A Minecraft movie trend on TikTok triggered a chaotic scene in a Wasilla theater Friday night, prompting a full police response. Around 9 p.m., the Valley Cinema manager called police after a large group of teens began disrupting a screening.
According to Wasilla police spokeswoman Amanda Graham, five officers responded because of the group´s size and past incidents at the theater. A viral TikTok video with 4.4 million views shows officers entering the theater and addressing teens responsible for the chaos.
One officer tells the crowd that those who body-slammed an employee are no longer welcome at the theater. Though officers mentioned physical contact, police confirmed no charges were filed, and employees expressed satisfaction with how things ended.
The footage shows teens being escorted out, with some visibly frustrated while leaving the theater lobby. Graham said officers estimated that about 15 young people were involved, primarily occupying the two back rows of the auditorium.
She added that the response size was influenced by a 2024 fatal stabbing involving teens at the same theater. The Minecraft Movie has inspired rowdy reactions across the US and Canada, especially during scenes featuring a boxing ring and a chicken-riding character.
The reactions driven by the trend on TikTok include shouting, clapping, and even popcorn throwing. While Wasilla saw its first major incident tied to the trend, other theaters globally faced challenges.
Some have issued warnings discouraging TikTok-related disruptions during screenings, especially in the UK, where cinemas now post behavior notices. No similar complaints were reported this week by Anchorage police, though officers remain alert. Graham encouraged parents to speak with their teens about respectful conduct and reminded them to lead by example during public outings.
This news article was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.