When Disney has a new live-action adaptation on the way, its usually accompanied by a live performance in front of a Disney castle, with the newest live-action princess singing their respective iconic song for an audience of fans. Its what was gorgeously done for The Little Mermaids Halle Bailey, but as the release date for Snow White gets closer, it would appear at least stateside that star Rachel Zegler is not getting the same treatment. Its the latest in a long line of changes Disney has made with its approach to Snow White. Zegler, who is playing the first fairytale heroine who helped build the companyand who was plucked into the limelight by Steven Spielberg for West Side Story, with a voice that was meant for a Disney Princesswill apparently not be getting her big Hollywood premiere, either. A report from Variety revealed that after the films Japan stop, which was filled with magical performances by the actress and her dub counterparts, the Hollywood premiere will lock out journalists and will be more of a scaled-down event. The afternoon festivities will include a pre-party and screening at the El Capitan Theatre with titular star Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, expected to attend. However, the red carpet will not include the dozens of media outlets usually invited by Disney to interview the cast and creatives at its premieres, the trade reported. Instead, coverage will be limited to photographers and a house crew. The theme of people rising to stand up for each another appears to be a main plot point in the Snow White adaptation, which also brings in another concern about the film. Could Disney possibly be hiding to play it safe amid the current political climate in the U.S., with conservatives easily alarmed by anything perceived to be too woke? Is standing up against tyranny through kindness for one another, no matter our backgrounds, too negative to publicly endorse? Its beginning to feel like just another thing Disney has rolled back on to capitulate to conservatives, not unlike Pixars Win or Lose trans storyline erasure. Weve seen Disney carefully allow Zegler to participate in pre-planned interviews where shes described those Snow White fansthe ones who reacted in very clearly racist and bigoted ways to some of her early, PR-approved talking points about the new film differing from the originals outdated story. She continued to face ire after sharing her valid reaction to Trumps election, something that she later apologized for. The scaled-back premiere feels like way for Disney to avoid even more public scrutiny, especially considering the political controversy surrounding the stars of the film, including Gadots support for Israel and Zeglers support for Palestine.Politics aside, Snow White hasnt been without other controversies, including both backlash to the films approach to the seven dwarfs and Zeglers own casting. The change to have CG dwarfs over human actors was due in part to Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage advocating for Disney to step away from stereotypical depictions on a podcast with Marc Maron back in 2022. He praised Disney for casting a Latina as Snow White but added, Youre progressive in one way and youre still making that f***ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f*** are you doing, man? And the hair, well lets just say if a woman was directing the film, that hair would not look like Lord Farquaadsbut since it does, the internet has gleefully ganged up on Zegler over it. Again, if the movie is bad thats not the leads fault; she has no creative say, but its she whos been subject to that backlash, itself carrying a racial undertone from conservative critics.This is the same Disney that stays radio silent whenever one of their major franchise players of color speaks outlike John Boyega, who took a stand after years of facing racism online for being Black leading man in Star Wars. I guess were adding Rachel Zegler to the list alongside Boyega and his fellow Star Wars veterans Kelly Marie Tran, Moses Ingram, Ahmed Best, and Amandla Stenberg. And yet Zegler, whos had to shake off the hate from passionate fans, as she described them to Vogue, is being treated as a prop during a PR campaign where her voice should be celebrated for all the brown girls looking up to her. Girls who should most definitely not have those around them pushing to separate their families and villainizing marginalized identities as just passionate. The fault doesnt just lie with Disney silence. Even culturally inspired films like Mufasa, which was a box office success, get heat from the same homogenous critical gazes on both sides of the spectrum, including those that the film might not have been made for. So instead of allowing a mid film shaped by intrusive studio-exec hands to take up space to build on by allowing more diverse voices to make and critique their art, its simply pushed out of the zeitgeist. And Snow White feels like that, more pomp and circumstance internationally to bank on the Snow White IP in other markets that simply wouldnt necessarily care to reject a movie based on the actors politics or race.However the film performs even with Disneys seeming hesitance to show it off remains to be seenits prior live-action remakes, for better or worse, have often weathered critical tepidness to achieve box office success. But just as it was with the reaction to Halle Berrys Little Mermaid, to the audience in America who Zeglers time in the Disney spotlight matters, this apprehension on Disneys part feels like a letdown. Speaking as a Latina writer with a daughter, its a shame that our closest representation on screen doesnt appear to be having the moment she deserves. Wheres her Disney Parks counterpart? The movie is just days away and theres hardly any merchandise. Wickeds merch game started months before the releaseand that film, starring a Black Elphaba, was a massive hit. Its so wild that for a Latina Snow White, were all of a sudden expected to accept this subdued of an effort. Meanwhile, the Latino audience makes up a powerful wing of the broader moviegoer market, according to a recent UCLA Hollywood Diversity report Among young female moviegoers, women of color, particularly Latinas, are key to driving ticket salesbut it seems Disney is all too eager to ignore them. And yet, if Snow White doesnt match Disneys financial expectations, itll be those audiences, or talent like Zegler, who are blamed rather than the studio thats been seemingly setting it up for failure. Is Disney too scared to stand on its choices once an anti-DEI leader gets in office? The decline in diversity on film, or rather not standing by casting and creative choices, speaks to taking a step forward but two steps backclearly a feature, not a bug, at Disney. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Restaurant in Ogawa / UENOASave this picture! Naomichi SodeArchitects: UENOAAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:42 mPhotographsPhotographs:Naomichi SodeMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Creating a new face for the shopping district This project involves the renovation of an 80-year-old house with a store in a corner of a shopping street in Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture. The client's grandmother used to run a beauty salon here, and the client, who used to run an Italian restaurant in Tokyo, wanted to move there and open a restaurant.Save this picture!Save this picture!At the same time as the project began, it was decided to phase out the arcade over the sidewalk in the shopping arcade. The arcade was built at the same height as one level of the building, and the two-story buildings lining the shopping street were divided into two halves by the arcade, but the removal of the arcade revealed the height of each building for the first time. We wondered if we could use this as a trigger for our planning and decided to create an entrance as an external space with the height of two stories, which had been difficult to experience before.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The entrance space, which was created by inserting two layers of blank space from the outside, creates an impressive face of the building and at the same time functions as a rain shelter instead of an arcade, and also serves as a structural reinforcement for the existing building. The interior space is gently divided by the inserted entrance space, creating a cozy atmosphere that is visible and hidden from the restaurant's seating area.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeUENOAOfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on March 11, 2025Cite: "Restaurant in Ogawa / UENOA" 11 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027686/restaurant-in-ogawa-uenoa&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The length of Adrien Brodys speech was somehow not the only controversy to come out of his historic Best Actor winafter it was revealed that Brodys performance was enhanced using an AI voice-cloning tool, audiences began wondering if he should have been nominated at all. Join Austin and Jordan as they debate the validity of Brodys win, the decisions made by the creators of The Brutalist, and how the film industry as a whole might navigate the use of AI in the future.- CoPilot Co. is a global, tech-driven production studio that specializes in XR virtual production, film production, and AI tool development. We are committed to helping people realize their boldest ideas through sharing our expertise, consulting on virtual production studio builds, and creating AI tools for XR environment building. CONNECT: copilotco.iocollabs@copilotco.iohttps://www.instagram.com/copilotco/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/copilotxr/ https://www.tiktok.com/@copilotco

Many of us have taken first-aid classes in school a vital skill in any emergency where unconscious individuals require immediate assistance. This training includes assessing the situation, checking vital signs, calling for help, and even performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if necessary.While technical aspects of first aid need to be taught and practiced, the instinct to help others in distress is deeply ingrained in human nature. And we're not alone: Various animal species have also been observed in non-laboratory situations tending to unresponsive peers by touching, grooming, nudging, or even striking them. However, such anecdotal evidence was insufficient to confirm whether animals naturally engage in this behavior in emergency situations.After accidentally witnessing first-aid-like behavior in mice, scientists from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California conducted a study under controlled conditions, publishing their results in Science. Their findings suggest that mice may increase survival chances and strengthen social bonds by assisting their peers in distress. Mice Respond to EmergenciesWenjian Sun, the study's first author and a research associate at the Keck School, observed this behavior unexpectedly during an unrelated experiment. The behavior was especially unique due to its similarity to how humans respond in emergencies; I had never seen this behavior from mice before, Sun stated in a press release.The follow-up study explored this trait in detail, demonstrating that mice are inclined to help unconscious peers. The responses from the rodent rescuers in aiding anesthetized peers ranged from gentle sniffing and grooming to more forceful actions such as mouth or tongue biting, eventually escalating to pulling the tongue out of the unconscious mouse to clear the airway. (See video.)The helper mice exhibited a sense of urgency when approaching their unconscious partner. By adjusting the mouth and tongue, they aided in faster recovery. Notably, the tongue-pulling behavior was not an act of aggression, as it was rarely observed when the partner was awake or merely sleeping. This reinforces the idea that the behavior is intentional and occurs specifically in perceived emergency situations.Inducing EmpathyThe researchers noted that rescue-like efforts were more frequent between familiar mice rather than strangers. To investigate the neural mechanisms behind this social behavior, they studied the helper mices paraventricular nucleus a region in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain involved in stress response and the production of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter linked to bonding and empathy.Using optogenetics, a technique that enables scientists to manipulate neural activity with light-sensitive proteins, the researchers found that activating oxytocin-responsive neurons encouraged rescue behavior even among unfamiliar mice. Conversely, blocking these neurons reduced first-aid-like actions among familiar mice pairs.These findings indicate that oxytocin signaling is essential for revival-like behavior, marking the first study to establish its role in social bonding in mice.Prosocial Behavior Enhances SurvivalAccording to Li Zhang, the studys principal investigator and professor of physiology and neuroscience at the Keck School, numerous factors influence empathetic behavior and social bonding in mammals. The studys results suggest that reciprocal support in high-stress situations may enhance survival and reinforce social bonds in animals, much like in humans.Beyond advancing our understanding of animal behavior, the findings highlight the crucial role of the oxytocin system in fostering prosocial behaviors. This research offers new perspectives on social interactions across vertebrate species and could contribute to improved treatment and appreciation of animals by revealing similarities between their behaviors and our own.Read More: Do Animals Fall in Love?Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:ScienceDirect: OptogeneticsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When shes not immersed in a popular science book, youll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.

Nature, Published online: 10 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00760-6Thousands of researchers and science supporters in the United States and in Europe protested under the banner of Stand Up for Science on Friday. Plus, how resilience can mask a toxic lab culture.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has unveiled the Xsolla Ecosystem a platform designed to create a connected network of trusted partners and vendors for game developers. Available through the Xsolla Publisher Account, the Ecosystem Marketplace provides developers with access to a curated selection of vendors, leveraging pre-established integrations and exclusive rates. This platform simplifies vendor selection, fosters collaboration, and supports informed business decisions while reducing development resources and operational costs.The Xsolla Ecosystem addresses challenges associated with sourcing credible vendors in a competitive market by offering a pre-validated marketplace of trusted partners. It reduces risks such as delays, subpar service quality, and increased costs that can arise from selecting the wrong vendors, enabling developers to focus on creating exceptional games.Key features of the Xsolla Ecosystem include:Pre-Validated Vendors: Access to trusted partners like G-Core, Game Analytics, Adikteev, and Appsflyer, all integrated with core Xsolla solutions such as Web Shop, Login, and Launcher.Exclusive Discounts: Pre-negotiated rates that help lower operational costs.Simplified Integration: Pre-integrated solutions that minimize development time and the resources needed to implement key vendor tools.Scalable Network: An expanding vendor ecosystem designed to meet the growing needs of game developers worldwide.Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla, commented, With the Xsolla Ecosystem, were deepening our commitment to the gaming industry by creating meaningful connections between developers and trusted vendors. This platform simplifies the vendor selection process, accelerates game development, and ultimately contributes to successfully bringing more games to market.The Xsolla Ecosystem is currently available in English, with additional languages planned for future updates. Developers can access the platform via the Xsolla Publisher Account without extensive setup or technical expertise.Visit this page for more information on the Xsolla Ecosystem.Source link The post Xsolla Ecosystem Unveiled appeared first on CG SHARES.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, revealed a customizable loyalty-as-a-service solution to help developers integrate rewards into their games purchase flows. The service boosts lifetime value and converts non-paying players by allowing them to earn and redeem points, thereby enhancing engagement, retention, and recurring revenue with minimal setup. Developers can deploy these loyalty programs across direct-to-consumer stores, web shops, and any Xsolla checkout process.Unlike offerings from third-party platforms, this solution enables developers to maintain full control over user data and relationships while providing expert guidance and best practices. The program is fully customizable, allowing adjustments to loyalty point names, icons, and configurations to align with each games brand identity and player behavior.Key features include:Cashback Rewards: Players receive a percentage of their purchases as points, which can be applied as discounts on future transactions.Loyalty Points: Integration with direct-to-consumer platforms lets players redeem exclusive items using earned points.Cross-Title Loyalty Programs: Publishers with multiple games can drive cross-marketing efforts by rewarding players across their entire catalog.Tier-Based Rewards: Players are incentivized to reach spending milestones with rewards such as discounts, exclusive content, or personalized gifts.These tools provide developers with the means to create personalized loyalty programs for direct-to-consumer journeys, noted Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla. Our solution is designed to drive player retention, increase revenue, and build stronger player relationshipswhile ensuring developers remain in full control of their loyalty program mechanics.The loyalty solution is easy to integrate via the Xsolla Publisher Account, eliminating the need for coding and accelerating time-to-market. Developers already using Pay Station can launch the service with a one-click setup for their stores, in-game or in-app.Visit this page to learn more.Source link The post Xsolla Launches a Customizable Loyalty as a Service Solution appeared first on CG SHARES.

Video games have spawned tons of iconic mecha designs over the years, but there's something timeless about Metal Gear Solid's bipedal powerhouse, Metal Gear Rex. If you've ever wanted to own one--but don't have the billions in cash necessary to build a 1:1 replica--then this upcoming collectible from Megahouse is a nice alternative. The $170 figure launches November 2025 and preorders are available now. Metal Gear Solid Variable Action D-SPEC Metal Gear Rex $170 | Releases November 2025 The Metal Gear Solid Variable Action D-SPEC Metal Gear Rex figure includes plenty of articulation and is packed with recognizable details like the iconic shoulder-mounted railgun, the radar dome, the animalistic "mouth" cockpit design. The figure also comes with two minifigures of Solid Snake and Liquid Snake, just in case you feel like reenacting the climactic showdown between the two brothers. Both figures are small enough to fit in Rex's cockpit section, and the Solid Snake figure includes a swappable spare arm that holds his MK 23 SOCOM sidearm. Preorder at Entertainment Earth If you'd like to add to your Metal Gear Solid collection, there are a few other nice figures to preorder right now. There's a new Figma action figure of Solid Snake based on his design from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. The highly posable figure includes several accessories, like his SOCOM pistol and handy cardboard box disguise. Priced at $87, this will start shipping out in January 2026.For something cuter, Good Smile Company is reissuing its Raiden and Solid Snake Nendoroid collectibles, which turn the gruff super-soldiers into cute chibi figures. The Solid Snake one is especially good as it comes with two head sculpts--a Nendoroid-style head with a dynamic bandana and an alternate head that makes Snake look exactly like his 1998 character model. Tubbz also has an adorable Solid Snake figure that reimagines the character as a floating rubber ducky.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Fields of Mistria's auto-petters are a new convenience that developer NPC Studio added in the farm sim's second major update. These automatically make all your farm critters happy--assuming they're in the same room as the statue. That sounds like a small benefit, but once you have a lot of animals, petting them individually can take a lot of time from your day. This Fields of Mistria auto-petter guide explains how to get the Animal Sprite Statue crafting recipe and make the tool yourself.Fields of Mistria: How to get the Animal Sprite Statue auto-petter crafting recipeIt'll take a few seasons before you're ready to break down this wall.Your first auto-petter and the crafting recipe to make more are sealed away in a cave you've probably passed countless times before. It's the blocked cavern entrance next to Errol's house in The Narrows, southwest of the museum. You need a new spell, Dragon's Breath, to open it, and getting that is no easy task.Fields of Mistria rewards you with the Dragon's Breath spell as part of completing the Breaking the Fire Seal quest, which you also need to complete to meet Caldarus' human form, enter the Lava Caves and Deep Woods biomes, and unlock Water Sprite Statue sprinklers.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Soldier 0 - Anby is an Attack Agent in Zenless Zone Zero and one of the surviving members of the Defense Force's Silver Squad, alongside Soldier 11. She serves as the S-Rank variant of Anby Demara from the Cunning Hares and shares the same Electric attribute.