Technology

When a star strays too close to a supermassive black hole, extreme gravitational forces ravage it, shredding and stretching it into spaghetti. 

The term for this gruesome process is actually "spaghettification," according to NASA, inspired by Stephen Hawking's book, A Brief History of Time. In it, the late theoretical physicist first described what would happen to a person approaching a black hole's "event horizon" — its point of no return — in space.

Astronomers used to think this was an immediate death sentence for a star. Now an international team, led by Tel Aviv University in Israel, has published the first confirmed case of a star surviving such a brush, only to return 700 days later for another go. 

The findings, which appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, don't contradict the concept of spaghettification but show that it could be a repeatable process for some stars, said Iair Arcavi, who supervised the research.

"A star isn't a uniform ball of matter," Arcavi told Mashable. "The inner part is more dense, and the outer part is more 'fluffy.' So the outer part is more easily spaghettified. If the star kept to some distance from the black hole, it could avoid the denser parts from getting spaghettified, too." 

SEE ALSO: Milky Way's central black hole may have scarfed down another black hole An image of Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's galactic center. Credit: Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in the universe. They are regions in space where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape. About 50 years ago, they were little more than a theory — a kooky mathematical solution to a physics problem. Even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Humanity got a clear view of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the galaxy, for the first time in 2022. 

Last year, Tel Aviv University researchers spotted a tidal disruption event (TDE) near the center of a galaxy about 400 million light-years away using the Las Cumbres Observatory, a network of robotic telescopes around the world, designed to keep a close eye on rapid cosmic events. These TDEs are bright flares that occur when a black hole is destroying a star. 

What shocked them was that the flare was almost identical to another that occurred two years earlier, called AT 2022dbl, from the exact same location. After analyzing the data, scientists ruled out other explanations, like unrelated flares or gravitational lensing, and concluded that the same star was partially torn apart twice.

Typically, when a star is pulled toward a black hole, its near side is stretched and pulled in while the far side is flung out. The resulting stream of gas and debris spirals around the black hole as it falls in — sort of like water circling a bathtub drain. These bursts of energy can outshine an entire galaxy, briefly illuminating the hidden black hole lurking at the heart of a galaxy.

Over the past decade, astronomers have observed dozens of these flares. But one thing has perplexed them: Based on computer simulations, most of these events seem kind of weak. Previously, scientists had assumed the discrepancy between real and virtual flares has been due to knowledge gaps or the limitations of computer models.

But AT 2022dbl's repeating flare may offer a simpler explanation. The star may not have been completely annihilated on its first trip around the black hole. Then, like a masochist, it returned roughly two years later to be damaged again.

The study suggests it's possible many of these flares, once thought the calling cards of stellar death, aren't necessarily fatal events. The question now is whether this particular star is finally dead or if it'll be back again next year for more abuse.

Either way, Arcavi said, astronomers will have to rethink these flares and what they say about the monsters lying in wait.

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Ready to jumpstart your fitness journey? A smart scale might be the best first step you can make in terms of fitness-centric tech. They're packed with features that do far more than just tell you how much you weigh. They can track body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, water weight, BMI, and more, all while syncing with your favorite health apps and fitness trackers. That means every time you step on the scale, you get more a more complete portrait of your health.

A smart scale can help you stay consistent and accountable in a variety of ways. Most even have multiple user profiles, so you can stay in the know about your health even when you're sharing a scale with others in your home. But which ones are accurate, reliable, and worth your time? We've gathered some of the best smart scales for turning regular old weigh-ins into a deep dive into what's going on with your body.

SEE ALSO: Simplify your fitness journey with a Renpho Smart Scale for just $20 at Amazon Why are smart scales worth buying?

Smart scales give you more than just digits on a screen. They give you a much more complete picture of your health than traditional scales. Instead of just showing your weight, they can measure and track body composition metrics such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, water weight, bone density, and even metabolic age. That type of information can help you understand how your body is changing over time, even if the number on the scale doesn’t move much.

Your weight is only a small part of your overall fitness journey, and it's important to keep in mind that as you grow and change, these metrics will as well. So smart scales can offer healthy reminders that progress doesn't start and end with how many pounds are on your scale's display, and you could be making progress in other ways, too.

Renpho Smart Scale Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Renpho Smart Scale $19.98 at Amazon
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This digital scale offers Bluetooth connectivity and has 13 body metric readings: BMI, muscle mass, body fat percentage, metabolic age, and more. It can sync your data with Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit, and offers a hub that you can refer to if you're looking to keep track of your progress. But while we appreciate all of these things, as well as the accompanying Renpho app, the most important thing is that it's literally $20. Yes, you can get a quality scale for just $20, and it does all of this. You could skip the café for a couple of days and pick this scale up at its current price without breaking the bank.

Withings Body Scan Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Withings Body Scan $499.95 at Amazon
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This premium scale is indeed a splurge, but it's one of the best scales on offer that can give you a clinical overview of your health, from electrocardiogram reports to sweat gland activity. It can read arterial stiffness measurements, body mass index, bone mass, body fat, and much more. It's all about delivering data in droves, and it's for the fitness buffs who want to know how to min/max every macro possible. If learning about every single part of your body from top to bottom is a priority for you, this is the smart scale that can help you accomplish all of those goals.

Wyze Smart Scale X Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Wyze Smart Scale X $39.98 at Amazon
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This scale is an all-in-one option that handles a wide variety of metrics, from heart rate to basal metabolic rate and everything in between. It's also set up to measure the weight of your baby, pet, or luggage; you can even turn off electrical currents to make it safer for those purposes. When you weigh yourself and take other measurements, you can sync it wirelessly and automatically to the Wyze app, and track changes over time. Plus, its easy-to-read digital screen is a bit larger than many of its brethren on the market. The Wyze app even offers a way to measure your heart rate anywhere, without having to be connected to the scale.

Eufy Smart Scale P3 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Smart Scale P3 $65.99 at Amazon
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If you're looking for more guidance, this smart scale can offer fitness plans to keep you on track. Using the calculations it makes of your weight, body fat, muscle, and more (16 measurements in total), it can create a 3D model via app to help you figure out the right exercises and see the progress you could be making on your phone. It has an extremely precise pressure sensor as well, with quite the detailed app that doesn't skimp on sharing all the details you need to make healthy decisions.

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Is it still worth it to buy a desktop scanner? Not really. Now that scanner apps like SwiftScan are on the scene, you can get the same performance without sacrificing half of your desk space to a machine that barely works half the time.

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What can SwiftScan do?

With SwiftScan, scanning a document is as simple as taking a picture. It automatically detects edges, straightens your image, and enhances color and clarity. You get a clean, crisp PDF or JPEG starting at 200 dpi, all from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. And it doesn’t stop at paper. SwiftScan also handles whiteboards, handwritten notes, QR codes, barcodes, and even sketchbook pages.

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TL;DR: Save 17% on this ACDelco power ratchet set and get free shipping while supplies last. Only 50 are available at this price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ACDelco ACDelco G12 Series Li-ion 12V 1/4-inch & 3/8-inch Ratchet Wrench Kit with 1 Battery & Bag $114.99
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Look, we’re not saying your impact driver isn’t useful. But if you’ve ever stripped a screw, cracked a plastic panel, or spent 12 minutes trying to angle it into a tight space, you already know it’s not the right tool for every job. These cordless ratchets from ACDelco are designed for those in-between moments where control and precision are essential.

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So, what do power ratchets actually look like in use? Let’s say you’re working under the hood of your car, maybe replacing a battery bracket or loosening something buried deep in the engine bay.

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The Garmin vívoactive 4 was my first-ever Garmin. My first leap away from a Fitbit into what felt like more serious running watch territory. It was love at first sight, but it wasn't long before I noticed its shortcomings.

Then came the Garmin vívoactive 5 — a completely different watch packed with all the features the vívoactive 4 felt like it was missing. The vívoactive 4 has since been discontinued (RIP to my first Garmin love). That's unsurprising given how far the lineup has come, now with the vívoactive 6 leading the way.

For me the vívoactive 5 feels like the natural evolution, finally delivering the fitness tools the vívoactive 4 always seemed to lack.

Why I love the Garmin vívoactive 5

Style-wise, the vívoactive 5 is much less clunky than the vívoactive 4. It feels like it closes the gap between fitness tracker and stylish smartwatch much better than the 4. It's sleek and bright, and definitely feels like the best of both worlds. In this way, I feel like it resembles the Venu 3.

The 5 is also a great option for battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and around 18 hours with continuous GPS. This follows the trend of some of Garmin's higher-end watches, like the Forerunner range, and makes daily use so much easier without constant charging.

SEE ALSO: We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart rings

And as you'd expect from Garmin, the stats and tracking features are next level. And it offers an advanced range of health metrics, including heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and detailed sleep analysis. The watch also provides smart notifications, music controls, and contactless payments.

So, is the Garmin vívoactive 5 worth the upgrade?

In short, yes. This isn't to say to throw your perfectly working vívoactive 4 in the trash, but when the time comes, the vívoactive 5 is 100% worthy of your cash. Several Amazon reviews even claim to "love it" as an upgrade from their vívoactive 4.

The most obvious reason? The new AMOLED display. Now, I'm a big believer in not needing an AMOLED display on a fitness tracker; in fact, my favorite Garmin has an MIP screen. But the age and hardware of the vívoactive 4 means it's not the brightest or most colorful MIP screen, so immediately the vívoactive 5 feels like a massive upgrade on the eyes.

But one of the major additions that I think makes the Garmin vívoactive 5 a better watch is the several advanced recovery and fitness tools that were previously saved for Garmin’s higher-end models.

Training Readiness stands out in particular, one of my favorite Garmin metrics. This data combines your sleep quality, HRV status, recent activity, recovery time, and stress levels to give you a daily score showing how ready your body is to train. Of course, working out to feel is far more important than a number on a watch, but this feature helps you avoid overtraining and make smarter decisions about when to push and when to rest. This is a feature I always missed on my vívoactive 4, and what ultimately led to my upgrade.

SEE ALSO: Nothing just launched a $99 AI-powered smartwatch — and it's already on sale

The Vivoactive 5 also includes Workout Benefit (which tells you whether your session improved endurance, strength, etc.) and Recovery Time. Again, always listen to your body first over a Garmin, but the Recovery Time helps you visualize the impact training and rest have had on your body so far. This is particularly useful when you kick training up a notch for a marathon or triathlon. It reminds you that rest is OK, and very much needed.

The Vivoactive 4 lacks these key features. Combined with HRV status, Sleep Coach, nap detection, and more detailed Body Battery insights, the vívoactive 5 feels like a much more serious fitness watch, and these tools alone make it worthy of upgrade consideration.

What the Garmin vívoactive 5 doesn't have

It's not all sunshine and daisies with the vívoactive 5. There's one thing it lacks that the vívoactive 4 does not: an altimeter. An altimeter is a sensor that measures elevation, essentially how high you are above sea level. In fitness trackers, it helps count how many floors you’ve climbed or tracks the elevation you've gained in hikes or runs.

This is a surprising omission from Garmin, especially with the addition of high-end training metrics that makes it feel like an advanced option. The altimeter is especially important for trail runners, where elevation really matters. Yes, the built-in GPS will monitor the elevation to some degree, but it is famously not as accurate. It's a disappointing step down from the vívoactive 4.

If an altimeter is something you really want, check out the Garmin Forerunner 955 or even the Fitbit Versa 4, but if totally accurate elevation stats aren't important to you, we still think the vívoactive 5 is a great watch.

Where to buy the Garmin vívoactive 5

You can find the Garmin vívoactive 5 at many retailers. At Amazon and Walmart, you can find it priced at $189.99. At Best Buy, it is priced at $249.95. Keep an eye out for discounts and sales, as this model is regularly reduced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $189.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $110 Get Deal

For the most part, I'm a big fan of the Fitbit Charge 6. It's affordable, it's stylish on your wrist, and it tracks multiple sports from running to swimming with its built-in GPS. It's what I'd call a pretty good all-rounder, and a solid choice for anyone wanting a tracker to monitor performance.

That said, there’s one notable feature that it’s missing: an altimeter. And I just can't get over it.

What is an altimeter?

An altimeter is a sensor that measures elevation. Basically, how high you are above sea level. In fitness trackers, it helps count how many floors you’ve climbed or tracks the elevation you've gained during activities like hiking or running. It works by detecting changes in air pressure, which drop as you go higher.

Having an altimeter in your fitness tracker is important because it gives you a more detailed picture of your workouts. This is especially important for the likes of trail runners, where elevation really matters.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs. Whoop: A fight of the best fitness trackers

GPS can give a vague idea of changes in height based on location changes, but it's not fully accurate and often misses smaller elevation shifts. So to me it's important to own a tracker with a dedicated altimeter. It's a shame that it isn't included in the Charge 6, because there's a lot to like about this smartwatch.

What the Fitbit Charge 6 does have

The Fitbit Charge 6 has many great qualities, and if tracking elevation isn't necessary for you, it's a fantastic option.

First off, it comes with built-in GPS. This means you can head out for a run, bike ride, or walk without carrying your phone. It tracks your pace, distance, and route using satellite data, so you get a clear map of where you’ve been. It also logs your steps, calories burned, and Active Zone Minutes, a clever Fitbit stat that tracks how much time you spend in elevated heart rate zones.

Users also get heart rate monitoring. It uses Fitbit's PurePulse 2.0 sensor, so you've got 24/7 heart rate tracking with this watch. This also means you get data on your resting heart rate, heart rate zones during workouts, and even alerts if your heart rate goes unusually high or low. That's a big plus if you want to keep a close eye on your cardiovascular health.

The Charge 6 also has SpO2 tracking, estimating blood oxygen saturation overnight. This can help you catch potential breathing issues during sleep or identify when your body needs a bit more rest and recovery.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

And speaking of rest, this model also has advanced sleep tracking. Like most Fitbits, it monitors your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) and gives you a sleep score every morning. The score is a number up to 100, and helps you see through a simple figure how well you slept and how well your body recovered. It even tracks how long you’re restless or awake during the night.

It offers some lifestyle features, too. Receive notifications straight to your wrist, and if you have an Android phone, you can even reply to messages using quick replies or voice dictation. Unfortunately, this function is not available for iPhone users.

Where to buy the Fitbit Charge 6

The Fitbit Charge 6 is available at many retailers and is often on sale, so keep an eye out for discounts. At Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, the Charge 6 is now priced at $159.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Charge 6 $109.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

It's about time Molly Gordon got a role that knows what to do with her.

Don't mistake me. The American actress has been delivering stellar supporting turns in a string of acclaimed comedies, from coming-of-age comedies like Booksmart and Good Boys, where she played back-to-back smart party girls, to playing opposite Rachel Sennott as her rightfully surly ex in the anxiety-inducing Shiva Baby. Gordon's beloved on the small screen too, as the saintly Claire "Bear" Dunlap in TV's award-winning comedy series The Bear. Even Theater Camp, which Gordon co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in, didn't fully explore her comedy chops. But writer/director Sophie Brooks' Oh, Hi! proves a sensational showcase for Gordon's unique brand of earnest, edgy absurdity.

Playing a young woman who embraces sex, love, and a bit of kidnapping, Gordon — who shares a story credit with Brooks — creates a complicated and compelling comedy heroine that's a satirical antihero, representing the perils of modern dating.

Oh, Hi! is a must-see sex comedy. Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

It's a sunny weekend when Iris (Gordon) and Isaac (Logan Lerman) head out to a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway in upstate New York. The remote setting is a perfect place to get away from the stress of living in the city life, and indulge in the joys of vacation sex. Admittedly, it's less than ideal when their frolic in the pond is interrupted by a nosy neighbor (a perfectly irked David Cross), but whether preparing a succulent meal, plunging a busted toilet, or snooping in the owner's closet to find sex toys, Iris and Isaac seem well-matched. So, why is he saying he's not her boyfriend?

After a terrific day and romantic night capped off with some light BDSM, Iris is absolutely flabbergasted to realize she and Isaac have very different views of their relationship. (Cue Chappell Roan's "Casual"!) Heartbroken but determined, Iris decides the only way Isaac can see them as she does is to leave him handcuffed to that big bed, while she takes 12 hours trying to convince him of just how compatible they are.

The premise has shades of Pedro Almodóvar's black comedy Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! for sure. But Brooks and Gordon make this movie distinctly their own with a keen awareness of the ups and downs of dating in America in this moment, where growing awareness of therapy, kink, and open communication has somehow made the battle of the sexes more confusing than ever.

Oh, Hi! wisely keeps its most crucial scene offscreen. Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

In a shrewd move, the key moment at the center of this conflict happens offscreen. Iris and Isaac refer back to a conversation they had before this weekend, before the movie even began. There'll be no convenient flashback to cement how it played out. Instead, we only have their contrasting accounts in this moment to figure out who said what. And in that way, Oh, Hi! plays less like Rashomon — with its different viewpoints clearly presented — and more like a juicy AITA from Reddit.

Who is the asshole? Is it the guy who acted like a boyfriend — including cooking scallops on a weekend getaway he planned — with no intentions to commit? Or is it the girl who took his rejection as a sign she should keep him chained to a bed while she calls in her best friend (Drive-Away Dolls' Geraldine Viswanathan) — and her best friend's attached-at-the-hip boyfriend (Search Party's John Reynolds) — for backup?

The answer might seem obvious, sure. But Oh, Hi!'s defiantly bouncy humor keeps the kidnapping plotline delightfully daffy, while that ache of emotional betrayal remains smartly sharp. The movie becomes about more than the boy in the ball gag chained to the bed, expanding to topics like consent, consideration, communication, and ride-or-die relationships. It's essentially a comedy that imagines the best-case scenario of chasing down those intrusive thoughts that might creep in after you've been ghosted again.

Molly Gordon is perfection in Oh, Hi! Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

Where fans of The Bear have moaned about Gordon's character being too one-note nice in Season 3, here the actress subverts that simple sunniness by exploring her dark side. Iris isn't out to hurt Isaac. But with him as her literal captive audience, she chucks herself into romantic cliches to woo him. Satisfyingly silly sequences are built around mundane things, like making breakfast in bed, and unexpected things, like a clumsy, nude attempt at moonlit witchcraft.

In each instance, Gordon risks falling into the trap of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, a trope in which a gorgeous woman is made to be preciously nonthreatening yet inspiring to the male protagonist, so he might grow. But because of the central bondage element, the audience can't shake off that Iris is threatening. And within that, Gordon displays a raw vulnerability that is in turn alarming and achingly relatable.

Yet all this might be for naught if she weren't matched by her captive and co-conspirators. Lerman sparks enticing chemistry with Gordon, which becomes tension as they shift from fucking to fighting. And even with his hands tied, he's skilled at landing a wry punchline or a withering remark. As Iris' bestie Max, Viswanathan brings the loose spontaneity that made her mesmerizing on Miracle Workers, while Reynolds brings hilarious wife-guy energy, whether small-talking or laying out legal obstacles to just letting Isaac go. And then there's Cross, who finely tunes his gruffness to become an offbeat ally in this delicious, chaotic comedy.

In the end, Brooks and Gordon have made something beyond a very funny sex comedy. With a bold premise, clever character development, and a cracking ensemble cast, they've made a daring film that deserves to be compared to the likes of early Pedro Almodóvar (especially Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!) or Emma Seligman (Shiva Baby, Bottoms). Simply put, they've crafted a comedy as current and enthralling as it is outrageous. And by rights, it should prove Gordon is a star.

Oh, Hi! opens in theaters July 25.

Even before he joined the MCU, Pedro Pascal has been an internet phenomenon for his saucy attitude in interviews, red carpet style, political activism for trans rights, and contagious joie de vivre. Incredibly, as mischievous as he can be in the The Fantastic Four: First Steps promotional campaign and as charmingly cavalier as he often is on talk shows, he typically plays characters in films and TV shows who are sterner, darker, and doomed. And these characters don't just die, but they meet their maker in deeply horrific ways.

To paraphrase Phineas and Ferb, if we had a nickel for every time Pedro Pascal's eyes got fatally pressed into his skull, we'd have two nickels. Which is not a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

SEE ALSO: Please stop killing Pedro Pascal!

This has given Pascal's fans a unique point of panic. Because sure, we might revel in cheeky memes about his dirty-talking cowboy in Kingsman: Secret Service or his surly allure as the gruff-but-lovable smuggler Joel in The Last of Us. But we also might want a heads-up if we're going to have to witness the demise of these hunks. We at Mashable get this pain.

So, we're here to help with an easy guide that answers: Does Pedro Pascal die in this? Don't want spoilers for other Pascal projects? No problem. Below, we've listed an array of Pedro Pascal movies and TV shows, including the details of plot and his role. But to find out if Pedro's character lives or dies, you have to click and drag the slider on the images below.

Left: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Dominique Charriau / WireImage / Getty Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Don't want to know that answer for a particular title — just move along! But need to know before you cue up a show or hit the theater, even just to brace yourself? We've got you covered.

Does Pedro Pascal die in Game of Thrones? Left: Credit: HBO / YouTube screenshot Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Pedro Pascal's ascent to becoming the internet's favorite sex symbol began with Season 4 of Game of Thrones. In a series steeped in sex, intrigue, and violence, Pascal swanned in as the immediate favorite Oberyn Martell, the sensual pansexual and well-reputed warrior of House Martell of Dorne, also known as the Red Viper.

Where the Targaryens were always sneering and arguing, Oberyn brought an alluring, practically carefree swagger to King's Landing — well, unless you got on his bad side. Quick-tempered and deadly, he was positioned as a winsome warrior could take on any challenger, including Ser Gregor Clegane, who murdered the children of Oberyn's beloved sister Elia before sexually assaulting Elia herself. Given the chance to fight the massive and merciless knight known as "The Mountain," Oberyn took it on. But would he live?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Prospect? Left: Credit: One Media / YouTube screenshot Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Written and directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, Prospect is an underseen gem in Pascal's filmography. Released in 2018, this space-set Western stars Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher as a teen girl named Cee who travels with her father (Jay Duplass) to mine remote foreign planets for rare gems. But when their expedition goes horridly awry, Cee is forced to make an uneasy alliance with an outlaw named Ezra (Pascal).

A hostile terrain is potentially rich in prospects but also dangers, including cultish villagers, gun-toting mercenaries, and poisonous spores in the air. Can this odd couple not only survive such threats, but also make it off-planet alive?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Kingsman: The Golden Circle? Left: Credit: Shutterstock Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

This is the sequel that launched a thousand fan edits. You know that TikTok sound that features Pascal saying, "How would you like to ride home on a real cowboy? I've got a 6-pack of cold ones on ice and my roommate is out all all night. So you can scream my name as loud as you need to, sugar!" That comes from Agent Whiskey, a spy for the Statesman, the American affiliate of the UK's Kingsman.

Where the Kingsman are named after knights of the roundtable and prefer a posh aesthetic, the Statesmen are cowboys who are named after types of booze. Agent Whiskey, with his lasso and dirty mind, drew a dynamic contrast to Agents Galahad (Colin Firth and Taron Egerton). But did Whisky make it to the credits of this giddily gruesome movie?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Wonder Woman 1984? Left: Credit: WARNER BROS / Moviestore / Shutterstock Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

You might not recognize Pascal in Patty Jenkins' sequel to the blockbuster Wonder Woman. In Wonder Woman 1984, he plays DC villain Max Lord (aka Maxwell Lorenzano), a businessman with plenty of bravado but few ethics.

Naturally, Max must face off against Wonder Woman as they battle for the coveted magical artifact, the Dreamstone, which has the power to grant wishes. But will this big bad make it out of this DCEU movie alive?

Does Pedro Pascal die in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent? Left: Credit: Katalin Vermes / Lionsgate Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Ever seen the Pedro Pascal meme where he's smiling joyfully at Nicolas Cage while "Make Your Own Kind of Music" blares on the convertible's radio? Well, that scene is from the happily absurd action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Released in 2022, this comedy from Tom Gormican stars Nicolas Cage as himself, but a version who's desperate for a gig that might get him some cash and win back the respect of his wife and daughter. Enter Cage's number-one fan, Javi Gutiérrez (Pascal), who offers the iconic actor $1 million to attend his birthday party in Majorca.

Though initially reluctant, Cage takes the gig and even begins to enjoy palling around with Javi. But things get complicated as the movie star gets looped into a sting operation, because the CIA thinks Javi is a notorious crime boss. It's a Nic Cage action movie, so you know things will get wild. What does that mean for Pascal?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Drive-Away Dolls? Left: Credit: Focus Features / YouTube screenshot Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

A daffy crime comedy from married moviemakers Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, Drive-Away Dolls casts Pascal in a small but memorable role. Much of the movie follows lesbians pals Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) on a wild roadtrip with a coveted MacGuffin in the trunk. But before we even meet the movie's heroines, Drive-Away Dolls introduces Pascal's character, Santos, a suspicious figure slinking about with a suitcase.

His role in this B-movie mystery will soon become clear. But will Santos survive this madcap movie?

Does Pedro Pascal die in The Wild Robot? Left: Credit: DreamWorks Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

You might think because The Wild Robot is a kids' movie that it's safe from heartbreak. Well, on top of being a thought-provoking parable about climate change, this animated movie is a real tear-jerker! The death of a flock of baby geese is the film's inciting incident. So who is safe?

Written and directed by Chris Sanders, this adaptation of Peter Brown's novel follows Roz (Lupita Nyong'o) a helper robot who crash lands on a remote island, where only animals roam. There, Roz befriends a sly fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal). And while neither of them are trusted by the other natives of this wooded island, they'll need to depend on each other to survive a harsh terrain and harsher winter. So, does Pascal fox his way out of this?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Gladiator II? Left: Credit: Paramount Pictures Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

In Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel to his Oscar–winning Gladiator, Paul Mescal stars as Lucius Verus Aurelius, grandson of the emperor Marcus Aurelius and son of Maximus Decimus Meridius — the hero played by Russell Crowe in the first film. Seeking to strike a blow against tyranny from the gladiator's pit, Lucius is in a tough predicament when it comes to knowing who to trust.

General Acacius (Pascal) seems a clear enemy, as he led the Roman army that invaded Lucius's village, killing his wife and making him a slave to the savage bloodlust of the twin emperors. But Acacius is also Lucius' mother's lover... so it's complicated. Will these two remain foes? Become friends? Most importantly: Will Pedro Pascal live or die?

Does Pedro Pascal die in The Last of Us? Left: Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

With the success of Season 1 of The Last of Us, Pascal reached new heights of fame. It wasn't just that he brought a nerve-scraping authenticity to the role of sneering smuggler Joel, or that he slowly, intoxicatingly unfolded the hard-headed man's soft heart through his growing bond with mischievous teen Ellie (Bella Ramsey). It was also the press tour, where Pascal's smile lit up the darkness of this post-apocalyptic series, shining a light on his real-life friendship with his young co-star.

Season 2 brought the pair back together in the show and on the press tour, and things were looking up for Ellie and Joel. Instead of being ever on the run from ravenous zombies and vicious humans, they'd made a home in a fortified settlement. But on their trail was Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who sought vengeance for the murder spree Joel committed during the climax of Season 1. So, who came out on top of this showdown?

Does Pedro Pascal die in Materialists? Left: Credit: A24 Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Writer/director Celine Song's follow-up to the critically heralded romantic drama Past Lives seemed a solid chance to see Pascal be charming without being killed for it.

Materialists is a love-triangle tale in which Dakota Johnson plays a Manhattan matchmaker who is torn between her first love, a broke aspiring actor played by Chris Evans, and a dashing millionaire played by Pascal. While there is a rivalry and offscreen violence in the movie, the genre suggests Pascal should make it out alive. But does he?

SEE ALSO: Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson weigh in on 'Materialists' big street fight and their cocktails of choice Does Pedro Pascal die in Eddington? Left: Credit: A24 Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

Following Ari Aster's bold and divisive Beau Is Afraid, he reteamed with Joaquin Phoenix for the COVID-19-centered black comedy Eddington. Set in a small New Mexico town, Phoenix plays local sheriff Joe Cross, who scoffs at mask mandates and finds these precautions an invasion on his freedom. Standing in opposition to Cross's attitude (at a socially responsible distance of six feet) is Eddington's mayor, Ted Garcia (Pascal).

A movie meant to mock both sides of the political divide, Eddington pits Phoenix and Pascal against each other in a mayoral election. Masculinity is threatened. Katy Perry music is blasted across desert bluffs. And — as you might expect of Aster, who also made Hereditary and Midsommar — the film ends in a wildly violent confrontation. But does Pascal survive the carnage?

Does Pedro Pascal die in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Left: Credit: Marvel Studios © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL Right: Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Stephane Cardinale / Corbis Entertainment / Getty

After several fumbles, The Fantastic Four relaunches with this swinging '60s-style adventure, and it's "one of the best MCU films in years" — so says our critic!

Pedro Pascal stars as Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, who beyond being brilliant also has the ability to stretch like rubber. By his side in heroism is Vanessa Kirby as Reed's wife Sue Storm/the Invisible Woman, whose power is pretty self-evident in her name; The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/the Thing, who is a near-invincible man of rock; and Joseph Quinn as Sue's brother, Johnny Storm/the Human Torch, who — yeah — can turn into fire.

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, they'll face off against the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and the very big bad Galactus (Ralph Ineson). But will Pascal make it out alive? On one hand, Marvel Entertainment seems to have big plans for the hot actor, as he's currently slated to appear in two upcoming Avengers projects in 2026 and 2027. On the other hand, the MCU already killed Reed Richards once before. Remember John Krasinski's ripped-to-shreds Reed in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Click and drag the slider to see for yourself if Pascal's Reed Richards suffers a similar fate!

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 25, 2025:

AcrossWhat a palm tree emoji on Slack might indicate, informally

• The answer is Vacay.

Skirt

• The answer is Evade.

iPhone app for jotting

• The answer is Notes.

C.E.O., C.F.O. or C.T.O.

• The answer is Title.

Requirements for pink or purple hair

• The answer is Dyes.

DownLet off a little steam

• The answer is Vent.

Skirt

• The answer is Avoid.

Like a remark that might elicit a "me-ow"

• The answer is Catty.

"Skyfall" singer

• The answer is Adele.

Positive R.S.V.P.s

• The answer is Yeses.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Determining whether you should buy a stick vacuum or a robot vacuum requires more than a surface-level comparison of suction power or battery life. It involves a cold, hard look in the mirror and some introspection: How often would you realistically do the cleaning yourself?

Factors like the size of your home and whether you have pets do matter, of course. But the stick vacuum vs. robot vacuum conversation really comes down to how picky you are about cleanliness and whether or not you care enough to ensure the vacuuming job is done thoroughly by doing it manually. I have both types of vacuums in my apartment, and have tested dozens of models of each variety over the past few years. I'm breaking down the pros and cons of each below.

The case for a robot vacuum The iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Roborock Saros 10. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

"The only way my house is going to get vacuumed every day is if a robot does it." I've heard that sentiment from more than one person when they ask me for a vacuum recommendation. If that resonates, you should definitely choose a robot vacuum.

It's also much easier to find a robot vacuum that mops than a stick vacuum that mops. Is the scrubbing as thorough as what you may be able to do with a manual mop? No, but automated mopping is more sanitary than forgetting to mop your floor for months on end. My favorite robot vacuum of 2025, the Roborock Saros 10R, is actually really good at mopping in corners, too.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros 10 vs. 10R: I narrowly crowned a winner after head-to-head testing at home

Robot vacuums are typically less work to maintain as well. It's more common than not for robot vacuums to auto-empty nowadays. Self-emptying robot vacuums deal with their own dustbins for several weeks (up to a few months) at a time. Many mopping robot vacuums can also refill their own water tanks and wash and dry their own mopping pads after each use. Parents or folks with busy schedules would probably appreciate the ability to set a robot vac to clean before they even get home, even if the clean isn't 100 percent as meticulous as a human wielding a cordless vacuum.

The Roborock Saros 10R. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Roborock Saros 10's water tanks. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Some robot vacuums take automation further with features like small obstacle avoidance and livestream pet cameras. These take the hands-off-ness of it all up a notch — you're less likely to come home to a robot vacuum stuck on a sucked-up sock, or can check in on your pets when you're not home. However, it's important to keep in mind that you'd be paying a lot more to keep your robot vacuum out of trouble than you would if you were simply the one at home cleaning. The most advanced robot vacuums are generally much more expensive than the most advanced stick vacuums, costing between several hundred to even $1,000 or more for full automation.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups The case for a stick vacuum The Shark PowerDetect. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Dyson V12 Detect Slim (in handheld mode). Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

No one can argue with the fact that humans are just smarter cleaners than robotic vacuums. We can visualize the spots that need to be cleaned more scrupulously than a robot vacuum can, and sneak stick vacuums into tight spots that even the smartest robot vacuums can't figure out. There's a lot of furniture that's too low clearance for even the slimmest robot vacuums. The 2.85-inch Roborock Saros 10R that I love can't clean under my dresser or nightstand, but my Dyson V12 Detect Slim can.

Physically speaking, there are also a ton of spots where robot vacuums quite literally cannot clean, like furniture, staircases, ceiling corners, or car seats. If you have pets that hang out on (and shed on) your couch or bed, a stick vacuum that converts into a handheld is crucial.

The Dyson laser shows exactly where you need to clean. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable A robot vacuum couldn't fit under my dresser. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Suction power-wise, it's true that upright stick vacuums are generally more powerful than robot vacuums. I mean, there could be an instance where a really high-end robot vacuum with 22,000 Pa suction is more powerful than a cheap stick vacuum. But in general, if you're comparing models at similar price points, the cordless stick vacuum is probably going to have better suction. Some Dysons, in particular, also enhance cleaning thoroughness with a laser that illuminates microscopic dust or hair that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. My brain chemistry was altered when I first experienced the laser on my Dyson V12 Detect Slim, and I've never been able to go back.

A few years ago, if you really wanted a vacuum that could empty itself, you'd be pretty firmly in robot vacuum territory. But now there are a ton of self-emptying cordless stick vacuums — I can't stop recommending the $549.99 Shark PowerDetect to people. Each time I hang it back up after cleaning, it automatically sucks the contents of its dust bin into the dock it charges on. That means I start every new cleaning session with an empty dust bin, and can literally see how much cat hair is coming off of the rug in one specific room. Dyson is the only main cordless vacuum brand that doesn't make a self-emptying vacuum yet.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

Depending on the storage situation in your home, a stick vacuum might be awkward to keep out of sight. For example, if you live in an apartment with limited closet space, storing a stick vacuum could be a pain. You'd either have to drill holes to hang it on the wall, shove it under a couch, or let it lean in the corner full time.

The case for getting both

But the answer I really want to give here is probably the most annoying one: Instead of choosing between a robot vacuum or a stick vacuum, just get both.

That sounds like a really expensive, really extra solution on its face. But it doesn't have to be. Let's say your budget was between $500 and $600 — a very common price point for a lot of mid-range vacuums of the robot and stick variety. Instead of going all in on one type of vacuum, you could be strategic and buy a $300 version of each (I've tested a ton of good, cheap robot vacuums, and Shark has several solid, affordable cordless vacuums). That way, you're securing hands-free light upkeep on a day-to-day basis, but have the option to do a more detailed manual cleaning when you have time.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuum brands are losing the plot with the latest 'innovations'

(Splitting the cost won't exactly work if you're not trying to spend more than, say, $200. In that case, refer to my arguments above.)

I also think there's a real future for vacuums that are both. The affordable Eufy E20 3-in-1 is a robot vacuum that turns into a stick vacuum (a pretty powerful one at that), and that's exactly why it's my pick for the most underrated vacuum of 2025 so far. I'm convinced that practical versatility like that is quickly going to prove more valuable to the average person than super high-tech vacuum concepts like the $2,599 Roborock robot vacuum with a robotic arm... that misses half the time.

TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just £22.17.

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The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

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What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Unclear.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

VAGUE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Venomous spider.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

WIDOW

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To change.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MORPH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Done when arriving at a home.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 25 Hurdle Word 4 answer

KNOCK

Final Hurdle hint

Humiliation.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SHAME

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The moon is in a new phase tonight, but there's hardly any of it on display as we start the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

See what's happening tonight, July 25.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, July 25, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There's still not much to see tonight, with only 1% of the surface visible to us on Earth (according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation).

It's the first day of the lunar cycle, and with such limited visibility, there's nothing for you to spot on the moon's surface tonight, not even with binoculars or a telescope.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Virginia with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The big news in the world of porn is that more than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verifitcaion laws for online adult content, including Virginia.

Millions of users are now unable to visit popular sites like Pornhub after the adult site responded by restricting access in these locations. There are complicated reasons for this restriction that we're not going to get into right now, but what's important to note is that there is a workaround for users in these impacted states.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Virginia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Virginia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free in Virginia with ExpressVPN.

Despite how widespread SD cards are, you would be surprised by the amount of devices that don't support them. The solution to this is an easy one—and today, it's also a cheap one.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps gifts viewers with a pair of wildly different post-credits scenes.

Its mid-credits scene brings a harbinger of doom to not just the Fantastic Four, but the whole MCU. Thankfully, though, The Fantastic Four: First Steps lightens things up in its end-credits scene, so you're still able to leave the theater smiling, instead of, you know, panicking about the fate of baby Franklin. Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' game-changing mid-credits scene, explained The Fantastic Four: First Steps' end-credits scene features a sweet Jack Kirby tribute. Ebon Moss-Bachrach in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." Credit: Marvel Studios

As the credits finish rolling on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a quote from Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby appears on screen, saying, "If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there."

The attribution to Kirby also includes the dates of his life: Aug. 28, 1917 to Feb. 6, 1994. The American way of writing out his birthdate (8/28) corresponds to the number of the Fantastic Four's reality, which is Earth-828, making for a sweet tribute to the artist behind Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn).

The Fantastic Four: First Steps gets animated in its end-credits scene. Pedro Pascal in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." Credit: Jay Maidment

Following the Kirby quote, The Fantastic Four: First Steps launches into the Fantastic Four cartoon that is mentioned throughout the film. As Ben laments, it's the origin of his catchphrase, "It's clobberin' time."

We get to see that animated catchphrase in action, but that's not all. The end-credits scene features a snazzy theme song, along with fights with comic villains previously brought up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, like Puppet Master, Diablo, and Red Ghost.

Unfortunately, this cartoon only exists in the world of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, so you won't be able to catch more of Pascal, Kirby, Moss-Bachrach, and Quinn's animated selves. (At least, not yet. Disney could make this happen!) However, if you're yearning for more animated Fantastic Four, you're in luck. The 1994 Fantastic Four animated series is now streaming on Disney+.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps features what might be the most important MCU mid-credits scene since Thanos first appeared in The Avengers.

Not only does it introduce one of Marvel's most iconic antagonists, it also teases why the Fantastic Four might have jumped to the main MCU universe, as seen in the Thunderbolts* end-credits scene. Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' end-credits scene, explained The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene brings Doctor Doom to the MCU. Vanessa Kirby and Ada Scott in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." Credit: Marvel Studios

The Fantastic Four: First Steps' mid-credits scene picks up four years after the film's ending. Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman's (Vanessa Kirby) son Franklin is growing up happy, healthy, and — seemingly — fairly normal. From looking at him, you'd have no clue he single-handedly resurrected his mother following a harrowing battle against Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Instead, you'd just see a regular preschool-aged child, one who's learning to talk and adores picture books like Michael McClintock's A Fly Went By.

In the scene, Sue reads Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Franklin in the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building apartment. She leaves him on the couch for just a moment while she goes to find their copy of A Fly Went By. However, when she returns to the living room, she discovers an unwanted visitor: a man in a green hooded cape, holding a silvery mask, who's holding Franklin's hand to his face. That mystery man? None other than Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).

Even though audiences know Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doom, The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't give us a Downey-as-Doom face reveal just yet. Marvel will likely keep up waiting for a bit on that front! However, his appearance here marks the first time Doctor Doom has popped up in the MCU, setting the stage for 2026's Avengers: Doomsday, where he will be the main villain.

The question now becomes, what in the world is Doctor Doom doing in the Baxter Building? And what does he want with Franklin? Is he, like Galactus, entranced by Franklin's cosmic powers? Or perhaps he's more intrigued by his healing capabilities, like his resurrection of Sue? After all, Doctor Doom does have facial scarring. Maybe he is hoping Franklin can get rid of it, explaining why he's having Franklin touch his face.

Either way, if Doctor Doom comes after Franklin, you know the Fantastic Four are going to be hot on his trail.

How does The Fantastic Four: First Steps connect to the Thunderbolts* end-credits scene? Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Pedro Pascal in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." Credit: Jay Maidment

The post-credits scene from Thunderbolts* teased the Fantastic Four's entry into the MCU, with their spaceship entering Earth's atmosphere. What caused them to leave their own dimension?

After seeing The Fantastic Four: First Steps' mid-credits scene, the answer to that question is likely Doctor Doom. Perhaps he stole Franklin right from under Sue's nose, and the Fantastic Four's extra-dimensional trip is part of their hunt to get him back. Or maybe the Fantastic Four are trying to warn parallel Earths about the arrival of Doctor Doom. Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: Doomsday is coming.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters.

When it comes to packing, I bring too many socks, triple-check that I have my meds, and unpack and repack to ensure I don't forget that one pair of pants. But chargers? Well, too often, they're back at home when I'm already on the road. Realizing that this was no way to live, I finally invested in a travel charger and power bank.

Anker Nano 3-in-1 Power Bank $44.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The Anker Nano 3-in-1 is a power bank and charger in one device This small but mighty device has kept my phone charged all across the country. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Over the past few months, the Anker Nano 3-in-1 has been my most consistent travel companion, coming with me to California, New York, Texas, and Vermont. While it's technically a power bank, with an included AC outlet plug-in, it's also a great charger, and multi-use devices are my love language.

This Anker power bank includes either a short Lightning or USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and an AC plug. Overnight, I plug the power bank into an AC outlet and plug my phone into the built-in lightning cable, and wake up to a fully charged phone and power bank. That's certainly not novel for a charger; however, in the months of use, it's never once faltered. Plus, it can charge two devices at once. Using the USB-C port, I charge both my phone and Apple Watch overnight.

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 charges phones and laptops on the go When plugged in, the Anker Nano tells you it's power percentage. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Where the Anker really impresses me is when plugged into an AC outlet and simultaneously charging multiple devices, it also charges the power bank. If I plug it in overnight, it has a full battery by the morning. That way, I can just throw the power bank in my bag, and it's ready to go for the day.

This was clutch while covering VidCon, where I was on the go for over 12 hours a day. Rather than worrying about where to find an outlet in the bustling Anaheim Convention Center, when my phone battery was low, I could just plug it into the power bank and keep it inconspicuously charging in my bag. It holds enough power to fully charge my iPhone 14 Pro twice over, but it's compatible with plenty of other devices. With the USB-C port, I could plug in my laptop charging cord to the Anker Nano and juice up my MacBook Pro.

It has one design flaw...

Having the built-in lightning cord (it's also available with a built-in USB-C cord) on the Anker Nano is great, and means you never have to haul around extra cords in addition to the power bank. However, that built-in cord is so short. If you're using it as a power bank, that's not really a problem, but as a charger, it's definitely annoying. I like to indulge in pre-bed phone time while my phone is charging, but with how short this cord is, it's nearly impossible to hold onto your phone while charging. Plus, if you want to charge your phone while it's plugged into an AC outlet, unless you're close to a table, the phone tends to end up dangling.

I've maneuvered my way around this pretty easily. On my honeymoon, our charming Cape Cod cottage didn't have any well-placed outlets for overnight charging, so I plugged the power bank in during the day and used it in power bank mode to charge my phone overnight.

I use the Anker Nano at home, too The Anker Nano has a permanent spot in my travel bag. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While the Anker Nano 3-in-1 has a permanent home in my travel bag, I still reach for it when I'm not on the road. Our living room has poorly placed outlets, so there's no good spot for a charger. When I want to keep my phone charged but still within reach while lounging on the couch, I grab my Anker Nano.

I purchased the Anker Nano 3-in-1 for $34.99, $10 cheaper than its full price of $44.99, but I'd still tell you to buy it at full price. It's a convenient multi-use power bank that keeps all your devices fully charged on the go and at home.