$67.4M Debut For 'Aquaman'

NEW YORK (AP) — Moviegoers take your pick. "Mary Poppins Returns", "Bumblebee" and "Aquaman" head a busy pre-Christmas weekend at the box office hauling in over $67M.

Aquaman Sydney Fan Event - Arrivals — SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - DECEMBER 19: Jason Momoa attends the Aquaman Sydney Fan Event at Event Cinemas George Street on December 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Without a "Star Wars" film on the December schedule for the first time in four years, a crowded slate of films sought to capitalize on the lucrative holiday period in theaters.

Aquaman Australian Premiere - Arrivals — GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 18: Jason Momoa attends the Australian premiere of Aquaman on December 18, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The DC Comics superhero film "Aquaman" arrived already a juggernaut overseas, where it's grossed more than $400 million. Including advance previews, "Aquaman" reeled in $72.1 million in U.S. and Canada theaters.

"Mary Poppins Returns" New York Screening After Party — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: (This photo was changed to black and white) Actress Emily Blunt attends the "Mary Poppins Returns" hosted by The Cinema Society at SVA Theater on December 17, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Returns were more modest for Disney's "Mary Poppins" sequel and Paramount's "Transformers" spinoff.

Premiere Of Paramount Pictures' "Bumblebee" - Red Carpet — HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 09: Jorge Lendeborg Jr. attends Premiere Of Paramount Pictures' "Bumblebee" at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 09, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images)

"Mary Poppins Returns" debuted with $22.2 million over the weekend, $31 million since opening Wednesday. "Bumblebee" opened with $21 million.

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