It may be just as surprising as the avalanche of the undead tearing through its cities, but the Max Brooks zombie novel adaptation, World War Z, opened with a strong $66 million, placing it second place to Disney’s animated prequel, Monsters University.

Having gunned down by critics and Max Brooks fans for its complete deviation from its source material and outright showcasing a genre that is almost becoming a cliché, the film, starring Brad Pitt is expected to be a big flop. The fact that it went countless reshoots and a burdensome production that created a bad PR for the film also doesn’t help it.

Earning an initial $25 million on its Friday opening, World War Z is now Brad Pitt’s biggest weekend opener, taking the place of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Despite the hypes it is now building, disappointed fans and who read the book can easily point out the Earth-sized differences between the film and Max Brook’s critically acclaimed novel.

A sequel now said is being set up due to the movie's success with Pitt slating to reprise his role.