“World War Z” Brazil Premiere Canceled Due to Protests

Civil unrest kicked up by planned public-transportation fee hike put an end to red carpet

Brad Pitt isn't flying down to Rio.

The red-carpet premiere of "World War Z" in Brazil has been canceled amid ongoing protests that started in Sao Paolo in response to a planned bus fare hike but ultimately gave rise to nationwide demonstrations.

"In light of the current and ongoing events taking place in Brazil, we will not proceed with red carpet arrivals," Paramount Pictures Brazil said in a statement. "Everyone involved with 'World War Z' send their respect and goodwill toward the people of Brazil at this time of national unrest."

PHOTOS: Scenes from "World War Z"

Pitt had been scheduled to walk the carpet, as was the film's director, Marc Forster.

Despite fears that "World War Z's" storied production problems and fair-to-middling reviews would deter moviegoers, the zombie-invasion flick opened a strong second to "Monsters University" this past weekend with $66 million at the domestic box office.

Before the movie's star-studded (but Angelina Jolie-less) New York premiere, Pitt also hit red carpets in London, Paris, Berlin and Moscow and crisscrossed the world thrilling fans at a handful of screenings.

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