There’s a trailer out now for Avengers Doomsday, which has everyone thinking about the MCU again, and the many, many, many characters they have to keep track of in it. But one guy you won’t see anywhere in the Doomsday trailer is Blade, whose dedicated film has been in production hell for at least seven years at this point. In fact, it’s been in limbo for so long that Marvel president and creative lead Kevin Feige seems kind of embarrassed about it in a recent cryptic remark about the project’s current status.
This comes from an interview with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, in a snippet published to Instagram today. In it, Feige is asked a fairly vague “How are you doing?” with regard to the “poor, poor project” of Blade. Feige responds by asking if they should “get into a therapy session,” before offering two thoughts: “I’m feeling very excited that we got Wesley back for a time in Deadpool and Wolverine, and like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn’t get off the ground with Mahershala.”
The first half of this isn’t hard to parse. We recently saw actor Wesley Snipes, who played the character’s original big screen debut, reappear as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine in 2023. However, this was in the midst of a far more complicated situation around what was supposed to be a new Blade movie. In 2019, Marvel announced that a new vampire hunter film starring Mahersala Ali was in development, and Ali’s voice as Blade appeared in Eternals very briefly. The film has theoretically been in development since then, but has gone through multiple directors and even more script writers, and it was removed from Disney’s release calendar entirely back in October of 2024.
The last official word on the film was from Mia Goth, who said in an interview with Elle last October that she was still attached to it for the role of Lilith. But more alarming were rumors earlier this year that the film was, as many feared, essentially canceled in favor of a Midnight Sons movie that would incorporate Blade instead. This all leaves a certain amount of mystery around Feige’s comment here. When he says “didn’t get off the ground,” does he mean that the film itself was a failure and Marvel is moving on? Or is he just alluding to the multiple false starts?
It’s unclear if Horowitz followed up with Feige from the short teaser given on Instagram—we’ll have to wait for the full podcast to see if there’s a more complete answer or if this is just yet another cryptic crumb around a film we may never see.
The upgrade makes NEAR one of the first major Layer-1 blockchains to deploy quantum-resistant cryptography in production.
Dynamic resharding now enables the network to automatically scale by splitting shards without validator votes or manual upgrades.
NEAR Protocol, a sharded Layer 1 blockchain, implemented network upgrade 2.13 on its mainnet today, introducing a NIST-approved post-quantum signature scheme and dynamic resharding capabilities.
According to the official announcement, the upgrade adds support for the FIPS-204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum signing method, positioning NEAR among the first major layer-1 blockchains to deploy such technology in a live production environment.
MAINNET UPGRADE
Quantum-safe signing is now live on NEAR mainnet.
This makes NEAR one of the first blockchains with a NIST-approved post-quantum signature scheme in production.
The upgrade also launches dynamic resharding, so NEAR Protocol can scale itself automatically 🧵 pic.twitter.com/YvpvGwkYZU
— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) July 20, 2026
The upgrade also enables dynamic resharding, allowing the network to automatically adjust its shard structure in response to growing demand without requiring manual protocol upgrades or validator votes.
Why NEAR is preparing for a post-quantum future
Current blockchain transaction signing relies on cryptographic methods that could become vulnerable to future quantum computers. Research suggests that sufficiently advanced quantum systems could compromise widely used signatures, potentially putting significant digital asset holdings at risk.
NEAR’s implementation allows accounts to rotate keys to the new quantum-resistant scheme using the NEAR CLI. The protocol’s account model, which uses human-readable IDs separate from specific keypairs, facilitates this transition more easily than systems where addresses are directly tied to vulnerable cryptography. NEAR is also coordinating with wallet providers, including Ledger, on broader post-quantum support.
The dynamic resharding feature also addresses previous limitations in NEAR’s sharded architecture. Previously, adding shards required coordinated upgrades involving validator votes and staged rollouts.
Building on prior developments
The new system enables automatic shard splitting when predefined thresholds are met, occurring in approximately 1.5 epochs with deterministic validation through state witnesses. This change aims to improve scalability as network usage increases, particularly for applications involving cross-chain intents and consumer-facing services.
Co-founder Illia Polosukhin said the upgrades address the need to handle large-scale agent activity while preparing for long-term cryptographic risks. The upgrade follows years of development on NEAR’s sharded design, which has maintained operational uptime since its 2020 mainnet launch. It builds on prior performance benchmarks but introduces operational changes that will require monitoring in real-world conditions.
Early adoption comes with execution risks
July 2026 has seen several developments around quantum, such as BitGo Holdings (NYSE: BTGO) introducing new tools for institutional clients to manage quantum computing risks in Bitcoin multi-signature wallets. The features include a quantum risk scoring system, improved UTXO selection, guided migration workflows, and updated address controls.
Separately, Marc Vanlerberghe of the Algorand Foundation called for industry-wide collaboration on shared standards for quantum-secure keys derived from seed phrases. Blockstream’s Q2 2026 update highlighted post-quantum research, including the proposed OP_CHECKSHRINCS signature opcode for Bitcoin.
TRON also activated post-quantum signature support (FN-DSA-512) on the Nile testnet following Committee Proposal No. 20628, with founder Justin Sun positioning it as a step toward building a post-quantum secure blockchain.
Challenges remain despite the upgrade
Despite the technical announcements, uncertainties remain around the 2.13 upgrade. Post-quantum cryptography implementations are complex and relatively new in production blockchain environments, raising questions about potential bugs, performance impacts, or compatibility issues with existing tools and wallets.
Dynamic resharding, while innovative, introduces new variables in network stability that could lead to unexpected disruptions during automatic shard splits. Many competing blockchains have taken more cautious approaches to quantum migration, and NEAR’s early adoption carries execution risks.
The broader claims around supporting a multi-trillion-dollar agent economy appear speculative, as actual on-chain adoption and security in high-volume scenarios remain unproven at scale.
Also Read: Brazil Puts Tokenized Securities on a 60-Day Regulatory Clock
Disclaimer: The information researched and reported by The Crypto Times is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Investing in crypto assets involves significant risk due to market volatility. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified Financial Advisor before making any investment decisions.
King Charles reportedly used a private Highgrove reunion to set firm terms for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Harry and Meghan visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, earlier this month. The visit followed months of speculation over whether relations had improved.
Closer has now claimed that Charles came away from the reunion “very pleased”. The publication said he felt especially happy to spend time with his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet.
A source claimed: “Charles came away from this visit very pleased. Spending time with Archie and Lilibet meant the world to him, and he has told everyone they were an absolute delight. It’s no secret getting to know them was the driving motivation for opening the door again to Harry and Meghan, but Charles has really put his neck on the line by inviting them back into the fold. It was nothing short of extraordinary considering the amount of opposition he’s faced from within the family.”
King Charles met with Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet earlier this month (Credit: Picture by: / SplashNews.com)
What changed after King Charles’ meeting with Meghan and Harry?
Closer also claimed Charles did not reopen the door without conditions. The report said he made clear that any future role in royal life would come with rules.
The source claimed: “As much as this was a chance for Charles to spend time with his grandchildren, it wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. He also made a point to make sure Harry and Meghan understand exactly where they stand and that, from now on, things happen on his terms, or not at all. This is their absolute last chance; if they put a foot wrong again, that’s it. He is being very clear about that. Harry’s been told he needs to take a back seat and trust his father to handle things his way, in his timing, even if it’s slower than he and Meghan would like.”
Highgrove House: the King’s private Gloucestershire home
Highgrove House is the King’s private residence in Gloucestershire.
The property has long been associated with Charles and is used for private family time as well as some official entertaining.
Its gardens are among the best-known features of the estate.
Buckingham Palace described the gathering there as a private family occasion.
The report also said that the king wants Harry to stop reacting publicly to perceived slights. The report also claimed Charles wants private family matters kept private.
The source said: “Above all else, they need to keep their mouths shut about anything that goes on behind palace walls. Charles also expects Harry to conduct himself with the humility and grace he was raised with, rather than trying to call the shots or rising to every bit of bait. He wants him to stop taking every perceived snub so personally. William and Kate certainly turn the other cheek plenty, and Charles has told Harry he needs to follow their lead.”
Meghan and Harry visited the king and queen at Highgrove (Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock)
The ‘warning’ at the heart of King Charles’ meeting with Harry and Meghan
The biggest warning in the report focused on leaks, public criticism and any sign of disrespect toward the monarchy.
The source alleged that if Harry can follow the rules, there is a “path back, but if there are any more leaks or public tantrums or any signs of disrespect towards the monarchy, Charles has made it clear that will be the end of things for good”.
Closer also claimed that palace figures, including Prince William, remain uneasy about the reunion. The report claimed they fear the Sussexes could later push for more.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
Read more: Prince Harry makes poignant solo appearance as he shares heartfelt message with fans about loss
What do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFixand let us know.
Cross-chain bridge Allbridge has paused its Core protocol after an attacker stole about $1.65 million from its Solana stablecoin liquidity pools.
The attacker used a $1.12 million flash loan from lending protocol Kamino to skew the pools’ internal pricing, then extracted assets cheaply and bridged them to Ethereum.
Allbridge told liquidity providers to withdraw and asked traders who profited from the resulting imbalance to return funds.
Cross-chain bridge Allbridge has paused its protocol after an attacker drained roughly $1.65 million from its Solana liquidity pools in a flash loan attack, according to blockchain security firms and the project itself.
Allbridge lets users move assets between blockchains that don’t natively communicate, and its Core product uses pools of native stablecoins such as USDC and USDT rather than minting wrapped tokens. On Sunday, the team said it had “paused the protocol as a precaution” while investigating, and urged liquidity providers to pull funds from affected pools.
Allbridge Core is experiencing a security incident. We have paused the protocol as a precaution while we investigate.
If you have liquidity in affected pools, please withdraw now.
The resulting pool imbalance created a temporary positive arbitrage window. If you took advantage… pic.twitter.com/Ovg7yT35SM
— Allbridge (@Allbridge_io) July 19, 2026
In a follow-up tweet, Allbridge noted that its team was “preparing a detailed breakdown” and post-mortem report, adding that “There is no threat to users liquidity right now” as it works to relaunch Core without liquidity pools.
How it happened
Allbridge confirmed an earlier tweet from security firm PeckShield putting the loss at around $1.65 million, which noted that the attacker had bridged the funds from Solana to Ethereum.
Fellow firm CertiK detailed the method, which saw the attacker borrow $1.12 million through a flash loan from Solana lending protocol Kamino, before running a rapid series of stablecoin swaps to distort the internal accounting that prices assets in Allbridge’s pools.
With the pools mispriced, the attacker swapped a few thousand dollars of USDT for about $2.24 million in USDC before bridging the proceeds to an Ethereum address and scattering them across others. It isn’t clear how much remains within reach.
The manipulation left Allbridge’s pools lopsided, briefly letting other traders buy up the mispriced assets—a “temporary positive arbitrage window,” as the team put it. The DeFi platform asked anyone who profited from that window to send the money to a designated address, saying it would “go directly toward compensating affected LPs.” Its “goal is to return all affected funds,” the team added.
Not the first time
It’s the second time Allbridge has been caught this way. In April 2023, a similar flash-loan exploit drained around $573,000 from its BNB Chain pools; the project later said it recovered most of the funds and reworked how it calculates liquidity and withdrawals. Allbridge raised $2 million in 2022 to expand the bridge and fund security audits.
Bridges and the liquidity pools that feed them have long been among DeFi’s most-targeted infrastructure. More than $840 million was lost to DeFi hacks in just the first five months of 2026, with cross-chain systems repeatedly producing some of the largest single losses. Just last month, a bridge between Axelar and Secret Network was drained of $4.67 million after attackers exploited an “infinite mint” bug in a custom token contract.
Allbridge’s protocol remains paused, and how much of the $1.65 million can be clawed back will hinge on tracing the bridged funds—and on whether the arbitrage traders it appealed to actually send the money back.
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Strap drop and handle drop determine whether a beautiful bag is comfortable on your body, over layers, and during real use. When comparing authenticated pre-owned pieces on Couture USA, the practical question is not just whether a bag is beautiful, but whether it fits your routine, care tolerance, and budget. Start with a clear checklist so the photos, dimensions, return window, and condition notes have a job before a tempting listing takes over.
Louis Vuitton LV x YK Capucines MM Bag from Couture USA. Product photos can help you check shape, scale, material, and visible wear before comparing current listings.
Quick buyer takeaway
Strap drop and handle drop determine whether a beautiful bag is comfortable on your body, over layers, and during real use. The right shortlist should make the piece easier to use, not just easier to admire.
Couture USA offers authenticated pre-owned luxury, free shipping, and a 14-day return policy. Those details matter because a pre-owned bag decision depends on trust, condition clarity, and whether the item can be evaluated calmly once it arrives.
What to check before you shortlist
Before comparing prices, make sure the listing answers the practical questions a careful buyer would ask in person. Strong listings make condition visible rather than asking you to infer it from a polished first photo.
Listed strap drop and handle drop.
Adjustable or removable strap hardware.
Where the bag sits at the hip or underarm.
Handle clearance over coats or blazers.
How to compare the options
Use the same comparison frame for every candidate. That keeps a rare color, famous logo, or tempting markdown from overpowering the details that determine whether you will actually carry the piece.
Shopping situation
What usually matters most
How to confirm it
Hand carry
prioritize handle feel, structure, and whether the bag bumps the wrist
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.
Shoulder carry
confirm underarm clearance and strap width
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.
Crossbody carry
check full strap length, bag depth, and how the piece sits while walking
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.
Photo and condition details that deserve extra attention
Zoom in on contact points: corners, strap edges, handles, bases, closures, zipper pulls, and interiors. These areas show how a piece was used and whether the written condition notes match the visual evidence.
For general designer bag browsing, compare the whole category first, then narrow by designer once the daily job is clear. Couture USA’s collection pages make it easier to move between Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and the broader designer bag collection.
Before checkout: score the piece like a buyer
Give the listing a simple pass-fail review before you let scarcity or a markdown decide for you. A strong candidate should satisfy the practical job, show the wear clearly, and leave you with no major unanswered questions about authenticity, returns, fit, or care.
Use case: the piece solves the main reason you started shopping, whether that is daily carry, work, travel, gifting, or a polished evening option.
Condition: the visible wear matches the written notes and falls within what you will still enjoy using.
Fit: dimensions, strap drop, closure, and capacity work with your body, wardrobe, and essentials.
Confidence: authentication language, return policy, and seller detail are clear enough for the price level.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming a chain strap is automatically crossbody length.
Forgetting winter layers.
Buying a work bag that becomes uncomfortable when full.
A pre-owned piece can still be an excellent buy with visible wear, but the wear should be understood before checkout. The goal is not perfection; it is alignment between price, condition, use case, and expectations.
Where to browse next on Couture USA
Use these checks before moving into the live inventory pages that match your intent. Start broad if you are comparing designers; go directly to the brand collection if you already know the house you want.
FAQs
What is strap drop?
Strap drop is the distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag when the strap is held up. It helps estimate where the bag will sit on your body.
Can photos replace measurements?
Photos help, but measurements are safer. Model height, camera angle, and styling can make the same bag look very different.
Fern Britton’s daughters stole the spotlight as the TV favourite marked her 69th birthday with a rare family photo.
The former This Morning host shared the snap on Instagram. She posed outside a wooden hut with her grown-up daughters, Winnie and Grace.
Fern looked fresh-faced and make-up free in the picture. She wore a white shirt over a T-shirt, swept her blonde hair into a relaxed up-do, and perched her glasses on top of her head.
The post gave fans a lovely peek into her birthday weekend. Later photos showed Fern sipping Aperol Spritz cocktails with pals and heading out for walks in nature.
Fern Britton shared a rare snap with her daughters over the weekend
Fern does not often share photos of both daughters together.
In her caption, Fern wrote: “My birthday weekend with friends I am so lucky to have .. oh and my 2 wonderful daughters! xxxx”
Fern marked her birthday on Friday. She looked relaxed, happy and surrounded by loved ones.
Winnie was born in August 2001. Fern shares her with former husband and ex This Morning co-star Phil Vickery.
Fern Britton’s children and family life
Fern Britton is mum to four children.
Twins Harry and Jack were born during her marriage to TV executive Clive Jones.
Daughter Grace is also from Fern’s marriage to Clive Jones.
Daughter Winnie was born in 2001 during Fern’s marriage to chef Phil Vickery.
Fern married Clive Jones in 1988 and the couple later divorced. She married Phil Vickery in 2000, and they announced their separation in 2020 after 20 years of marriage.
Fern is also mum to twins Harry and Jack, plus daughter Grace, from her previous marriage to Clive Jones.
Fern is a best selling author, but also hosts Inside the Vets (Credit: SplashNews.com)
The sweet family snap fans did not see coming
Fans rushed to the comments with birthday wishes. Many also loved seeing Fern with Winnie and Grace.
One wrote: “Happy birthday sparkles Fern you are a inspiration to us ladies and it’s my birthday tomorrow have a wonderful day xx”
Another said: “Happy birthday gorgeous wonderful Fern.”
A third added: “Oh, this is lovely Fern. Such photos warm my heart. Seeing such joy and making happy memories. Happy Happy Birthday to you.”
The warm reaction showed how much affection viewers still have for Fern. She remains a familiar and much-loved face for daytime TV fans.
Fern Britton’s life lately
Fern Britton’s latest update landed after fresh attention on her health transformation. The presenter has spoken openly about losing five stone after her split from Phil Vickery in 2020.
The former couple ended their marriage after 20 years together. Since then, Fern has said she wanted to “get my life back on track” and focus on her wellbeing.
She has also said she did not use weight-loss jabs. Instead, she credited cutting out sugar, taking 6am gym classes and using the Couch to 5K running app.
That new chapter came through in the birthday gallery. Fern looked completely at ease with the people closest to her.
Read more: Amanda Holden hits back at ‘nepo baby’ claims amid daughter Lexi’s modelling career
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
Emily loves to write about the latest trending news, whether it’s reality TV chaos or royal drama. She also has a passion for translating editorial content into share-worthy social media posts.
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Whether it’s buying shirts and jeans or notebooks and pencils, back-to-school shopping is all about preparing for the school year ahead. One of the most important must-buys are sneakers, as kids wear them through their lessons and for fun afterwards. We turned to the reliable picks at Skechers to make sure that girls and boys are ready to show up in style.
The great thing about Skechers is the brand prioritizes comfort and supportive features without forgetting about looking like shoes young ones actually want to wear. So, both parents and kids will be happy. Whether they prefer more laid-back designs or can’t wait to rock cool light-up choices, these sneakers might actually have them looking forward to kissing summer goodbye — probably not, but we can dream, right?
11 Supportive, Stylish Skechers Sneakers for Back to School
1. Our Favorite: Available in girls’ and boys’ versions, these sneakers are made for mini athletes. They have breathable mesh uppers and cushioned midsoles, and since they’re made of washable materials, you can easily clean them off at the end of the day.
2. Posh Princess: For the kids who love princesses, these non-lace light-up sneakers come in pink and blue options. Both feature glittery mesh and ribbon lace keeper details for royal touches.
3. Serious Support: No more constant untied laces, because this sporty slip-in option lets them put their own shoes on. Plus, the Air-Cooled Goga Mat insoles offer high-rebound cushioning for really active little ones.
4. Peace of Mind: These machine-washable Skechers shoes have a secret: There’s a hidden compartment to place a locator tag in the insole. So, if the absolute worst were to happen, you can have control over tracking them down.
5. Cute and Caring: The kid who can’t get enough color will love these Care Bear sneakers. The high-top design is adorable, and they feature all the beloved characters.
6. Cozy Contour: Available in two easy colorways, these hands-free, slip-on sneakers don’t play about their support. With contour foam and a cozy fit, they were designed to feel like their feet are wrapped in a puffer jacket.
7. Pink Lady: If they love pink but don’t want to go too overboard, this pretty slip-in pair does the trick with just a hint of sparkle. The fixed stretch laces still offer a fitted feel even though there’s no tying involved.
8. Charming Choice: It’ll look like their shoes are wearing a necklace, thanks to this white pair with rose gold charms. Even though they’re fashion sneakers, they offer supportive memory foam insoles.
9. Flashy Fit: They’ll have their choice between blue and red sneakers, but both options have light-up features. The lightning-themed shoes have adjustable instep straps, so kids can put them on themselves.
10. Bold BFFs: For a less colorful Care Bear option, this pair has a white base and features the characters. However, our favorite part might be the cute heart charm on the laces.
11. Stylish Slip-In: Choose between the five colors for a personalized feel, and they’ll be ready to play in these well-cushioned, slip-in sneakers. The special Heel Pillow ensures their feet stay in place.
Nathan Turk and the influence of Western tailoring
Monday, July 20th 2026Tags: Manuel CuevasNathan TurkNudie Cohn
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An archive Nathan Turk shirt owned by the author
A column by Ethan Newton.
I had a revelation a few years ago, one so elementary that I don’t know why it never occurred to me before. Every year and every season we create the history of clothing – this is our responsibility as product designers, and a great opportunity.
There are eras of garment design that hold my imagination in trance, about which I will consume all the information I can possibly find – the lore and the legend, the catalogues, the advertisements, all the instances of history that paint layer upon layer to create a movement.
That these movements were borne out of industries much like the one we find ourselves in today, makes me realise how instrumental we can be in the history of design.
Ethan
My father once told me I was named after a character in the Western film ‘The Searchers’ – John Wayne’s civil war general Ethan Edwards – and I remember it compounded with many other early memories.
My father reciting the opening salvo of Frankie Laine’s ‘Wanted Man’ with a theatricality I still mimic today. Western movies on a Sunday afternoon where boots and holsters and saddles mixed with the sound of my mother’s sewing machine whirring away in the background. Roy Rogers and Gene Autry rubbing shoulders with Sgt Pepper-era Beatles in my own personal zeitgeist. Western utilitarianism and 1960s homemaking florals.
You realise over time how much these things make up the fabric of your own design philosophy, whether you realise it or not. These influences were so deeply ingrained in me that I didn’t really become cognisant of it until years after the garments it inspired were already broken down and faded.
Nathan TurkMaddox Bros and Rose, outfitted by Turk
Nathan Turk
You could start that story by talking about Nathan Turk (above). Turk was a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant who, from his shop in North Hollywood in the 1930s, brought the influences of his Eastern European Jewish heritage, Norwegian Rosemaling design and Swedish Kurbitz to the American West.
With a Cornely Chainstitch machine, he gave the austerity of early western wear a distinctly Eastern European flavour, one which came to represent Hollywood’s image of the American cowboy. When the Sons of the Pioneers sung ‘Cool Water’, or the original singing cowboy Gene Autry strode on stage, their Americanness was profoundly influenced by Nathan Turk’s Eastern European roots.
Nathan Turk walked so that Nudie Cohn could run – just as Tex Williams strode so that Elvis Presley could strut.
Nudie Cohn with Gram ParsonsAn early Nudie label
Nudie Cohn (above, left) pushed the singing-cowboy aesthetic a step or three further. European chain stitch was interpreted into rhinestones and sequins, the florals seen on Tex Williams a few decades earlier becoming sequinned cannabis leaves and naked ladies on Gram Parsons’s iconic white Nudie suit (above, right).
Elvis’s sequined jump suits were equally influenced by the outfits of the singer Spade Cooley, in much the same way Elton John’s ostentatious stage presence was influenced by Elvis.
Manuel Cuevas measuring Johnny CashManuel Cuevas and Marty Stuart
Manuel Cuevas and on
Manuel Cuevas continued the chain. As a Mexican master tailor working under Nudie, he took these Eastern European folk influences and gave them an authentic Mexican perspective.
Traditional hand embroidery of Charro suits and mariachi uniforms influenced the next generation of stage performers – folk florals combined with religious iconography, roses and crosses realised in metallic thread.
The boxiness of 40s cowboy suits evolved through the influence of the ultra-tailored charro suits and Campesino garments into something more elegant and architectural, with Bob Dylan, Marty Stuart (above, right) and Dwight Yoakam incorporating his work into their style.
When the musician Orville Peck uses fringe and mask to create his own particular Western personality, or designer Alessandro Michele brings sleek glamour to Gucci, they have Nathan Turk to thank, whether they know it or not (and I suspect they do).
Bob Dylan in a Manuel Cuevas suit
From Eastern Europe to North Hollywood to the back streets of Harajuku (where our Bryceland’s store is today) these influences and cultures mixed and mated, and at the tail end of that is me – an Australian with a father who dreamed of the cowboy life, and a mother who can still quilt and embroider with far more finesse than I can.
As designers we have a hand in creating the design zeitgeist of each era we inhabit. For every iconic moment in clothing, there was a designer or an artisan realising their own perspective, shaping the world around them for the next generation. While none of us have the wheel to ourselves, we all get to steer the course slightly in our own direction.
Lazy design, driven by heavy branding and novelty, tries to pull us off course. It’s our responsibility to be diligent in design, and make this era one worthy of referencing in the years and generations to come.
Dwight Yoakam wearing Manuel Cuevas
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Look, I love Alien and The Thing as much as anyone else. If you catch me on a weekend, there’s a solid chance I’m rewatching Ripley face off against a Xenomorph or MacReady testing blood with a hot wire. They are the absolute undisputed titans of the sci-fi horror genre. But let’s be honest: talking about them all the time gets a bit repetitive.
As someone who constantly scours the digital and cinematic landscape for hidden gems, I’ve realized that the shadows cast by those two monoliths have swallowed up some genuinely fantastic films. There are movies out there with incredible atmospheres, terrifying creature designs, and brilliant practical effects that just didn’t get the widespread love they deserved at launch.
I’ve put together a deep dive into five sci-fi horror films that severely flew under the radar. If you’re tired of the same old recommendations and want to experience some genuinely gripping cinematic terror, clear your schedule for these.
1. The Faculty (1998) – High School is Literally an Alien Invasion
If you want a perfect time capsule of late-90s sci-fi attitude, you cannot skip The Faculty. Directed by Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn) and written by Kevin Williamson (the mastermind behind Scream), this movie takes the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers trope and injects it straight into the veins of a cynical 90s high school.
The premise is brilliant in its simplicity: the teachers at a local high school are acting strange, and a misfit group of students realizes they are being taken over by an aquatic alien parasite.
Why it deserves a spot on your watch list:
The Ultimate Ensemble Cast: We are talking about a young Elijah Wood, Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster, Famke Janssen, Robert Patrick, and even Jon Stewart. The chemistry between these totally different high school stereotypes forced to work together is fantastic.Practical Effects: Rodriguez leans heavily into practical, gooey, visceral effects that still hold up remarkably well today.The Paranoia: The tension of not knowing who is infected and who is still human is executed perfectly. I always appreciate a movie that uses psychological distrust as a weapon alongside physical monsters.
2. Life (2017) – A Masterclass in Zero-Gravity Terror
When Life came out, a lot of critics immediately dismissed it as an Alien clone. I think that’s incredibly unfair. Set entirely aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the film follows a crew of astronauts who retrieve a soil sample from Mars containing a single-celled organism. They name it Calvin.
Calvin grows. Fast. And it turns out that Calvin is a highly adaptable, incredibly hostile apex predator.
What makes this movie genuinely terrifying:
The Realism of the Setting: Unlike a massive, futuristic spaceship with artificial gravity and laser blasters, the ISS is cramped, fragile, and grounded in our current technological reality. Every module feels claustrophobic.The Intelligence of the Threat: Calvin isn’t just a mindless beast; it’s an intelligent, problem-solving entity. Watching it systematically dismantle the crew’s defenses is chilling.Relentless Pacing: The movie barely gives you a moment to breathe. Once things go wrong, the tension ramps up exponentially and does not stop until the final, incredibly bleak frame.
3. Underwater (2020) – Deep Sea Claustrophobia at its Finest
Space usually gets all the attention in this genre, but our own oceans are arguably just as alien and terrifying. Underwater drops you right into the Mariana Trench. A deep-sea drilling station suffers a catastrophic implosion, forcing the surviving crew, led by Kristen Stewart, to walk across the pitch-black ocean floor in pressurized suits to reach an escape pod.
They quickly realize the implosion didn’t just break their station; it woke something up.
Why I highly recommend diving into this one:
Zero Wasted Time: I love a good slow burn, but Underwater literally starts with the disaster occurring within the first few minutes. You are immediately thrown into the chaos and survival mechanics.The Suit Design: The heavy, bulky, analog dive suits feel weighty and real. You can almost feel the crushing pressure of the ocean pressing in on the characters.Lovecraftian Horror: Without spoiling the third act, the scale of the threat the crew uncovers taps deep into cosmic, Cthulhu-mythos horror. It’s rare to see giant monster mechanics handled with this level of dread.
4. Pandorum (2009) – Gritty, Deep Space Madness
Pandorum is the definition of a cult classic. It bombed at the box office, but over the years, die-hard sci-fi fans have rightfully elevated its status. The story begins on Elysium, a massive generation ship carrying the last remnants of humanity. Two crew members (Ben Foster and Dennis Quaid) wake up from hyper-sleep with severe amnesia. The ship’s power is failing, the reactor needs resetting, and the dark corridors are swarming with tribal, cannibalistic mutants.
The standout elements you need to know:
“Pandorum” as a Concept: The title refers to a psychological condition—deep space madness induced by prolonged isolation and hyper-sleep. The film heavily plays with the unreliable narrator trope. You never quite know what is real and what is a hallucination.World-Building: The gritty, dirty, industrial design of the Elysium makes the ship feel like a metallic tomb.The Twist: I won’t ruin it here, but the realization of where the ship actually is and what happened to the rest of the passengers is one of the best narrative payoffs in modern sci-fi horror.
5. Slither (2006) – James Gunn’s Glorious Body Horror
Long before he was directing Guardians of the Galaxy or running DC Studios, James Gunn gave us Slither. If you miss the era of unapologetic, gross-out 80s B-movies, this is your modern masterpiece. A small town is invaded by an alien parasite that turns the local wealthy jerk (played brilliantly by Michael Rooker) into a massive, meat-eating hive mind.
Why it’s a brilliant palate cleanser:
Dark Comedy: Slither balances genuine repulsion with laugh-out-loud dark humor. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is and leans fully into the absurdity.Nathan Fillion: Playing the local sheriff who is way out of his depth, Fillion anchors the movie with his signature deadpan charm.Unapologetic Body Horror: The creature designs and the physical transformations of the infected townspeople are grotesquely beautiful. It’s a love letter to the era of practical effects and prosthetics.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these films reminded me that the genre is vast, and sometimes the best cinematic experiences are the ones that didn’t have massive marketing budgets. They rely on raw atmosphere, smart writing, and the primal fear of the unknown.
I’m always looking to update my personal watchlist. I’ve shared my hidden favorites, but now I want to hear from you: What is the most underrated sci-fi horror movie you’ve ever seen that nobody else seems to talk about? Let me know in the comments below!
Published: July 20, 2026 at 3:00 am Updated: July 20, 2026 at 3:00 am
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A Multi-Utility Ecosystem Powered by NTE
NTE is the central utility token of the NodeMeta ecosystem. It is currently deployed on BNB Smart Chain with a defined total supply of 11 billion tokens.
Public token and market information can be reviewed through NodeMeta’s official CoinMarketCap profile:
https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/nodemeta
The existing ecosystem includes Core Node, Elite Node, Meta Pulse Node and staking participation. These products are supported through a unified dashboard where users can review product status, eligible rewards, pending balances and claim information.
NodeMeta’s wider roadmap goes beyond nodes and staking. The project is developing multiple products where NTE may be used for access, participation, service payments, digital transactions and future blockchain activity.
NodeMeta OneKey
One of the key products in development is NodeMeta OneKey, a planned all-in-one Web3 access platform.
OneKey is designed to combine portfolio information, NTE balances, node status, staking activity, rewards and cross-chain functions within one dashboard.
The platform may also include AI-assisted guidance for blockchain actions such as staking, transferring, bridging and claiming rewards.
By reducing the need to use multiple wallets and platforms, NodeMeta aims to provide a simpler, safer and more intelligent Web3 experience.
TrustScan AI and Web3 Security
Security remains one of the project’s central priorities.
NodeMeta is developing TrustScan AI, an AI-powered token and project verification platform that may provide honeypot checks, liquidity analysis, ownership-risk detection and trust assessments.
Premium services may include detailed security reports, project verification, alerts and API access.
NTE is expected to be used for selected premium services, creating a practical connection between token utility and Web3 security.
The project’s existing smart-contract infrastructure has also undergone an independent audit by Hacken, supporting its commitment to stronger technical standards and responsible ecosystem development.
The official NodeMeta audit information is available at:
https://hacken.io/audits/node-meta
AI Tools, Gaming and Digital Services
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a major role in NodeMeta’s future development.
The project is exploring AI-powered market tools, content generation, business automation, marketing services and digital productivity applications.
NodeMeta is also developing gaming and entertainment concepts, including tournaments, digital assets, community competitions and international leaderboards.
Another planned product is NTE World, a global social gaming and entertainment platform intended to connect users through accessible digital experiences and community interaction.
These products are designed to expand the ecosystem beyond traditional crypto users and introduce NTE utility to a broader global audience.
Marketplace, Launchpad and Future Blockchain
NodeMeta’s roadmap includes a digital marketplace where users may access AI tools, digital services, gaming products and creator-based content using NTE.
A planned Web3 launchpad may also provide eligible users with access to selected blockchain projects and ecosystem services.
In the longer term, NodeMeta aims to develop NTE Chain, its own blockchain infrastructure.
Within the proposed network, NTE could function as a gas, staking, reward, access and settlement token while supporting decentralized applications, node validation and cross-chain services.
All planned products will remain subject to technical development, testing, security review and implementation readiness.
Global Expansion and Long-Term Vision
NodeMeta is positioning its ecosystem for international expansion across Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Americas and the Middle East.
Its strategic goals include global community development, participation in international blockchain events, strategic partnerships and broader exchange access.
The project has outlined a long-term objective of pursuing more than 30 centralized exchange listings within three years, subject to compliance, liquidity, market conditions and exchange approval.
NodeMeta’s broader vision is to build more than a token-based platform. By combining infrastructure, AI, security, entertainment and digital services, the project aims to create a practical Web3 economy with multiple forms of NTE utility.
About NodeMeta
NodeMeta is a community-driven Web3 infrastructure and utility ecosystem powered by NTE. It is developing a connected platform spanning nodes, staking, artificial intelligence, digital security, gaming, marketplaces and future blockchain applications.
Explore more at node-meta.com
Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal or trading advice. Future products, exchange listings and blockchain developments remain subject to technical, regulatory and market conditions. Digital assets involve risk and significant volatility. Readers should conduct their own research before interacting with any blockchain-based product or servic
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Gregory, a digital nomad hailing from Poland, is not only a financial analyst but also a valuable contributor to various online magazines. With a wealth of experience in the financial industry, his insights and expertise have earned him recognition in numerous publications. Utilising his spare time effectively, Gregory is currently dedicated to writing a book about cryptocurrency and blockchain.
More articles
Gregory, a digital nomad hailing from Poland, is not only a financial analyst but also a valuable contributor to various online magazines. With a wealth of experience in the financial industry, his insights and expertise have earned him recognition in numerous publications. Utilising his spare time effectively, Gregory is currently dedicated to writing a book about cryptocurrency and blockchain.
