Melissa Donovan
The Oviedo Mall is urging the local community to help maintain the traditional magic of the moviegoing experience after a disruptive TikTok trend has begun affecting screenings of the hit Minecraft movie.
The viral challenge, which originated on social media, encourages audience members to mimic a scene from the film where Jack Black’s character exclaims, “Chicken jockey!” as a zombie child riding a square-headed chicken appears onscreen. Participants are urged to yell the line while throwing popcorn, candy, money, and even drinks—resulting in significant disturbances and added cleanup duties for theater staff.
In partnership with Regal Cinemas, Oviedo Mall has issued a public appeal to parents, teens, and families, asking for their cooperation in preserving the movie theater experience for all guests. While several theaters across the country have already introduced a “no unaccompanied minors” policy specifically for Minecraft screenings, Oviedo Mall has yet to enforce such restrictions.
The film itself has been a surprise box office juggernaut, bringing in over $550 million globally within just two weeks of its release. It is currently the highest-grossing Hollywood release of 2025, a testament to its widespread appeal—despite the unintended consequences of its popularity on social media.
In a recent Instagram statement, mall management emphasized the role of the community in sustaining a positive environment:
“Please help us preserve the theater experience we all love. If you’re bringing your kids or dropping them off, take a moment to remind them about respecting the space, the staff, and the experience of others.”
“I still remember going to the movies with my friends in high school—it was always a highlight of the week—and I would hate to see that joy lost for future moviegoers. Let’s work together to keep movie night magical for everyone.”
To help channel fan enthusiasm in a more constructive way, Regal Cinemas has announced a special “Chicken Jockey” viewing day on April 20 at participating locations. The event aims to celebrate the film in a festive but respectful manner, offering fans a space to engage with the movie in a community-friendly setting.
As theaters nationwide continue to navigate the intersection of viral culture and in-person entertainment, Oviedo Mall’s appeal serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and enjoy public spaces—especially ones as cherished as the neighborhood movie theater.
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