A notice displayed at a Cineworld cinema in the United Kingdom warned against engaging in any type of behavior that could be disruptive to other patrons, such as loud screaming, clapping, or shouting.
It continued: “Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund.”
Here’s a video showing what’s been happening:
Diabolical movie night pic.twitter.com/S2gIqXVcuZ
— E (@ElijahSchaffer) April 8, 2025
In a statement published in the BBC story linked above, the theater chain said,
For the enjoyment of all moviegoers, it was emphasized that everyone should adhere to cinema etiquette. To cater to enthusiastic fans who wish to express their excitement through cheering and applause, special Chicken Jockey 4DX screenings have been introduced at Cineworld cinemas across the country.
Another Cineworld theater, this one in Scotland, released a statement on its Instagram account:
There have been reports circulating about a concerning online trend where individuals are creating disturbances by making excessive noise during showings of ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ It was reiterated that it is important for all attendees to show consideration for those around them by refraining from making noise or using their phones while a movie is playing, as failing to do so could lead to being asked to leave the premises.
Related:
England’s REEL Cinema chain sent out a similar warning that in order “to ensure everyone has the best possible cinema experience, we’re increasing our monitoring of screens during performances.”
“Disruptive behavior, including taking part in TikTok trends, before, during, or after a screening will not be tolerated,” it added. “Anyone causing disruption will be asked to leave, and where necessary, the police will be called.”
A Minecraft Movie has become a TikTok trend so disruptive police are being called to theaters😳 Will this have an effect on the movie’s performance, or entice more kids to go and be more disruptive? pic.twitter.com/kp8Nsj0cR1
— Steph Anie (@mynerdyhome) April 6, 2025
Videos of younger moviegoers going crazy inside theaters in the UK, and in at least one movie theater in the United States, have gone viral since the film was released on April 4. In social media posts, people throw popcorn, yell, clap, and shout during various parts of the Warner Bros film when Jack Black’s character states, “I am Steve” and yells “Chicken Jockey,” among other lines.
One New Jersey theater has said that unaccompanied minors will not be admitted to screenings of the PG-rated Minecraft movie after it said a group of young boys was disruptive during the film.
A movie theater in New Jersey is not allowing unaccompanied children to see the most popular movie of the year after an “unacceptable” incident during a recent screening related to viral TikTok videos and a “chicken jockey”https://t.co/7Kz1ypnmJW
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) April 8, 2025
The theater accused moviegoers of “unacceptable behavior, including vandalism,” and said it had received “multiple complaints from others trying to watch the film.”
A theater in Alaska has also reportedly been impacted by the trend, with one publication reporting that the police were called when more than a dozen young people watching the film got “rowdy.”
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as they become available.
