Technologies
Why Chicken Jockey Chaos Is Taking Over Minecraft Movie Screenings
Teens are going absolutely wild over a surprise Minecraft movie cameo.

A Minecraft Movie, based on the popular game, is generating more than laughs. It’s unleashing full-blown chaos in theaters, thanks to one unexpected star: the Chicken Jockey.
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 mayhem. 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.
In just days, 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.
Police had to kick several kids out of the theater during a ‘MINECRAFT’ showing after their reaction to the ‘Chicken Jockey’ scene
Read our review: https://t.co/uuggEo3o94 pic.twitter.com/pZD9eywVjt— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 6, 2025
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.
Technologies
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Technologies
How the Federal Reserve Actually Affects Mortgage Rates
Experts predict the Fed won’t start cutting rates until the fall at the earliest. That means we’re not likely to see mortgage rates drop below 6.5% for a while.
If you tracked the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions last year, you might have been puzzled: The Fed’s three interest rate cuts didn’t bring about lower mortgage rates. In fact, the average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan has hovered around 6.8% for the past several months.
The Fed’s interest rate decisions don’t have a direct or immediate effect on home loan rates. Often, what the central bank says about its future plans can move the market more than its actual rate changes.
On Wednesday, the Fed is expected to hold off on cutting interest rates for the fifth time this year. While mortgage rates might see some ups and downs, many economists think they’ll stay pretty much the same — between 6.5% and 7% — until the economic outlook is clearer.
«Prospective homebuyers should know markets are forward-looking, and changes in mortgage rates can happen well in advance if markets can anticipate it,» said Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow. «While a July cut is unlikely, markets are closely watching for signals about a possible September reduction,» Ng said.
All eyes will be on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting remarks. If Powell signals concerns about lingering inflation or the chance of fewer cuts, bond yields and mortgage rates are likely to climb. If he expresses optimism about inflation being under control and hints at ongoing policy easing, mortgage rates could dip.
Here’s what you need to know about how the government’s interest rate policy influences your home loan.
What is the Federal Reserve’s relationship to mortgage rates?
The Fed sets and oversees US monetary policy under a dual mandate to maintain price stability and maximum employment. It does this largely by adjusting the federal funds rate, the rate at which banks borrow and lend their money.
When the economy weakens and unemployment rises, the Fed lowers interest rates to encourage spending and propel growth, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It does the opposite when inflation is high. For example, the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by more than five percentage points between early 2022 and mid-2023, to slow price growth by curbing consumer borrowing and spending.
Changes in the cost of borrowing set off a slow chain reaction that eventually affects mortgage rates and the housing market, as banks pass along the Fed’s rate hikes or cuts to consumers through longer-term loans, including home loans.
Yet, because mortgage rates respond to several economic factors, it’s not uncommon for the federal funds rate and mortgage rates to move in different directions for some time.
Why is the Fed postponing interest rate cuts?
After making three interest rate cuts in 2024, the Fed has been in a holding pattern throughout 2025. President Trump’s unpredictable tariff campaign, immigration policies and federal cutbacks threaten to drive up prices and drag on growth.
Despite the president’s repeated calls for policymakers to cut borrowing rates immediately, economists say the central bank has good reason to pause.
«Cutting rates prematurely — especially in response to political pressure — could undermine its commitment to controlling inflation,» said Ng. » Ironically, this could cause mortgage rates to rise, not fall, counteracting the intended stimulus.»
Lowering interest rates could allow inflation to surge, which is bad for mortgage rates. Keeping rates high, however, increases the risk of a job-loss recession that would cause widespread financial hardship.
Recent data show inflation making slow but steady progress toward the Fed’s annual target rate of 2%, but price growth is expected to tick back up in the coming months as companies pass on the cost of tariffs onto consumers.
What is the forecast for Fed cuts and mortgage rates in 2025?
While experts now predict an interest rate cut in the fall, Fed Chair Powell remains noncommittal on any specific timeframe.
Inflation could prompt the central bank to forgo one (or both) of its projected rate cuts, which would keep mortgage rates high.
On the flip side, if unemployment spikes — a real possibility given the slowdown in hiring and the uptick in layoffs — the Fed could be forced to implement interest rate cuts. In that case, mortgage rates should gradually ease, though not dramatically.
Most housing market forecasts, which already factor in at least two 0.25% Fed cuts, call for 30-year mortgage rates to stay above 6% throughout 2025.
What factors affect mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates move around for many of the same reasons home prices do: supply, demand, inflation and even the employment rate.
Personal factors, such as a homebuyer’s credit score, down payment and home loan amount, also determine one’s individual mortgage rate. Different loan types and terms also have varying interest rates.
Policy changes: When the Fed adjusts the federal funds rate, it affects many aspects of the economy, including mortgage rates. The federal funds rate affects how much it costs banks to borrow money, which in turn affects what banks charge consumers to make a profit.
Inflation: Generally, when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to be high. Because inflation chips away at purchasing power, lenders set higher interest rates on loans to make up for that loss and ensure a profit.
Supply and demand: When demand for mortgages is high, lenders tend to raise interest rates. This is because they have only so much capital to lend in the form of home loans. Conversely, when demand for mortgages is low, lenders tend to slash interest rates to attract borrowers.
Bond market activity: Mortgage lenders peg fixed interest rates, like fixed-rate mortgages, to bond rates. Mortgage bonds, also called mortgage-backed securities, are bundles of mortgages sold to investors and are closely tied to the 10-year Treasury. When bond interest rates are high, the bond has less value on the market where investors buy and sell securities, causing mortgage interest rates to go up.
Other key indicators: Employment patterns and other aspects of the economy that affect investor confidence and consumer spending and borrowing also influence mortgage rates. For instance, a strong jobs report and a robust economy could indicate greater demand for housing, which can put upward pressure on mortgage rates. When the economy slows and unemployment is high, mortgage rates tend to be lower.
Read more: Fact Check: Trump Doesn’t Have the Power to Force Lower Interest Rates
Is now a good time to get a mortgage?
Even though timing is everything in the mortgage market, you can’t control what the Fed does. «Forecasting interest rates is nearly impossible in today’s market,» said Ali Wolf, Zonda and NewHomeSource chief economist.
Regardless of the economy, the most important thing when shopping for a mortgage is to make sure you can comfortably afford your monthly payments.
More homebuying advice
Technologies
Here’s How to Safely Factory Reset Your PS5 or PS4
Selling your PS4 or PS5 without wiping it puts your personal info at risk.

The PS5 might still feel new, but it actually launched back in 2020, which means it’s already well into its life cycle. If you’re not gaming as much or eyeing another console, it may be time to let it go. Whether you’re giving it to a friend or hoping to make some cash by selling it, don’t forget one crucial step before handing it over-erasing your personal data.
Luckily, factory resetting your PS5 or PS4 is straightforward. This step protects your information, removes linked accounts, and ensures the next user starts with a clean slate. It only takes a few minutes and could save you a major headache down the line.
Factory resetting is a crucial step that you should take whenever you’re selling or giving away a piece of technology. Your old PlayStation is no exception. While you might not be storing the same kind of information on your PS4 or PS5 that you would on your laptop or smartphone, this step can save you a great deal of stress by taking care of any leftover information.
Read on for everything you need to know about resetting your PS5 or your PS4. For more, here’s what to know about buying a used iPhone and our picks for the best place to sell your electronics.
Resetting the PlayStation 5
You have a few options when it comes to factory resetting your PS5. To access these options, navigate to the Home Screen and then select Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options.
After selecting Reset Options you will be presented with three options: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Reset Your Console.
- Clear Learning Dictionary will clear the history of all the terms that you have typed on your PS5.
- Restore Default Settings will restore all of the settings on your PS5 to their default setting, but leave your data intact.
- Reset Your Console will restore all of the settings to their default options and erase all of the data that has been saved to your PS5.
If you are looking to factory reset your console before selling it or giving it away, select Reset Your Console to fully wipe all of your data from the device and factory reset the console.
Resetting the PlayStation 4
The process for factory resetting your console is a bit different for the PS4. First, you will need to navigate to Settings > Initialization. Much like the process for factory resetting the Playstation 5, you will be presented with three options after selecting Initialization: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4.
Clear Learning Dictionary and Restore Default Settings operate the same as they do on the PS5. Initialize PS4 operates in the same way as the Reset Your Console option does on the PS5.
If you are looking to factory reset your PS4 before giving it away or selling it, selecting Initialize PS4 will do the trick.
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