LOS ANGELES, Nov 22 (Reuters) - "Wicked," the first of

two parts of the movie adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical,

generated $19.2 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales from

early screenings this week, distributor Universal Pictures

said on Friday.

"Gladiator 2," a sequel to a best picture winner two decades

ago, brought in $6.5 million, according to estimates from

Paramount Pictures, setting up what is expected to be

the biggest box office weekend since "Barbenheimer."