Brad Pitt’s Fury wins the box office race this weekend, debuting with $23.5 million in box office sales.

The action-packed war flick has beaten out Ben Affleck’s thriller Gone Girl, according to Variety.

Fury banks on Pitt’s ability to command audiences worldwide, as the film is centered around some heavy subject matter.

It’s bloody and action packed and set in the last days of World War II. Pitt’s character, a tank commander, takes on a young crew as they try to finish an impossible mission behind enemy lines.

They are outnumbered, outgunned and out of time. All the odds are against them as the young, idealistic crew and their war-hardened commander take on Nazi Germany.

The film also stars Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal, along with newcomer Logan  Lerman.

The $68 million production was released by Sony Pictures and was backed by QED and LStar Capital. Fury was written and directed by David Ayer (End of Watch).

Sony Pictures President of Worldwide Distribution Rory Bruer said that the film resonates with viewers and “takes them on a journey and provokes conversation.”

“We’re seeing a lot of social media conversation going on,” Bruer said. “And, I believe we’re going to get a terrific multiple and be around for a long time.”

The Fury opening was projected to bring in $25 million, and while the numbers are a bit lower than expected, Sony believes that word of mouth will boost future box office numbers.

20th Century Fox and Reel FX’s Day of the Dead themed animated fantasy The Book of Life came in third place, taking in $17 million. Affleck’s Gone Girl brought in $17.8 million this weekend.