‘Last Jedi’ easily remains moviegoers’ first choice

LOS ANGELES – Star Wars: The Last Jedi is continuing its dominance over the movie galaxy as expected, outpacing three new releases. The eighth installment in the Disney-owned space saga is expected to add nearly $69 million to its coffers over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Sony’s adventure caper Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle landed in second place with $34 million. Two critically panned new musicals followed: Universal’s Pitch Perfect 3 opened in third with $20.4 million and Fox’s The Greatest Showman was fourth with $8.6 million.

The three new releases collectively earned less than The Last Jedi since opening Friday.

“It’s an overwhelming array of op- tions, which could prove daunting to moviegoers,” said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian of comScore. “But you’d have to be a Scrooge not to find a movie you like in this marketplace.”

Sony’s president of distribution, Adrian Smith, said he was “absolutely pleased” with Jumanji’s performance.

“It’s above our expectations,” he said. “We have incredible momentum.”

Final figures are out Tuesday.