‘Aquaman’ is #1 pre-Christmas movie in theaters

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Jason Momoa, left, and Amber Heard in a scene from "Aquaman." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Hailee Steinfeld as Charlie and Bumblebee in a scene from "Bumblebee." (Paramount Pictures via AP)

This image released by Disney shows, from left, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, Nathanael Saleh and Emily Blunt in "Mary Poppins Returns." (Jay Maidment/Disney via AP)

In a flood of new releases, “Aquaman” swam ahead of “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Bumblebee” to lead the busy pre-Christmas weekend with an estimated $67.4 million over the weekend.

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.

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.

Returns were more modest for Disney’s “Mary Poppins” sequel and Paramount’s “Transformers” spinoff.

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