'Aquaman' continues reign, but 'Escape Room' sneaks into 2nd

January 6, 2019 at 10:02PM
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Jason Momoa, left, and Amber Heard in a scene from "Aquaman." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard in “Aquaman.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

"Aquaman" is still the champ at the box office three weeks in, but the high-concept thriller "Escape Room" also drew some substantial crowds in its debut weekend.

Warner Bros. on Sunday said that "Aquaman" added an estimated $30.7 million from over 4,000 North American theaters. That brings its domestic grosses to nearly $260 million. The DC comics film starring Jason Momoa has had a tidal wave of successes internationally too.

Worldwide it has made $940.7 million, making it by far the highest grossing film in the modern DC Extended Universe slate.

Even with the slew of holiday releases, from blockbusters to awards darlings, Sony's PG-13 rated thriller "Escape Room" managed to sneak into second place in its first weekend in theaters generating an estimated $18 million in ticket sales — double its production budget.

Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns" landed in third place in its third weekend with $15.8 million. The nostalgic musical has earned $138.7 million domestically and is competing for four Golden Globe Awards Sunday evening. Globally, it's made $257.9 million.

The Dick Cheney biopic "Vice" fell only 25 percent in its second weekend, adding $5.8 million to take seventh place.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters.

1. "Aquaman," $30.7 million.

2. "Escape Room," $18 million.

3. "Mary Poppins Returns," $15.8 million.

4. "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," $13 million.

5. "Bumblebee," $12.8 million.

6. "The Mule," $9 million.

7. "Vice," $5.8 million.

8. "Second Act," $4.9 million.

9. "Ralph Break the Internet," $4.7 million.

10. "Holmes and Watson," $3.4 million.

Associated Press

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