A Minecraft Movie has been a huge hit in theaters, but one goofy meme from the film is overshadowing all of its box office success.

While fans have embraced the absurd performances from Jack Black and Jason Momoa, it’s a split-second cameo featuring a baby zombie riding a chicken that’s sending teen audiences into absolute chaos. The Chicken Jockey, a rare and obscure Minecraft mob, has become the unlikely center of a viral eruption.

Across social media, and increasingly inside theaters, teens are reacting with wild enthusiasm-chanting, throwing popcorn, filming reenactments and, in some cases, prompting theaters to issue warnings or cancel showings altogether. What started as a deep-cut reference has exploded into a cultural flashpoint.

Jack Black, who stars as lead character Steve in the movie, took the opportunity to address the controversial meme and crazy behavior on Sunday, surprising moviegoers at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles with a personal appearance. Black jokingly warned the crowd not to throw «popped corn» before pumping his trusty pickaxe and high-fiving fans across the theater.

The Chicken Jockey has gone from niche in-game trivia to a full-blown pop culture icon and the source of real-world havoc. But what exactly is this strange little character, where did it come from, and how did it become the chaotic heartbeat of the movie?

What is a Minecraft Chicken Jockey?

A Minecraft Chicken Jockey is a rare hostile mob (Minecraft lingo for monster) in the game, formed when a baby zombie appears riding a chicken. It’s one of the stranger and less common creatures in Minecraft, and because of its rarity, it’s a fan-favorite Easter egg for veteran players. 

In the 2025 Minecraft movie, the Chicken Jockey makes a brief but memorable appearance. The film references its rarity, and that relatively small scene has exploded online, especially among fans who recognize the deep-cut reference.

What is the Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie?

The Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie isn’t very long or important. In reality, it’s probably worth little more than a chuckle. But people absolutely love it. And it’s easily understood without having seen the movie. For context, at one point, Garrett «The Garbage Man» Garrison (played by Momoa) is forced into a boxing ring with a chicken.

«They want me to fight the chicken,» he states, while a baby zombie drops down from a crate lowered from the ceiling. The grinning zombie lands on the chicken while giggling.

«Chicken Jockey!» a wary Steve (played by Jack Black) warns, as the baby zombie coos and charges at Garrison, knocking him into the ropes. And scene. 

Why did the Chicken Jockey scene go viral?

For Minecraft fans, this is a rare and oddly satisfying Easter egg. This mob isn’t seen often in-game, so it was a fun, tongue-in-cheek nod to those in the know.

Moviegoers have reported rather rowdy experiences at screenings, with fans singing and chanting along with the characters, especially with this scene. We’ve seen stories of spontaneous applause, kids chanting «Chicken Jockey!» and makeshift cosplay. But it’s only escalated from there.

The viral moment hit a new level when @DiscussingFilm posted to X (formerly Twitter), reporting that police had to remove several kids from a theater during a Minecraft screening due to their response to the Chicken Jockey’s appearance. The crowd erupted into such loud cheering, shouting and laughter that the screening was disrupted, and staff called the police to restore order. 

It appears the trend is picking up steam across the country and at various screenings, with social media evidence to show popcorn being thrown at screens, loud screaming and other disruptive behavior. Put simply, Chicken Jockey has people freaking out. 

Minecraft Chicken Jockey merchandise: Popcorn buckets, Lego sets and more

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Minecraft Chicken Jockey is driving a remarkable wave of merchandise demand. Fans are scrambling for collectibles ranging from exclusive theater popcorn buckets to McDonald’s toys.

One of the most sought-after items is the Cinemark-exclusive popcorn bucket and drink cup, which features the Chicken Jockey and is only available in limited quantities. It’s already being resold for as much as $150 on eBay. The trend extends to Lego as well. The Lego Minecraft Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring includes a Chicken Jockey minifigure, and fans have been quick to buy it following the movie’s release.

McDonald’s has also released Minecraft toys through its adult meal promotions, though the Chicken Jockey doesn’t appear in the standard Happy Meal lineup. Some adult meals come with boxed collectibles tied to the film, and photos have circulated online, but no direct retail link exists for the Chicken Jockey toy at this time. It’s clear that, at least for now, Chicken Jockey merchandise has become one of the year’s most unexpected movie collectible trends.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword stumped me with 5-Across, where the clue is «Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?» Think about the second meanings each of those names have, and cut «Betty» to just «Bet,» and you’ll get the answer. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Say whether you’ll go
Answer: RSVP

5A clue: Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?
Answer: POKER

6A clue: ___ acid
Answer: AMINO

7A clue: Beginning of a joke
Answer: SETUP

8A clue: Mix, as a salad
Answer: TOSS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Doomed Shakespearean lover
Answer: ROMEO

2D clue: Short comedic performances
Answer: SKITS

3D clue: Planet shrouded in toxic clouds that smell like rotten eggs
Answer: VENUS

4D clue: Support, with «up»
Answer: PROP

5D clue: «I’m never going back, the ___ is in the ___» (lyric from «Let It Go»)
Answer: PAST

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Samsung has paused the global rollout of its AI-driven One UI interface after a bug prevented some customers from unlocking their phones. The pause, flagged earlier by frequent Samsung leaker Ice Universe, appears to have affected Samsung Galaxy S24 models receiving the update in South Korea. People who upgraded to One UI 7 (aka Android 15) reported repeated issues unlocking their phones.

The company has since pulled the update across all Galaxy models and regions, likely as a precautionary measure. Samsung told CNET that the software’s «new timing and availability will be shared shortly.»

«The One UI 7 rollout schedule is being updated to ensure the best possible experience,» Samsung added.

Samsung began rolling out the One UI 7 update to Galaxy phones and tablets on April 7, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Other devices were expected to follow soon.

One UI 7 introduces a redesigned interface built around AI, offering people more personalization and control. The software uses artificial intelligence to help edit videos, write messages and suggest places to go for dinner.

The move comes as tech companies race to embed more AI features into mobile devices, turning them into smarter personal assistants that can help complete everyday tasks.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at market research firm Creative Insights, noted that most consumers are still only experimenting with AI and not buying devices based on its promise.

«While I am sure Samsung could have done without the bug, I doubt this will have a long-term impact on Galaxy AI uptake or consumers’ interest in Samsung,» she told CNET. «Better pull the update than disjoint customers with an experience that is not great.»