A group of people was ejected from a “Minecraft Movie” screening at a cinema in Sevenoaks, Kent, due to disruptive behavior inspired by a TikTok trend. The trend involves throwing popcorn, food, drinks, and shouting at certain moments during the film. Tony McEwen, deputy chief executive of the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, said, “Since the opening weekend, we’ve had a few incidents, mostly involving groups of young boys aged 11 and 14. We ejected one group of seven young people who were being particularly rowdy.”
A moviegoer named Sam from Tonbridge described his experience as the “worst cinema experience of his life.” He said, “I just wanted to relax and watch a funny film, but it was a disaster. The screening was full of teenage boys who talked through the entire film, daring each other to shout silly things.”
McEwen discussed the difference between immersing oneself in the cinema experience and being disruptive. He recalled a moment when viewers cheered during a lightsaber duel in a Star Wars film, calling it a “visceral and legitimate reaction” motivated by long-term fandom rather than a social media trend.
A similar experience occurred in 2022 when “Minions: The Rise of Gru” was screening, and the “Gentle Minions” TikTok trend led to young people dressing in suits and behaving rowdily during the film.
Disruptive behavior prompted by TikTok
Movie theaters nationwide deal with disruptive behaviors during screenings of “A Minecraft Movie,” leading to significant clean-up efforts and discussions about new policies to manage the chaos.
The “chicken jockey” craze has caused such trouble that some theaters are considering instituting a “no unaccompanied minors” policy. Theater staff have had to spend extensive time cleaning up after screenings, dealing with messes including popcorn, ICEEs, ketchup, and even shattered glass. Movie star Jack Black, who stars in “A Minecraft Movie,” appeared at a screening in Los Angeles, where he discouraged fans from engaging in disruptive activities.
“Please, no throwing popped corn, lapis lazuli, and no chicken jockeys!” Black said to a packed theater. The Regal Theater in Oviedo Mall, Florida, is considering implementing a chaperone policy due to the unruly behavior of some fans. Josh Gunderson, director of marketing, events, and specialty leasing at the mall, said, “We’ve gotten reports this weekend of kids coming out drenched in other people’s sodas from having them thrown on them.
You wouldn’t go into your best friend’s house and act like this; you wouldn’t go into your own house and act like this.”
The mall seeks to balance ensuring a safe environment and allowing teens to enjoy their time at the theater responsibly.
