Pitt power has measure of the apocalypse THE parade of movie stars promoting their wares in Australia continued over the weekend with one of the biggest of all. Brad Pitt had throngs of Sydneysiders craning their necks and screaming heartily as he took another stop on a whirlwind global tour promoting his new film World War Z. The film, adapted from Max Brooks's 2006 novel of the same name, is the latest in a trend of apocalyptic thrillers, dramas and even comedies emerging from a Hollywood convinced that the end is nigh. They're just good fun, aren't they? Pitt said with a laugh. He added that the film "speaks to the idea of what would happen if a pandemic did come for real (and) would we be prepared for it." This film almost endured its own apocalypse, amid problems with its direction, a ballooning budget and even a raid by a Bulgarian counter-terrorism unit that seized the film's replica guns, delaying the film and spoiling its pre-publicity. But solid reviews and Pitt's star power will ensure the film, which his Plan B Entertainment produced, will be a hit and become his first smash since 2005, when Mr & Mrs Smith earned almost $US500 million in cinemas globally. Director Marc Forster admitted "the buzz wasn't so good during the production but we turned it around." Pitt's appearance in Sydney came after The Great Gatsby cast last month brought their global tour to Baz Luhrmann's home soil and before visits by Sandra Bullock and Vince Vaughan. Up to 1500 fans lapped up the pony-tailed Pitt's enthusiasm for hugs and posing for "selfies" before the Australian premiere of the film in a 3D cinema on the roof of The Star complex. Guests at the premiere included federal Arts Minister Tony Burke.