From Variety: “Brad Pitt’s World War II drama “Fury” is ruling the battlefield.

“Fury” opened to No. 1 at the U.S. box office on Friday — ahead of two-time champ “Gone Girl” and newcomer “The Book of Life” — with $8.8 million. This includes $1.2 million from Thursday night showings. The tank tale looks to haul $25 million in its debut weekend.

Pitt stars as an army sergeant who commands a Sherman tank and a five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines in Germany during the end of WWII. This is a record opening for director David Ayer, who wrote and directed 2012’s “End of Watch” and scripted “Training Day.” The movie also stars Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman and Michael Peña.

Aside from Pitt’s star power, the $68 million production — backed by Columbia Pictures in association with QED Intl. and LStar Capital — has the critics on its side, earning 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Pitt’s other WWII pic — of the revenge fantasy variety — launched to $38 million in 2009. The Quentin Tarantino-directed hit “Inglourious Basterds” went on to reel in $321.5 million worldwide.”