Minecraft film director Jared Hess is basking in the surprise internet craze fueled by the viral ‘Chicken Jockey’ meme. The meme, which was inspired by one of the game’s elusive mob pairings—a baby zombie on a chicken—has flooded social media with thousands of fan recreations, parodies, and even merchandise.
“Completely bonkers” is how Hess describes it in a recent interview, confessing he can’t help but scroll through the strange, amusing creations fans have whipped up. Although the meme wasn’t intended to be part of the viral campaign for the film, its outlandish popularity turned into a marketing boon, increasing the movie’s online presence.
The *Minecraft* film has shattered box office projections, attracting both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Hess attributes the success of the film to a combination of nostalgia, pixel-perfect narrative, and unexpected humor—some of which, such as the Chicken Jockey phenomenon, developed organically post-release.
While Hess and the filmmakers coast on the back of the blockbuster film’s popularity, they’re enjoying the inventive spirit of Minecraft fans. “The fans are always going to find something strange to cling to,” Hess mentioned. “Just have to grasp it and get on the ride.”
