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Exclusive: In a highly unusual situation, ABC is preparing to foot a bill worth more than $460,000 to ensure that contestants on game show Lucky 13 receive the winnings they are owed.

Even though it is under no legal obligation to do so, the Disney-owned network is close to finalizing an agreement under which Lucky 13 winners will receive their prize pots after the messy demise of the series hosted by Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez.

Lucky 13 was lucky by name, but not lucky by nature for those involved in the making of the show, which aired on ABC last year under a novel greenlight model. UK producer Studio 1 pre-funded Lucky 13 in return for a share of ABC’s advertising and product placement sales, but revenue fell well short of projections and the show was not renewed for a second season.

Lucky 13 Holdings and Studio 13 Entertainment, the special...

Exclusive: Lucky 13 has proved unfortunate for those involved in making the ABC game show.

Several sources said hosts Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez — as well as equipment and services firms, and individuals who worked on the series — are cumulatively owed at least $500,000.

Deadline revealed last week that Lucky 13 would not be renewed for a second season after its unusual financing model turned sour. UK producer Studio 1 pre-funded Lucky 13 in return for a share of ABC’s advertising and product placement sales, but revenue fell well short of projections. Studio 1 is now being chased for the unpaid cash.

An ABC source said the Disney-owned network is working to ensure O’Neal and Rodriguez, who doubled as executive producers, receive payment. A rep for the presenters has been contacted for comment. ABC had no comment.

Contractors out of pocket include Funicular Goats, which has worked on projects such...

While Deadpool & Wolverine has already won over the hearts of pretty much the entire fandom simply with its previously released teasers and trailers, Ryan Reynolds seems to be wanting more. This comes after the actor recently released yet another teaser trailer for his upcoming masterpiece for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking the internet by storm.

Deadpool & Wolverine. | Credit: Marvel Studios.

But one of the things in particular that has caught the eyes of fans through this latest teaser is the introduction of someone very unexpected, who was widely speculated to make her debut soon. For a hint, this someone is actually Reynolds’ character’s second sweetheart in the movie, and just maybe his second sweetheart in real life too: LadyPool!

Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine Latest Teaser Teases LadyPool!

Everyone should learn marketing like Ryan Reynolds because the guy is most certainly acing it.

Even after already releasing quite a few teasers and trailers,...