, and even prompting police calls. Director Jared Hess finds the frenzy amusing, calling it a sign people are making memories. However, theaters and some moviegoers aren’t laughing, as the rowdy trend raises concerns about safety and respect. Here’s everything you need to know about this viral craze shaking up cinemas worldwide.

What’s Happening at Screenings?

The chaos at A Minecraft Movie screenings kicked off shortly after its global release on April 4, 2025. Fans, mostly teens and tweens, have been caught on video screaming, clapping, and tossing popcorn during key scenes. The frenzy often peaks when Jack Black, playing Steve, shouts “Chicken Jockey!” as a zombie rides a chicken in a boxing ring. Other lines, like “I am Steve!” or “Water bucket, release!” also spark wild reactions, with audiences echoing the phrases and throwing snacks.

Social media, especially TikTok, has fueled the trend. Videos show theaters littered with popcorn, drinks, and even toilet paper. In one extreme case, someone reportedly brought a live chicken to a screening. Another clip captured police escorting disruptive fans out of a theater in the U.S. The behavior has spread across the UK, U.S., and beyond, with each screening seemingly trying to outdo the last.

“It’s like a popcorn massacre that happens and they’re not throwing anything, but it ends up on the ground regardless,” Jared Hess said about messy theaters.

Some fans climb on friends’ shoulders, cheering as if at a concert. While many find it fun, others, including theater staff, call it a nightmare. One UK cinema banned under-18s from evening showings unless accompanied by an adult, citing the mess and disruptions.

Why Are Fans So Excited?

A Minecraft Movie, based on the blockbuster video game by Mojang Studios, follows four misfits—Garrett (Jason Momoa), Steve (Jack Black), Dawn (Danielle Brooks), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Henry (Sebastian Hansen)—sucked into the cubic Overworld. They battle creatures like Piglins and zombies while uncovering the game’s quirky charm. The film stays true to Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic, packed with Easter eggs like creepers, crafting tables, and cameos from YouTubers Mumbo Jumbo, DanTDM, and Aphmau.

The “Chicken Jockey” scene, where Garrett faces a zombie-chicken duo, has become the heart of the chaos. Fans scream the phrase, mimicking Steve, and toss popcorn to mark the moment. Hess noted the scene’s impact early on, recalling how his son, Elliot, went wild during a test screening. The movie’s goofy humor and nostalgic nods resonate with gamers, turning theaters into interactive playgrounds.

“It’s been so bananas,” Hess said. “People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that teenagers are giving right before the movie.”

The film’s massive success—grossing $313 million worldwide in its opening weekend—shows its pull. It set a record for the biggest debut of any video game adaptation, beating out expectations. For fans, shouting and throwing popcorn feels like a way to join the Minecraft community in real life, echoing the game’s collaborative spirit.

How Does the Director Feel?

Jared Hess, known for Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, has embraced the wild reactions. He spends late nights watching fan videos, laughing at the energy. He compares the vibe to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where audiences recite lines and throw props. For him, it’s a sign people are reconnecting in theaters after years of streaming at home.

“It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called,” Hess told Entertainment Weekly. “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.”

He brushes off concerns about popcorn tossing, saying it’s harmless.

“No one’s going to get hurt from popcorn,” Hess said. “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.”

Hess sees the chaos as proof the movie is bringing people together. He’s thrilled fans are making memories, even if it means a mess.

“I’m just so happy that people are finding joy in going back to cinemas and seeing things as a community, as a group of people,” he said.

However, his comments have sparked debate. Some praise his laid-back attitude, while others say he’s ignoring the burden on theater workers.

What Are Theaters Doing?

Not every theater is on board with the party. Some have cracked down hard, issuing warnings and ejecting disruptive fans. Cineworld, a major UK chain, posted notices at its venues.

“Any form of anti-social behavior, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated,” Cineworld stated. “Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund.”

REEL Cinema in England echoed the sentiment.

“To ensure everyone has the best possible cinema experience, we’re increasing our monitoring of screens during performances,” a REEL spokesperson said. “Disruptive behavior, including taking part in TikTok trends, before, during, or after a screening will not be tolerated. Anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and where necessary, the police will be called.”

In Staffordshire, UK, a cinema banned under-18s from evening screenings after viral clips showed trashed auditoriums. An Oxfordshire theater threatened to turn off the movie if fans didn’t settle down. In the U.S., police were called to at least one screening in Alaska, where officers removed rowdy teens.

Theater workers have taken to social media, begging fans to stop.

“Theatre employee here. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just don’t be obnoxious,” one worker posted on TikTok. “I worked both opening days and it has been a living nightmare. Nothing wrong with cheering during big moments but don’t be swearing.”

Another employee described cleaning up vomit and debris, calling it “disgusting.” The backlash highlights a divide: fans see it as harmless fun, but staff and other moviegoers feel disrespected.

What’s the Bigger Picture?

The rowdy screenings have split opinions. Some compare it to sing-along events for The Eras Tour or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where audience participation is part of the charm. Others argue it crosses a line, ruining the experience for those who just want to watch the movie. The trend has also raised questions about theater policies. Could special “interactive” screenings, like those for The Gentleminions trend with Minions: The Rise of Gru, channel the energy without disrupting regular showtimes?

For now, A Minecraft Movie remains a cultural moment. Its 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes shows fans love it, despite mixed critic reviews. The chaos may even boost ticket sales, as curious teens join the viral trend. But with theaters tightening rules, the party might not last.

“This is acceptable but throwing popcorn and drinks at other people in the audience that are simply just watching the movie isn’t cool,” one user wrote on X.

Hess hasn’t commented on a sequel, but the film’s two end-credits scenes—one featuring Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene and another introducing Alex, a default game character—hint at more to come. Whether the rowdy trend continues will depend on how theaters and fans balance fun with respect.

Also Read: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Blows Away Box Office Expectations With Huge $157 Million Opening Weekend

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Sources: Entertainment Weekly, BBC News, The New York Times, Variety, The Independent

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