NEW YORK — Flexing his star power, Denzel Washington led the thriller “The Equalizer” to a $35 million debut.

The Sony-Columbia Pictures release dominated the weekend box office, surpassing some expectations for the film. Washington plays a former commando living a quiet life when the disappearance of a prostitute acquaintance (Chloe Grace Moretz) lures him into a battle with the Russian mafia.

The strong opening marks the third-best debut in Washington’s career, trailing only 2012’s “Safe House” ($40.1 million) and 2007’s “American Gangster” ($43.6 million). Washington, who will turn 60 in December, has been one of Hollywood’s most reliable draws.

Estimated weekend sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters:

1. “The Equalizer,” $35 million

2. “The Maze Runner,” $17.5 million

3. “The Boxtrolls,” $17.2 million

4. “This Is Where I Leave You,” $7 million

5. “Dolphin Tale 2,” $4.8 million

6. “No Good Deed,” $4.6 million

7. “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” $4.2 million

8. “Guardians of the Galaxy,” $3.8 million

9. “Let’s Be Cops,” $1.5 million

10. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” $1.5 million.