NEW YORK — “War for the Planet of the Apes” took down “Spider-Man: Homecoming” at the North American box office, opening with an estimated $56.5 million in ticket sales.

Though some initially expected a closer race, “Spider-Man” dropped to second with $45.2 million after its $117 million debut last weekend. But director Matt Reeves’ “War for the Planet of the Apes” pulled away thanks to strong reviews.

Universal’s family sequel “Despicable Me 3” pulled in $18.9 million in its third week, bringing its cumulative total to $188 million domestically. Sony’s Edgar Wright action comedy “Baby Driver” followed behind with $8.8 million; its three week gross is $73.2 million.

The weekend’s other most notable new entrant was Kumail Nanjiani’s acclaimed romantic comedy “The Big Sick,” which expanded to about 2,600 theaters after three weeks.