WWE star Brie Bella found herself in the ultimate crappy situation recently when she wound up in the hospital after she passed out on the toilet.

In a conversation with her twin sister, Nikki Bella, on the Thursday, August 20 episode of “The Nikki & Brie Show,” podcast, Brie, 42, explained that the painkillers she was prescribed after breaking her scapula at WWE SummerSlam earlier this month resulted in severe constipation — until the floodgates opened.

After more than a week of not having a bowel movement, she said she decided to eat out for the first time. The problem was that the wait staff at the restaurant didn’t seem to understand her dietary restrictions.

“I was explaining to the waiter that … I’m gluten free and all the things,” she described. “I felt like they understood, but then there were some things that felt a little confusing to them.”

Related: Nikki Bella Gives Update on Sister Brie’s SummerSlam Shoulder Injury

Nikki Bella offered an update on her sister Brie Bella’s condition after she sustained a shoulder injury during WWE’s 2026 SummerSlam. “She’s doing OK. She is in a lot of pain,” Nikki, 42, said during a Sunday, August 2, appearance on Busted Open Radio, commenting on her identical twin’s health. “[Doctors] are still determining what […]

Fast forward to later and Brie was at home with “severe, crazy pain” in her stomach and she knew it was her time to take the porcelain throne. As it turns out, her reign was so turbulent that she passed out.

“I got a lot out, which made me pass out because of how much came out of me,” she said of her coronation.

Brie’s husband, Bryan Danielson, carried her to bed and called 911 because, as Brie put it, she was “incoherent.”

“I was just taking a s*** and this all goes down,” she recalled. “So the EMTs come in and I kind of am waking up a little bit, but I guess I had to use the restroom…Anyway, long story short, I s*** my pants but did not know it.”

Brie then described the paramedics putting her in a wheelchair, then onto a stretcher, while her husband pleaded with them to be careful as she was still recovering from her broken scapula. When she regained consciousness in the ambulance, she noticed the air filled with an unwelcome aroma.

“All the sudden I kind of wake up and I’m like, ‘Oh it smells like s***,’” Brie recalled. “I look at [the paramedics] and I go, ‘Did I s*** my pants?’ They go, ‘You did, but it’s OK.’”

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She continued, “And I’m getting emotional and I’m apologizing and they’re like, ‘stop apologizing,’ and I’m like, ‘But I can feel it.’”

Brie also apologized to her husband, who she said is “terrified of s***.” When she got to the hospital, doctors said they needed to run tests before cleaning her up.

“Finally, after two IV bags and medicine, I start to feel better,” she said. “I was able to walk to the bathroom, and Bryan had to clean me. My poor husband. It was so embarrassing.”

After receiving backlash for its alleged mistreatment of Hayden Panettiere over a decade ago, Neutrogena is speaking out about its mistake following her death at 36. In a new statement, the brand said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Panettiere’s tragic passing and acknowledged that the company made the young actress feel ostracized during a difficult time.

Neutrogena shared an image on its Instagram account, acknowledging Panettiere’s sudden death. “For more than a decade, Hayden was a valued member of our Neutrogena community,” the statement read.

We are proud to have partnered with her and understand that we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time. This is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be.”

For those who may have been unfamiliar, Panettiere was a spokesperson for the skincare brand more than a decade ago. Earlier this year, the actress said that the company ended its partnership with her when she spoke about postpartum depression in 2015.

Hayden Panettiere Said Neutrogena Was A ‘Huge Part Of My Life’

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Panettiere opened up more about the moment during an episode of Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast. “Neutrogena was a huge part of my life,” she said. “I had the morals clause. They caught absolutely everything and of all the things that they would fire me over, this is the last thing that I thought they would ever fire me over.”

Panettiere said that she was simply being honest about what she was going through and never thought the brand would fire her over her experience. “I knew that that was gonna be it,” Panettiere said about the phone call she received following her 2015 comments. “I was not gonna be invited back the next year and I had worked with those people for 10 years.”

In Neutrogena’s statement, the company said the actress’ “courage” to speak out sparked “important conversations” and raised awareness on the issue. Elsewhere, the skincare brand said it was planning to make a “significant investment to a long-standing community health partner” to help give women more access to resources.

Neutrogena Said It Chose To Wait To Speak Out About Hayden Panettiere

Neutrogena finished its post about Panettiere, saying that it chose to stay silent for the first few days following her death out of “respect” for her and her family.

“Out of respect for Hayden’s family and loved ones, we did not want to speak out so soon following her passing,” the statement read. “Everyone at Neutrogena extends their deepest condolences to Hayden’s family and all who loved her.”

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Rep Calls Panettiere An ‘Incredible Light’ While Announcing Her Tragic Death

According to a previous report from The Blast, Panettiere died on August 16 after suffering a reported cardiac arrest. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her rep said.

Additional details about her passing are still coming to light, but police reports confirmed that Panettiere’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was present at the time of her passing and reportedly led medical personnel to a bag of medication she was taking prior to being pronounced dead.

Panettiere’s Boyfriend Released A Statement Through His Lawyer Days After Her Death

Hickerson, whom Panettiere alleged abused her in 2019 and 2020, released a statement about her death through his lawyer, asking people to respect the legal process.

“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play,” the statement read. It finished, informing the public that neither Hickerson nor members of his team would have any further comment.

Legendary rocker Rod Stewart gave fans a reassuring sight this week following recent health concerns. 

Shortly after confirming he was stepping away from the stage to recover from a medical procedure, the 81-year-old musician was spotted enjoying a night out in Scotland alongside his family.

Stewart has had his fair share of health challenges lately, and has had to cancel multiple stops on his tour due to one emergency or another. 

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Attending the UEFA Champions League playoff match in Glasgow, Stewart joined his 20-year-old son, Alastair, at Celtic Park to root for his beloved Celtic FC during their first-leg fixture against Austrian club LASK.

The rock icon looked energized and healthy throughout the evening. He was spotted openly celebrating in the stands alongside fellow supporters as Celtic secured a 2–0 lead before the halftime whistle, as confirmed by the Daily Mail.  

His public appearance comes shortly after the singer announced the sudden cancellation of his remaining 2026 tour itinerary. Stewart was advised by medical professionals to observe a strict four-week recovery window following a routine procedure.

Seeing Stewart active and in high spirits at Celtic Park provided a welcome sign for supporters concerned about his recuperation timeline.

Rod Stewart’s Tour Came To An Unexpected Stop Due To His Recurring Health Issues

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Prior to his public appearance at Celtic Park, news broke regarding the unexpected shift in the rock icon’s summer performance schedule. Facing sudden health complications, Stewart prioritized his physical well-being by pausing his active tour.

The Blast confirmed that the 81-year-old musician officially stepped back from his concert commitments after undergoing a successful coronary stent procedure aimed at addressing vascular blockages.

To ensure a complete recovery, Stewart’s medical team prescribed a mandatory four-week resting period to rebuild his stamina before returning to demanding stage productions.

A spokesperson confirmed the outcome of the surgery, noting that the performer had already resumed light day-to-day activities with his doctors’ full approval. Addressing his fanbase, Stewart shared an optimistic update on his condition while expressing regret over the postponed dates:

“I’m already feeling better and very much on the mend. I’m deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon.”

Rod Stewart Left Fans Disappointed After Canceling Yet Another Show Due To His Health

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Before confirming the cancellation and stent implantation, a similar indication of a scheduling disruption occurred during Stewart’s North American tour routing in early August.

Concertgoers expecting to see the singer at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center on Sunday, August 9, received last-minute notification that the performance could not move forward as planned.

With only hours remaining before showtime, venue representatives published an official update attributing the postponement to an unexpected health concern.

“Due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention, Rod Stewart’s performance tonight in Cincinnati at Riverbend Music Center has been POSTPONED,” the statement announced, as reported by The Blast.

Rod Stewart Attended A World Cup Match Shortly After Canceling His Concert

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A similar cancellation occurred in June, when Stewart abruptly pulled out a sold-out performance in Chula Vista, California.

Medical representatives initially cited an acute upper respiratory infection resulting in laryngitis as the cause for pulling the plug on the June 12 show before showtime. 

However, shortly after opting out of scheduled concert dates, he was spotted celebrating at a FIFA World Cup match in Boston.

Ticket holders expressed sharp frustration after Stewart posted social media footage from a private aircraft alongside his sons, documenting their cross-country flight to watch Scotland face Haiti.

One disappointed fan wrote, “Hey Rod, lost a little respect for you canceling your concert the night before, disappointing a stadium full of people,” per The Blast.

Another fan noted that they “used to really like” the singer, but were left disappointed after his actions. 

Rod Stewart Took Full Accountability For His Actions After The Backlash

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The singer later addressed the public criticism surrounding his decision to attend the match following the last-minute concert cancellation.

According to The Blast, Stewart maintained that an acute vocal condition prevented him from performing on stage. However, his attendance at the match was driven by a promise he made to his family long before now. 

“I really shouldn’t have gone to the Haiti game,” Stewart admitted.

“But the truth is… I wasn’t going to let my two sons down. I promised them since they were born that we’re going to go to a World Cup, and this is the first one that’s come about,” he added. 

The 2000s were a great decade for thriller fiction. Established masters continued producing some of their strongest work, while a new generation of writers pushed the genre in fresh directions. It saw the release of several world-conquering bestsellers and cult classics.

The best 2000s thriller books thus offer a variety of stories for readers to dive into: a murder investigation on an isolated island, a detective operating inside Stalinist Russia, an expedition trapped in the Arctic, a journalist uncovering secrets buried by one of Sweden’s wealthiest families.

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‘The Brass Verdict’ (2008)

“There is nothing you can do about the past except keep it there.” This is the second book about defense attorney Mickey Haller, introduced in the mega-bestselling The Lincoln Lawyer, and in some ways it’s superior to its predecessor. That’s because it unites Haller with another one of author Michael Connelly’s most beloved protagonists: LAPD detective Harry Bosch, who first showed up in 1992’s The Black Echo. This crossover could’ve felt like a gimmick, but Connelly uses the characters’ contrasting personalities to great effect.

Plot-wise, the book kicks into gear when fellow attorney Jerry Vincent is murdered, leaving Haller to inherit his caseload. Among those cases is the defense of Hollywood producer Walter Elliott, who stands accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Bosch, meanwhile, is investigating the crimes. Connelly builds this into a satisfying fusion of courtroom procedural and detective story.

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‘The Terror’ (2007)

“The beauty of being dead, he knows now, is that there is no pain and no sense of self.” This one was penned by Dan Simmons, most famous for writing the hugely influential sci-fi series Hyperion back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Set in the 1840s, The Terror follows the crews of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror after their ships become trapped in ice while searching for the Northwest Passage. Supplies diminish, temperatures plummet, disease spreads, and relationships among the increasingly desperate men begin to fracture.

Worse still, something apparently impossible appears to be hunting them across the frozen landscape. That said, the supernatural threat almost feels unnecessary when starvation, illness, and the Arctic winter are already so frightening, in large part thanks to Simmons’ meticulous research. In 2018, the novel was adapted into a TV series, with Ridley Scott involved as one of the producers.

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‘Child 44’ (2008)

“There’s nothing more stubborn than a fact. That is why you hate them so much.” Child 44 is a historical thriller by author and screenwriter Tom Rob Smith, who also executive produced season 2 of American Crime Story. Taking place in 1953, the novel follows state security officer Leo Demidov, a loyal servant of the Soviet system who initially accepts its brutal assumptions. When evidence emerges that children are being murdered across the country, however, Leo confronts an ideological impossibility.

Officially, murder is considered a product of corrupt capitalist societies, meaning acknowledging the existence of a serial killer would challenge the state’s own claims of perfection. Smith uses that premise to generate extraordinary tension. Leo must pursue the truth while navigating surveillance, political paranoia, institutional denial, and the constant threat of betrayal. In short, the Soviet setting makes the classic procedural tropes feel fresh.

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‘Gone Tomorrow’ (2009)

“I’m a rich man. To have everything you need is the definition of affluence.” Gone Tomorrow is the third book in the colossal Jack Reacher series. It begins with a simple scenario, a late-night subway journey through New York, but things escalate after former military policeman Reacher notices a fellow passenger displaying behavioral indicators associated with suicide bombers and decides to intervene. Every answer only seems to expose a new layer to the conspiracy.

From here, the novel serves up the kind of breakneck plot fans expect, conveyed through relentless narrative momentum and economical prose. However, Gone Tomorrow stands out a little from most of the series because it’s written in the first person, narrated by Reacher himself (this is also the case with bangers like The Killing Floor and Persuader). This gives us a nice front-row seat to the protagonist’s thought processes.

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‘The Redbreast’ (2000)

“Many people believe that right and wrong are fixed absolutes. That is incorrect, they change over time.” Nordic crime fiction became an international phenomenon during the 2000s, and The Redbreast was a big part of that. The first of Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø‘s novels to be published in English, it follows Oslo detective Harry Hole as an investigation involving an illegal rifle leads him toward Norwegian extremists and events stretching back to the Second World War.

The book alternates between contemporary Norway and the experiences of Norwegian soldiers who fought alongside Germany on the Eastern Front. That structure gives the novel unusual depth for a police thriller. The mystery isn’t simply about identifying a criminal but understanding how ideology, betrayal, guilt, and memory can survive across generations, and how the violence of the past can intrude on the present.

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‘Shutter Island’ (2003)

Image via William Morrow/ Abacus Books / Little, Brown

“Your sound protests constitute denial. Your valid fears are deemed paranoia.” Before it was a phenomenal film by Scorsese, Shutter Island was a solid novel. Written by Mystic River‘s Dennis Lehane, the story unfolds in 1954, centering on U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels as he travels to Ashecliffe Hospital to investigate the seemingly impossible disappearance of a patient. Soon, a hurricane isolates the island from the mainland, staff members behave suspiciously, and Teddy becomes increasingly convinced that the institution is concealing sinister experiments.

Here, Lehane takes the structure of a classic locked-room mystery, relocates it to an isolated Gothic setting, and gradually transforms it into something far stranger and more psychologically disturbing. He masterfully restricts readers to Teddy’s perspective, meaning every strange occurrence potentially confirms his suspicions… or just raises questions about whether those suspicions can be trusted at all. All this culminates in a brilliantly grim final act.

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‘Sharp Objects’ (2006)

Image via Broadway Books

“A child weaned on poison considers harm a comfort.” Before Gone Girl turned her into an international phenomenon, Gillian Flynn announced herself with the impressively assured Sharp Objects (later turned into an HBO show starring Amy Adams). In it, journalist Camille Preaker reluctantly returns to her Missouri hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls. The assignment forces her back into the orbit of her controlling mother Adora and her much younger half-sister Amma, reopening painful memories that Camille has spent years attempting to escape.

Flynn understands that the most effective suspense comes from character as much as plot. Camille’s investigation grows increasingly unsettling because every discovery becomes intertwined with her own family history. The book’s setting is vivid, too. The town of Wind Gap is a suffocating place where gossip, social hierarchy, resentment, and violence bubble behind carefully maintained appearances.

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‘Lisey’s Story’ (2006)

Image via Scribner

“I was lost in the dark and you found me.” Lisey’s Story is an underrated novel by Stephen King with a lot of thematic parallels to his 1998 gem Bag of Bones. Two years after the death of celebrated novelist Scott Landon, his widow Lisey begins sorting through the enormous collection of papers he left behind. The process forces her to revisit memories of their marriage, including secrets surrounding Scott’s childhood and his connection to an extraordinary place known as Boo’ya Moon.

Meanwhile, an obsessive man begins threatening Lisey in an attempt to obtain Scott’s unpublished work. While there are some supernatural elements at play here, King keeps the focus on the characters’ marriage itself, constructing a three-dimensional portrait of their relationship. Not for nothing, King has declared Lisey’s Story to be his favorite of his own novels.

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‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2005)

Image via Norstedts Förlag

“My motive is the simplest imaginable: revenge.” Stieg Larsson‘s Millennium series was perhaps the biggest sensation in 2000s thriller writing. Published posthumously, the first book sees disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist hired by aging industrialist Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of his teenage niece Harriet decades earlier. It’s a case mired in corporate corruption and family secrets. The assignment eventually brings him together with brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander, a colorful character who practically leaps off the page.

Indeed, it’s Lisbeth that truly elevates The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, taking it from ‘solid thriller’ to ‘modern crime classic’. She’s fiercely intelligent, endlessly unpredictable, and impossible to reduce to a conventional archetype, adding a live-wire tension to every scene. Readers responded, catapulting the book to the top of the bestseller lists; the English translation was the second-best-selling novel of 2008.

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‘The Road’ (2006)

Image via Picador

“The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable.” This post-apocalyptic tale from Cormac McCarthy combines many genres: drama, character study, coming-of-age, road story, thriller, horror. Following an unspecified catastrophe, a father and his young son travel across a devastated America toward the coast. Civilization has largely disappeared, food is scarce, winter is approaching, and encounters with other survivors can easily turn deadly.

The protagonists’ immediate objectives are painfully simple: find something to eat, avoid danger, and survive another day. This gives all their struggles a kind of mythic quality. Because the characters possess almost nothing, every abandoned house or distant figure becomes significant. A locked door might conceal desperately needed supplies or terrible danger. That said, though the plot is suffused with darkness, the father’s determination to protect his son shines through at the center.

Video games can further delve into many aspects that shows and movies cannot, like worldbuilding. Movies such as The Lord of the Rings do have intricate lore, but they are not as detailed or as immersive as games like God of War. Video games create a physical world to explore where players can journey across vast settings with unparalleled agency and intimate immersion. Immersive worldbuilding is a crucial aspect that separates video games from other mediums; players experience rather than just witness it.

Many are under the impression that worldbuilding is simply a unique setting, but it is so much more; it is about crafting the history and lore and how it connects to the world that the races live in, which involves culture, politics, religion, constant change, and incredible detail. That is why this list will feature ten sci-fi video game masterpieces with the greatest worldbuilding based on design, detail, narrative, setting, lore, depth, coherence, everything mentioned earlier, and overall quality.

‘Deus Ex’ (2000)

Image via Square Enix

The future isn’t a promise of advancement and evolution; it can be the exact opposite, because in the video game Deus Ex, the world is in a futuristic version of the Dark Ages. Taking place in 2052, a pandemic has ravaged most of the world, with only the wealthy elite having access to the vaccine. Players work for a task force that hunts down those who steal the vaccine, which uncovers an even darker truth.

Deus Ex is known for player agency and total unregulated freedom, which is great for a video game with such great worldbuilding, since players can explore it freely. The most fascinating parts of its worldbuilding are actual conspiracy theories, such as the Illuminati, Area 51, and Majestic 12, which it blends into one coherent narrative. This singular approach amplifies the intrigue and creates a dark, yet captivating world.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Image via CD Projekt Red

Sci-fi isn’t just about space travel and aliens; it also includes cyberpunk, a genre focused on the dystopian future of Earth, and the video game that best encapsulates that vibe is Cyberpunk 2077. Night City is never in shortage of criminals and punks, but that seems to be the only way to make a living in this dystopian city. V is one of those street punks, but when a mission goes wrong and their mind is implanted with a microchip with the ego of a terrorist, they must get it out before it is too late.

As opposed to one connection of planets, Cyberpunk 2077 focuses on building a dense city that is shaped by capitalism and the dark future. Night City is almost like a character itself in the way the world is built and how it affects everyone inside of it and them on the city as well. This city serves as the villain of the game, with immense detail and interesting ideas building into one coherent, yet chaotically unequal world, and players get to suffer through it in one of the best sci-fi adventure video games.

‘Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic’ (2003)

Image via LucasArts

Star Wars is one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of all time, so it naturally has some pretty expansive worldbuilding, and this can be seen in some of its video games, like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Taking place 4,000 years before the Empire, the Old Republic features a war between thousands of Sith and Jedi, and the protagonist loses their memory, unsure of what allegiance they truly have.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic expands a timeless franchise thousands of years earlier, filling it with lore of the Sith and the Jedi. The game features one of the best plot twists in video game history, cementing its legacy as a narrative masterclass. Knights of the Old Republic delved into the philosophical nature of the Force, and with loads of history about each faction, this is treated as canon by the fandom.

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

Image via Bethesda Softworks

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Bethesda is one of the best game studios in terms of worldbuilding, and while they have many fantasy franchises, they also boast a great sci-fi-esque world with Fallout. Fallout: New Vegas follows the player setting out into the Mojave Wasteland, a desert near Las Vegas. They get caught up in a war for control over the Hoover Dam, maneuvering among the many factions and their views.

Fallout: New Vegas isn’t sci-fi in the way most of these games are, but it still technically counts as part of the genre. This franchise does an excellent job of reshaping the world with a post-apocalyptic view set in the past, using retro-futurism and messy reconstruction of society to create a daring yet captivating world. New Vegas builds its odd yet endearing world through iconic landmarks, eccentric characters, and engaging side quests.

‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)

Image via Valve

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Valve is known for creating magnificent sequels that improve everything about the first game, including worldbuilding, and that is especially true for Half-Life 2. City 17 is a new habitat for humans after the aliens took over, with many more just like it. The extraterrestrial control over this dystopian world is tight, but Gordon Freeman plans a revolution to break free of their grasp.

“Show, don’t tell” is narrative 101, and it is especially effective for video games. Half-Life 2 is a pioneer in this field, creating an environmental storytelling masterpiece. The brutalist alien architecture plastered on classical human buildings is a fascinating idea that explains the history of the events before. More than that is the unavoidable propaganda that litters the cityscape.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ (2017)

Image via Guerrilla Games

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PlayStation games usually focus on grand cinematic adventures with a focus on storytelling, occasionally leading to excellent worldbuilding. Horizon Zero Dawn is set in the far future of Earth, where mechanical creatures roam freely, and civilization has returned to a primal state. These tribes and animals are unaware of the ancient history and advanced civilization that came before them.

Having the game set in the far future of the real world allows actual worldbuilding and new creative ideas to merge, letting players fill in the gaps with their natural understanding. Having that context establishes the new world and its structure, which includes the tribal societies and the mechanical animals. Each of these aspects is fascinating to learn, and the mystery of how this happened is all part of the fun and the reason why Horizon Zero Dawn is a modern adventure masterpiece.

‘BioShock’ (2007)

BioShock: Infinite has a captivating world with Columbia, but Rapture from the original BioShock still has it beat, even if just barely. Players control Jack, who, after a plane crash, finds safety on an isolated lighthouse. What lies beneath it is a failed utopia known as Rapture. Corrupted by failed politics, territorial mayhem, and genetically spliced humans, this world is a far cry from what it was promised to be.

BioShock is a masterclass of environmental storytelling, using the audio logs to build the history and lore of Rapture and how it was founded and destroyed by political turmoil. It also has a distinct Art Deco vibe that creates a unique aesthetic when put into an underground city. However, BioShock excels at political critique, specifically Randian objectivism, which the world encapsulates perfectly using the themes and design to portray why they will fail. The narrative flawlessly seeps into the design of the world, but also the history and worldbuilding.

‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo is very hit or miss with their worldbuilding, but one franchise that got it right is Metroid, a surprisingly underappreciated game series. However, Metroid Prime specifically is the best, taking place on Tallon IV, an alien planet where Samus tracked down a group of space pirates. As she explores the ancient world, she also tries to stop the deadly mutagenic substance that has corrupted the planet.

Metroidvania is a distinct genre that can get lost in the worldbuilding, but Metroid Prime paces its discoveries perfectly. Exploration and learning are woven into the fabric of the design, giving the player a visor to scan everything and slowly building the world and its lore. With plenty of regions, ancient history, and modern advancements, this world constantly feels alive and interesting. Metroid Prime is a sci-fi blueprint, and the worldbuilding is just one of the reasons why.

‘StarCraft’ (1998)

Image via Blizzard

Certain types of games are better at worldbuilding than others, like StarCraft, which, with constant updates, continues to build the world years after the game came out. The game is set in the Koprulu Sector, a lawless region of space where exiled humans are forced to live, leading to a constant clash between them and a hive-minded alien race.

In this game, there are three factions: the Terrans, Zergs, and Protoss, each with unique strengths, history, philosophies, and culture. This is felt in every aspect of the design and story, naturally building a complex history that clashes and evolves with each other. The lore behind each one is complex and fascinating, but what’s more is the worldviews and battles on a mythological scale, proving why StarCraft is a worldbuilding masterclass.

‘Mass Effect Trilogy’ (2007-2012)

Image via BioWare

Sometimes one game isn’t enough to fit all the great worldbuilding developers have in mind, and that is why the Mass Effect trilogy builds the Milky Way Galaxy through three different games. Players control Commander Shepard, who must stop a race of biomechanical aliens from devouring the galaxy by uniting the colonies and planets of the galaxy. Mass Effect has the unfair advantage of being a trilogy, but the three games are renowned for their interconnected political and personal narrative that ties into the worldbuilding.

Mass Effect doesn’t just build a world; it builds a galaxy of intrigue through the factions, races, and their cultures, languages, struggles, controversies, and beliefs. Taking place in the Milky Way, the series’ scope is absolutely massive, yet it still manages to feel personal and intimate because of all the individual stories that make up the overarching narrative. Player choices affect the worldbuilding in meaningful ways, meaning they don’t just learn about the lore; they experience it through the dialogue, main story, and societal structure. Mass Effect doesn’t just have the best sci-fi worldbuilding; it might just have the best worldbuilding in all video games.

It’s no mystery that next month will mark the 136th anniversary of Agatha Christie‘s 1890 birth. To celebrate the grande dame of mystery, streamer BritBox is preparing a bevy of Christie adaptations, new and old, to be released on her birthday, September 15. That includes not only a treasure trove of classic movies, but also the North American debut of an all-new series.

BritBox is organizing its Christie adaptations into curated “eras” of the author’s life, one for each week of the month: that includes “A Taste for Poison,” “Secrets & Spies,” “Destination: Murder,” “Murders in the Village,” and “Her Darker Side.” With those weeks will come eight classic Warner Bros. films from the vault. They include 1961’s Murder She Said, 1963’s Murder at the Gallop, and 1964’s Murder Most Foul and Murder Ahoy!, all starring Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple; 1965’s The Alphabet Murders, with The Odd Couple‘s Tony Randall as Hercule Poirot; 1983’s A Caribbean Mystery, with first-ever EGOT winner Helen Hayes as Marple; 1982’s Murder Is Easy, with an all-star ensemble that includes Bill Bixby, Lesley-Anne Down, Jonathan Pryce, and Olivia de Havilland; and 1985’s Thirteen at Dinner, with Peter Ustinov as Poirot and Faye Dunaway in a dual role.

The all-new release for September 15 is Tommy and Tuppence. Thomas and Prudence “Tuppence” Beresford are a duo of married detectives who starred in four novels and one short story collection between 1922 and 1973. Unlike Christie’s other creations, the Beresfords aged in real time; they’re in their twenties when they’re introduced in The Secret Adversary in 1922, and they’re past retirement age in 1973’s Postern of Fate. In the new six-episode series, starring Josh Dylan (Masters of the Air) and Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor) as the title pair, the characters are adapted into a contemporary setting.

What Other Christie Adaptations Are Available on BritBox?

If you can’t wait until September 15, BritBox is also spotlighting their current Christie adaptations. That includes the classic series Marple (with Geraldine McEwan and later Julia McKenzie) and Poirot (with David Suchet). They’re also spotlighting their most recent series, including Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, Murder Is Easy, and Towards Zero.

BritBox will release a bevy of Agatha Christie adaptations, including the all-new series Tommy and Tuppence, on September 15. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

May 17, 1966

Director

Frank Tashlin

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Writers

Agatha Christie, David Pursall, Jack Seddon

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Earlier this week, Keanu Reeves‘ biggest movie of the year finally debuted on streaming. Following its hugely successful run in theaters that broke the billion-dollar barrier, the returning Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the gang in Toy Story 5 are now available to rent or purchase digitally from PVOD platforms. This includes Reeves, who reprised his role as Duke Caboom in the fifth film, following his introduction in the fourth installment.

Toy Story 5 was somewhat of a return to form for the groundbreaking animated series, following a fourth film that disappointed some. The film scored a strong 92% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 95% rating from audiences, with Collider’s Taylor Gates saying that it “not only justifies its existence but feels like a necessary response to how much the world has changed in the past three decades” in her review. Like London buses, as one Reeves movie arrives at home, another quickly arrives after.

On August 21, Prime Video subscribers will be able to stream Reeves’ underrated 2025 fantasy effort Good Fortune from the comfort of their own couch. The heavenly comedy stars Reeves as the angel Gabriel, who is sent to Earth to meddle in the lives of a gig worker and adventure capitalist, played by Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari, with the film marking the latter’s directorial debut. In Collider’s review of the film, Joe Schmidt awarded a 7/10 score, calling Reeves’ performance a “godsend” that cleverly adapts a classic concept.

‘Good Fortune’ Struggled in Theaters

Image via TIFF

Following its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a positive response from those in attendance, Good Fortune made its theatrical debut in October, hoping to maintain its momentum post-festival. Alas, it suffered a similar fate to other movies released in a difficult month last year, earning just $26 million globally against a reported $30 million budget. The movie only lasted five weekends in theaters, ranking among the domestic top ten for three, where it regularly lost out to the likes of Tron: Ares, Black Phone 2, and the Colleen Hoover adaptation, Regretting You.

Good Fortune is streaming on Prime Video starting August 21. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

October 14, 2025

Runtime

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97 minutes

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is speaking candidly about Marvel Studios following the cancellation of Wonder Man and the continued struggles surrounding Blade, saying the “optics are obvious” when looking at the fate of two of the MCU’s most prominent Black-led projects.

The actor starred as Simon Williams in Marvel Television’s Wonder Man, which debuted on Disney+ in January. Despite earning strong reviews and an Emmy nomination for Abdul-Mateen’s performance, the series was canceled after one season in July. The decision was particularly surprising after Marvel had previously moved forward with plans for a second season.

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Abdul-Mateen said he was told the decision ultimately came down to viewership, although he was never given specific numbers.

“I was told that it had something to do with the viewership numbers,” Abdul-Mateen said. “I wasn’t told what those numbers were, but ultimately, for whatever reason it was, I think they decided that it didn’t make sense for business.”

Mahershala Ali Blade Concept

However, the actor also addressed the larger conversation surrounding Marvel’s recent decisions. Along with Wonder Man, Marvel’s long-gestating Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali has faced years of development problems and has failed to move forward as originally planned.

For Abdul-Mateen, having two major Black-led Marvel projects run into significant roadblocks creates a perception that Disney and Marvel should take seriously.

“I think the optics are obvious,”

Abdul-Mateen said. “If I’m a big business, if I’m Disney, if I’m Marvel, I don’t want to be attached to these optics.”

Rather than simply criticizing the studio, Abdul-Mateen argued that Marvel has an opportunity to change that narrative by continuing to invest in quality stories and giving those projects the resources necessary to succeed.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wonder Man [Marvel Studios]

He also defended Wonder Man, pointing to the positive response from viewers and awards voters as evidence that the series delivered creatively. Abdul-Mateen believes the circumstances surrounding its cancellation deserve a closer examination, particularly considering Marvel had already committed to moving forward with another season.

The cancellation came after Wonder Man emerged as one of Marvel’s better-received recent television projects. The eight-episode series paired Abdul-Mateen’s Simon Williams with Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery and took a more comedic, Hollywood-focused approach to the MCU than many of Marvel’s previous Disney+ shows.

While the business realities behind Wonder Man may ultimately have centered on audience numbers and production costs, Abdul-Mateen’s comments highlight a larger challenge for Marvel as it continues reshaping its film and television slate.

With Wonder Man finished and Blade unable to escape development uncertainty, Marvel now faces questions not only about which characters and franchises it chooses to prioritize, but also about what those decisions communicate to audiences.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cameron Diaz was one of the biggest action stars in the world. She continued starring in multiple movies a year until 2014, when she teamed up with Rose Byrne and Jamie Foxx for Annie. After the release of Annie, most fans thought that Diaz’s acting career was over, but she made her return to movies last year with the release of the aptly titled action thriller, Back In Action. The film reunited Diaz and Foxx, and with a reported budget of more than $200 million, it’s estimated to be one of the most expensive straight-to-streaming releases of all time, similar to Red Notice (starring Dwayne Johnson) and The Tomorrow War (starring Chris Pratt). Back in Action wasn’t the end of Cameron Diaz’s comeback efforts, though.

Diaz has been tapped to star opposite Danielle Brooks and John Higgins in Bad Day, a new Netflix “mom-com” set to be released on streaming on December 11. This afternoon, Netflix announced the date for the film along with the first images, which can be found below. Additional cast members for Bad Day include Rhenzy Feliz, Mark Duplass, Jessica Belkin, Ed O’Neill, Rob Corddry, Ayden Mayeri, Ben Schwartz, Retta, Emma Pearson, P.J. Byrne, Sherry Cola, Edi Patterson, and Beck Bennett. Laura Solon wrote the script for the action-comedy with Jake Szymanski directing — Beau Bauman, Mark Moran, and Solon have joined the project as producers. Bad Day stars Cameron Diaz as a single mom fighting to keep one little promise to her daughter all while trying to navigate the worst and most chaotic day of her life.

Does Cameron Diaz Have Any Other Movies on Netflix?

In addition to Back in Action, Cameron Diaz has several other movies streaming on Netflix right now, including She’s the One, the 1996 romantic comedy co-starring Jennifer Aniston and Edward Burns. Netflix subscribers can also check out Diaz and Fox in the aforementioned Annie, which was once thought to be the final movie of her career. Diaz and Jason Segel’s Sex Tape is also streaming on Netflix, and it’s a must-watch for Diaz fans or Apple TV subscribers who just finished watching Segel in Shrinking. Cameron Diaz has no other movies streaming on Netflix at the time of writing,

Check out the first images for Bad Day above and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Cameron Diaz’s future projects.

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Director

Jake Szymanski

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Writers

Laura Solon

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Producers

Beau Bauman

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Ariana Grande has embarked on tours throughout her career, but the “Eternal Sunshine” stint appears to have left a lasting impression on the pop star!

The trek, which kicked off in June, has delivered plenty of memorable moments while also drawing scrutiny surrounding the singer’s health and appearance.

Now, as the final dates draw closer, Grande is revealing why this chapter was far from ordinary for her, even as she plans on taking a break afterward.

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During a new interview, the “God is a Woman” singer opened up about how her recent time on the road has shifted her perspective compared with previous ones.

“This tour has felt like such a beautiful corrective experience for me,” the 33-year-old said during her appearance on the “Vosk in the City” series. “Because I think my last tour I wasn’t necessarily in the same place in life and like I wasn’t able to be as present as I am this time.” 

The “Petals” singer also highlighted the deeper connection she has felt with her fans this time around. She joked that not wearing contact lenses allowed her to literally see them more clearly, but said the bond went far beyond that.

For the Grammy winner, seeing longtime supporters in the crowd, including those dressed in references to niche jokes and moments from her career, made her realize just how important their connection has become.

The “Positions” singer also looked back on the outpouring of love she has received since the beginning of her career, admitting that it was “very mutual.”

Grande Gets Emotional As North American Dates Come To An End

Grande’s reflections came shortly after she wrapped the North American leg of the run. 

Per The Blast, she marked the milestone on Instagram with a series of photos from her time onstage, expressing her gratitude for what she described as an incredibly special and fulfilling moment. Grande also looked ahead to her upcoming UK dates. 

However, once that chapter concludes, Grande would cut back on public appearances, as her representative previously shared that she plans to take a much-needed break amid ongoing scrutiny of her health.

Why The ‘Thank U, Next’ Singer Is Stepping Away From The Spotlight Afterward 

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Grande has since set the record straight about her decision, insisting that the move was not prompted by online scrutiny. 

As reported by The Blast, Grande emphasized that it was carefully considered long before it became known. 

She added that it was a deliberate plan she had made privately and that the idea that criticism was making her unhappy or forcing her away was completely wrong.

Ariana Grande’s Family Reportedly Urged Her To Take A Break

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While the actress cleared the air about her break, insiders revealed that her loved ones have been pushing her to take time to rest. 

According to The Blast, those close to the “Sam & Cat” star claimed that her demanding schedule had left her overwhelmed, with loved ones concerned about its toll on her body. 

One source noted that her family “begged” her to take a long pause, adding, “She is not well. She is anxious and unhappy. She doesn’t sleep enough, doesn’t eat enough.”

Another added, “Ariana is exhausted from work and dealing with her public image; it’s like an endless hamster wheel, and she needs a break.”

While they hope she’ll eventually return to the work she loves, they believe she needs time to rest and recover first.

The Actress Reunited With Her Co-Star For London Concert 

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Despite Grande’s imminent break, she has been giving her fans shows to remember. A few days ago, she left them thrilled when she brought up her co-actress Cynthia Erivo on stage at the O2 Arena. 

As The Blast previously reported, the duo teamed up for two performances, opening with the beloved “Wicked” song “For Good,” which holds special meaning for both stars as they each have the title tattooed on their palms.

They then surprised the audience by sitting down onstage to perform their own take on Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand’s iconic “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” medley from 1963.