'Transformers 5' dominates box office but opens at franchise-low
'Transformers: The Last Knight' smashed its way to the top of the North American box office.
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - "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.
