With a Friday gross of 27.7 million, according to ShowbizData, 300 looks to be the first big surprise of the year. Boasting no big stars, the R-rated Frank Miller adaptation has exceeded even the highest expectations. Come monday, the film could break the current March opening record of 68 million, held by Ice Age: The Meltdown.

All things considered, the success of 300 bodes well for Warner Bros. and director Zack Snyder. Snyder’s next project will be an adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s graphic novel Watchmen.