Although receiving a lot of heat from critics, 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' knocked "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' out of the top spot of the box office over the weekend. The controversial Bible epic earned $24.5 million.

'Exodus: Gods and Kings' is set to retell the biblical account, found in Exodus, of Moses- a prophet who stood up to Pharaoh Ramses and helped free more than 600,000 slaves. Moses will then lead those people through the desert away from Egypt. According to HollywoodReporter the film is opening in 3,503 theaters this weekend, and was likely to debut in the $25 million to $30 million range. It did fall a bit short of those numbers raking in $24.5 million but is still impressive nonetheless.

According to Variety, the 20th Century Fox production's opening weekend fell short compared to other recent religious blockbusters like "Noah' ($43.7m) or "Son Of God' ($25.6m). Perhaps the controversy surrounding the film slowed down sales just a bit.

'Exodus: Gods and Kings' caused a stir in the media because its star actors, Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley. The problem for some was that they are all white actors and none of ethnic decent. Despite the threat of people boycotting the film, the weekend's numbers showed that many are still showing support for the film.

After seeing the film, many online shared their disappointment. Many claiming that film director Ridley Scott who is reportedly an atheist took too many artistic liberties.

"I'm so sorry I went to see this! It was the most horrible movie I've seen in my life.." one commented on Facebook when BREATHEcast asked if they would support the film. "I just can't bring myself to watch a movie about Egypt with blacks casted as slaves and light-skinned people cast as main roles. Just can't...," another wrote.

Did you or will you support the film? Watch the trailer for 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' below: