This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, foreground, in a scene from, “Transformers: The Last Knight.” (Paramount Pictures/Bay Films via AP)
LOS ANGELES—Transformers: The Last Knight” smashed its way to the top of the North American box office, industry estimates showed Sunday, sending last week’s hit “Cars 3” to second place.
The fifth installment of the blockbuster franchise took in $45.3 million in its opening weekend but opened to a franchise low — the first “Transformers” movie not to premier to $100 million or more.
The visual-effects heavy film features actors Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro and Anthony Hopkins.
Speeding into second was the third installment in Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, with $25.2 million in its second weekend.
The animated flick features Lightning McQueen and his longtime friends fighting off a challenge from a new generation of racers, voiced by stars including Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo and Armie Hammer.
Superhero film “Wonder Woman” narrowly fell to third place with $25.1 million in earnings.
The action film starring Gal Gadot has made a total of $318.3 million in domestic ticket sales in four weeks, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.
Gadot, of the “Fast and Furious” series, plays an Amazonian goddess-princess-superhero whose lasso, bracelet and tiara have magical powers.
“47 Meters Down,” the adventures of two sisters who fend off a shark attack after going cage diving, scored $7.4 million.
Coming in fifth was “The Mummy,” starring Tom Cruise, which made $5.8 million.
The film — the latest revival of the original “Mummy” made in 1932 — cost $125 million to make and has been widely panned by critics.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
“All Eyez On Me” ($5.8 million)
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” ($5.2 million)
“Rough Night” ($4.7 million)
“Captain Underpants” ($4.3 million)
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” ($3 million)