Men's Journal's Blog, page 7

'Peacemaker' Features 'Really Big, Big Stars' During Season 2, Says James Gunn

In what can fairly be viewed as James Gunn’s encore performance to Superman, the co-CEO of DC Studios has hit the ground running following the Aug. 21 debut of Peacemaker Season 2. Following the popular first season of the series starring John Cena as Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, Gunn’s vision for Season 2 had fans understandably excited.

And while it’s early, critics and fans agree that the HBO Max series hasn’t disappointed. Following the first episode of Season 2, rave reviews poured in, and now Gunn has given fans even more to be excited about regarding what lies ahead this season on Peacemaker.

James Gunn Teases ‘Big Stars From the DC Universe’ Coming in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 John Cena and Director James Gunn attend the HBO Max presents ‘Peacemaker’, from DC Studios VIP PEACEFEST at Nova SD.

David Jon/Getty Images

During a recent interview on PelucheEn ElEstuche, Gunn gave several tidbits about Peacemaker Season 2, along with what’s ahead in the DC Universe. Specifically, one comment he made highlighted some noteworthy names who’ll make appearances later this season on Peacemaker.

"We have some really big, big stars from the DC Universe that are gonna be [in Peacemaker] near the end of the season,” Gunn said.

“A lot of big surprises, if we told you, I’d have to kill you, and I don’t want to kill you,” Gunn added while laughing.

It’s a big tease from Gunn, although the director and new leader of the DC Universe has typically lived up to his word when he’s made these types of statements of late. He previously teased a few upcoming projects at DC, and it was revealed shortly after that there’d be a new Wonder Woman movie, along with Supergirl and his own Batman: The Brave and the Bold down the line.

Early ‘Peacemaker’ Reviews Drawing Plenty of Additional Attention

If the start of Season 2 of Peacemaker didn’t garner enough attention, the reviews have certainly turned a few heads. After a red-hot start on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, somehow the critics’ reviews have managed to get even better, as the show’s second season is already “certified fresh” on the popular site.

Over Peacemaker Season 2’s first 63 critics' reviews, the show checks in with a scorching 99 percent rating. As commonly seen, the fan reviews aren’t quite that eye-opening, but are still impressive, as the fan-focused popcornmeter gives the show a rating of 79 percent on more than 500 verified reviews.

If the surprises that lie ahead for Peacemaker are as significant as Gunn says, don’t be surprised if the critics’ score remains exceptionally high, and if the fan rating jumps even higher in the very near future. Upcoming episodes of Peacemaker will be released every Thursday night, starting with episode two on Aug. 28, and will run through Oct. 9, 2025.

Related: Alan Ritchson as Batman? James Gunn Raises Eyebrows With Comments on 'Reacher' Star

‘X-Men’ Director Gives Significant Update in the Most Marvel Way Possible

Marvel fans can rest easy. Well, at least easier than those who are holding out hope for Mahershala Ali’s Blade reboot to happen anytime in the near future. Although there was never much of a concern about the future of the highly anticipated X-Men reboot that president Kevin Feige has hyped up, recent comments from director Jake Schreier brought good news to fans of the beloved franchise.

Jake Schreier Doesn’t Give Much, but Does Provide an ‘X-Men’ Reboot Update

The director of the 2025 film Thunderbolts* has been tabbed to direct Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot, and during a recent a interview with Empire he provided a small, but significant update on the state of the new series.

Schreier has always done an excellent job of avoiding crossing the line of giving too much away regarding Marvel films, a quiet approach they’ve become known for over the years. His recent comments once again avoided giving too much, but he did reveal that work on the new X-Men is officially underway.

Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell and Jake Schreier at The Walt Disney Studios and The Cinema Society host 'Thunderbolts' special screening at IPIC Theater.

Daniel Zuchnik/Variety via Getty Images

“I can’t say anything about it, but we’ve started work on X-Men, and that’s obviously very, very exciting,” Schreier confirmed.

Schreier also spoke about what he’s learned from working on an MCU project previously and how that’s led to a certain comfort level after overcoming the learning curve that comes with it.

“There are so many things that I didn’t know about before I started [Thunderbolts*],” he says, pointing to the MCU experience he can now draw from. “The biggest learning curve for me was the proportion of the action to the more emotional, character-driven scenes, and how, even though it’s more shooting days than I’ve ever had, they get eaten up quite quickly by the action stuff. By the time we got to the end of it, it felt like, ‘Oh, now I feel like we get how to do this a little bit better.’”

Kevin Feige’s Previous Comments Hint at Direction of New ‘X-Men’ Movie

During an in-depth conversation about the state of the MCU, Feige addressed several topics, specifically touching on the plan for the new X-Men series. While his statements were met with some pushback from fans, it did highlight the fact that they plan to rollout a “youth-focused reboot,” as The Playlist revealed.

“Jake’s going to make a youth-focused reboot,” Feige said. “That may be reflected in mutant castings, and it’ll definitely be felt in the tone and perspective of the film.”

The argument from many fans was that the X-Men series went through its “school” and “university” phases during the last stretch of films. Regardless, it does appear that Marvel is set to put a plan into motion that creates a storyline surrounding a young group of actors and actresses that they can build the series around going forward.

Related: Marvel Drops Unexpected Update on Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Deadpool 4’

Nanoplastics Might Speed Up Brain Decline, Scientists Say

Alzheimer’s doesn’t show up overnight. It builds silently over decades. And now, scientists say one surprising factor might be accelerating that decline: nanoplastics.

In a new preclinical study published in Environment and Health, researchers from Monash University and South China University of Technology found that exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice. The findings suggest that neurological damage may not be limited to the brain. It could spread through the gut-liver-brain axis, creating a cascade of inflammation and degeneration.

“These nanoplastics set off a chain reaction whereby Alzheimer’s disease develops and spreads from the top down,” said Pu Chun Ke, adjunct professor at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

What Are Nanoplastics and Why Should You Care?

Nanoplastics are microscopic fragments that result from the breakdown of everyday plastics—water bottles, food wrappers, and synthetic clothing. They’re smaller than five millimeters and nearly impossible to avoid. Studies have found them in human blood, lungs, brain tissue, and even breast milk.

The mice in the study didn’t just develop inflammation in the brain. They also showed signs of fatty liver disease, meaning the plastics caused systemic damage, not just cognitive decline.

For men over 40 focused on long-term performance and mental clarity, this research points to a growing concern: environmental toxins may be quietly impacting your brain health.

You’re Already Exposed

The bad news? You’re probably already carrying nanoplastics in your system. Whether it’s from microplastic dust in the air or chemicals leaching from your protein shaker, exposure is everywhere.

The good news? There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the daily load.

What You Can Do Right NowDitch the bottled water. Use stainless steel or glass.Stop microwaving in plastic. Heat accelerates chemical leaching.Check your food storage. Go BPA-free or use ceramic containers.Filter your water. Look for filters that remove microplastics.Vacuum and dust regularly. Microplastic particles accumulate indoors.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s a reminder that performance and prevention go hand in hand. If you’re already investing in your health, this is one more factor worth paying attention to.

Pauly Shore’s Full-Body Scan Found a Tumor He Didn’t Know He Had

Pauly Shore didn’t have symptoms. No pain, no weight loss, no red flags. Just a gut instinct, and at 57, he followed it. That decision might have saved his life.

In a candid Instagram post, the actor and comedian revealed he recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his pancreas. It was benign, but the discovery rattled him. “Mentally, it really messed with me,” Shore admitted. “Could it grow? Burst? Turn into something worse? You just don’t know.”

A Preventive Move With Major Payoff

Three months ago, Shore booked a full-body scan at SimonMed in Las Vegas—a precautionary move he said felt right for his age. The scan checks for everything from tumors and aneurysms to Alzheimer’s. A week later, doctors called: something showed up in his abdominal region. It turned out to be a noncancerous tumor nestled inside his pancreas, potentially growing there unnoticed for 15 to 20 years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pauly Shore (@paulyshore)

Even though it wasn’t an emergency, surgeons strongly recommended removing it.

“I’ve always been on top of my health,” Shore said. “Gym, sauna, bloodwork, colonoscopies… but I’d never done a full-body scan.”

Surgery and the Hard Road Back

Shore underwent the operation on Aug 21 at Cedars-Sinai under Dr. Nicholas Nissen. He documented the experience in a raw, emotional video from his hospital bed, calling the tumor “a devil that’s in me” before going in. The footage cuts to five days later—Shore recovering, emotional, and brutally honest about how hard it hit him.

“You never know what the f--- is inside your body,” he said through tears. “It’s been tough. The aftermath of abdominal surgery is pretty f---ing hard.”

Now home and on the mend, he says he’s healing every day, managing the pain, and grateful he caught it before it became something worse.

Should You Get a Full-Body Scan?

Full-body imaging isn’t part of standard checkups, but it’s becoming more common among men over 40 looking to catch hidden health issues before they become dangerous. Clinics like SimonMed and others in the longevity space (including Cenegenics and Prenuvo) are seeing a surge in interest.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these scans can detect abnormalities early, but they’re not always covered by insurance and can come with a risk of false positives. Experts recommend talking to your physician before scheduling one.

Key Takeaways From Pauly Shore’s Health ScareHe had no symptoms. The tumor was only discovered through a full-body scan.It was benign. But doctors still advised surgery due to long-term risk.Surgery was successful. Shore is home, recovering, and sharing his story.He stayed proactive. Shore’s regular health habits didn’t catch the tumor, but his instinct to go further did.He encourages others to act. “You never know what the f--- is inside your body,” he said.

For men in midlife, Shore’s story is more than a celebrity health update. It’s a powerful reminder to take your health seriously, even when you feel fine.

Gerber Gear's 'Super Sharp' Paraframe Knife Is on Sale for $18 Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

When you’re shopping for pocket knives, it’s always smart to go with a trusted brand, and Gerber Gear has long been a reliable source. While you certainly can spend a chunk on one of the brand's top-tier blades, you don’t necessarily have to. Right now, Amazon has an amazing deal—north of 50% off—on one of Gerber Gear’s most beloved models, the Paraframe II.

The Gerber Gear Paraframe II is on sale for just $18, a 55% discount from its usual price of $40. This version of the knife features a partially serrated blade, but other versions are on sale, too, like the fine-edge Paraframe I and the Paraframe Mini.

Gerber Gear Paraframe II Serrated, $18 (was $40) on Amazon The Gerber Gear Paraframe II Serrated.

Courtesy of Amazon

[image error] What Shoppers Should KnowBlade Style: Clip point blade, partially serratedBlade Length: 3.5 inchesClosed Length: 4.8 inchesOverall Length: 8.7 inchesWeight: 4.4 ounces

The Paraframe II is a lightweight folding knife built around a clip-point stainless steel blade. This version features a unique design with both smooth and serrated portions, making it useful for a wide range of cutting tasks, from slicing soft materials to opening packages to light sawing. The blade features a locking mechanism to keep it firmly in place when open, and the skeletonized steel handle saves weight. The frame also includes a pocket clip, so it’s easy to keep this knife handy on a belt, on a pack, or at the ready in your pocket. 

Related: Amazon's No. 1 Bestselling Pocket Knife Is Now on Sale for $11

What Shoppers Are Saying

Shoppers love the Paraframe II’s “super sharp” blade, and the combo of smooth and serrated portions makes it adept for all kinds of cutting tasks: One shopper said it “will cut through almost anything.”

Other reviewers praised its rock-solid build quality and lightweight design, which makes it an ideal EDC option. “It is the perfect size and weight,” one shopper said.

The Gerber Gear Paraframe II is built tough and designed for maximum versatility; it’s a blade you can use in all kinds of scenarios. And at just $18, you really can’t beat the price. Head over to Amazon and score yours before this rock-bottom pricing shoots back up.

Shop More DealsCIVIVI Mini Praxis, $30 (was $35) on AmazonSmith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife, $17 (was $25) on AmazonKizer Drop Bear 2 Pocket Knife, $42 (was $59) on Amazon

Alan Ritchson Says 'Reacher' Season 4 Has 'The Best Fight Ever'

Filming on Reacher Season 4 is getting intense. In a just-released Instagram post, series star Alan Ritchson has dropped a big bombshell; the next season of Reacher will have, maybe, one of the best action scenes in the entire show, and according to Ritchson, "the best fight ever."

Here's what that might mean, and which aspect of the book, Gone Tomorrow, that this Reacher Season 4 fight might be adapting.

"Season 4 Goes Hard."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alan Ritchson (@alanritchson)

In an earnest new Instagram post, which Ritchson posted on August 27, he looks extremely intense in a black-and-white still from the set of Reacher Season 4. This is more than a behind-the-scenes shot. This looks like an actual take from whatever scene has just been filmed.

"Game face was all the way on today," Ritchson wrote. "We might’ve just shot the best fight ever on Reacher, and that’s saying something, cause every fight prior [to] this season felt the same way. Season 4 goes hard."

In Season 3, the fight between Reacher and Paulie (Olivier Richters) was a high point of that story, and actually improved on the intensity of the same fight from the book, Persuader, which was the basis for Season 3. But what about Season 4? Which part of the book might this new fight be from?

The possible inspiration for the big Reacher Season 4 fight

Reacher Season 4 is based upon Lee Child's 13thJack Reacher book, Gone Tomorrow, first published in 2009. The story takes place primarily in New York City, and a lot of the action happens on the subway.

But, in terms of big fights from the book, there is one point in the book where Reacher is put inside a cage and ends up fighting a few federal agents. Could this be what Ritchson is teasing? Reacher coming out of a cage and entering a massive brawl?

Right now, we don't have a release date for Reacher Season 4. But with this kind of tease, it does sound like this could be the best season ever.

Reacher Seasons 1-3 stream on Amazon Prime.

Related: How to Read the Jack Reacher Books in the Correct Order (Hint: It's Not What You Think)

Altra's Zero-Drop Torin 7 Running Shoes Are 40% Off

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Altra is running a sale on last season's styles, giving shoppers a chance to save big on the brand's running and hiking gear. The Lone Peak, the brand's bestselling trail running shoe, was quick to sell out in most sizes, leaving one clear pick-up for everyday running and walking, and it’s marked down by a sweet 40%.

The Altra Torin 7 Running Shoes are now $90, 40% off their normal price of $150. The Torins are Altra's bestselling running shoes, and people really seem to like the model 7. One shopper commented that Altra “should have never gotten rid of the 7s for the 8s” in response to the updated Altra Torin 8. 

Altra Torin 7 Running Shoes, $90 (was $150) at Altra [image error] What Shoppers Should KnowSizes Available: 7 to 15Color Options: 6, including some striking blue and orange varieties.Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mmConstruction: The Torin 7 has a mesh upper, Altra Ego Max midsole, and rubber outsole.

One of the most important things about approaching the Torin 7 is related to how one might approach Altra shoes in general. As opposed to traditional running shoes, the Torin 7 employs Altra’s zero heel drop ethos, so it has a flat heel-to-toe surface. This gives runners a truly unique experience that takes the pressure off their knees and puts it towards their calves instead. 

Many agree that drop-zero shoes really work, but whether or not they’ll benefit your personal stride depends largely on where your pain points are, as well as what your goals are when it comes to running. Those with weaker calves may not love a pair of Altra Torin 7 for their next 10K, but find warmup jogs and 1-mile fun runs in them to be strengthening and worthwhile.

The Torin 7 comes in sizes 7 through 15 and has 6 colors available, including striking blue and orange variations, along with more standard white, black, and green pairs. They are constructed with a mesh upper, Altra’s Ego Max foam in the midsole, and a rubber outsole.

Related: Brooks' Adrenaline Running Shoes Are $70 Off Right Now

What Shoppers Are Saying

Another thing that Altra shoes are known for is their generously cut toe boxes. One shopper (who also appears to prefer the 7s to the 8s due to the updated toe spring) said the Altra 7s “felt made for my feet” because of this. Another shopper, who dedicated these shoes just to walking, commented that they have “full and comfortable movement” of all toes with “no restrictions.”

One pattern that you'll see a lot of reviewers talking about is this being their second or third pair, or that they use them as part of a larger rotation with other Altra shoes. Again, that may very well have to do with Altra’s zero-drop heel; if the shoe fits, then buy the family, so to speak.

The Altra Torin 7 is marked down by 40% while this sale lasts, marking an excellent opportunity to see if you’ll become another Altra obsessive.

Shop More DealsAltra Experience Wild Trail Running Shoes, $87 (was $145) at AltraAltra Experience Flow Running Shoes, $84 (was $140) at AltraAltra Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoes, $84 (was $140) at Altra

Fossil's 'Timeless' Carraway Watch Is on Sale for $110 on Amazon Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Fewer dress watches hold legacies comparable to those of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and the Cartier Tank. These heirloom watches carry steep price tags, but today, it's not hard to find something similar that's far more affordable. Those looking to capture that elegant, angular look for a fraction of the cost should take a look at Fossil’s stunning Carraway leather strap watch—and if you hurry, you can get it for just over $100.

The Fossil 30mm Carraway Quartz Leather Strap Watch is now just $110 on Amazon, a 44% discount off its full price of $195. This stunning watch brings a touch of vintage Hollywood glamour to your wrist while offering great versatility. It has nearly 350 five-star ratings, with 83% of its total reviews receiving a perfect score.

Fossil 30mm Carraway Quartz Leather Strap Watch, $110 (was $195) on Amazon [image error] What Shoppers Should KnowStyle: Rectangular dress watchSize: 30mm or 32mmMovement: QuartzDial Color: Ice BlueStrap: Brown leatherWater Resistance: Up to 50 meters

While 10 variations are available on Amazon’s website, the Brown Leather/Silver/Ice Blue carries the best discount. This one has a slightly smaller 30mm case (great for guys with smaller wrists) and comes with an angelic light blue dial, similar to the iconic and trademarked "Tiffany Blue." It's housed in a silver-tone case, which is slightly curved for a uniquely individual fitting experience. It's perfectly paired with a brown leather alligator strap with a soft nubuck lining for extreme comfort.

Related: Omega’s Oldest Watch Just Got a New Turquoise Update

What Shoppers Are Saying

Many reviewers have compared this Fossil watch to iconic designer models. “This thing is a dead ringer for a Cartier Tank,” one noted, also mentioning “why pay $5,000?” for those when this one will do the trick at a far more wallet-friendly price.

For others, it's all about style. One was enamored with its looks, calling its design “timeless elegance” personified, “a striking blend of classic design and modern sophistication.” They also appreciated that it “exudes a refined presence without being overpowering.”

For just over $100, the Fossil 30mm Carraway Quartz Leather Watch is an affordable option for those seeking something that looks expensive but secretly isn't. Be sure to grab yours before it’s gone. 

Shop More DealsSeiko 29mm Essentials Leather Watch, $172 (was $215) on AmazonCitizen Eco-Drive 43mm Sport Luxury PCAT Chronograph Steel Watch, $458 (was $695) on AmazonFossil 42mm Sport Tourer Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch, $117 (was $195) on Amazon

Major Airport Suspends All International Flights Until Further Notice

Greenland's Nuuk Airport has suspended all international flights until further notice due to inadequate training.

"The Danish Transport Authority has temporarily suspended the security screening of international passengers traveling from Nuuk Airport," Greenland Airports, which owns and operates all civilian airports in the territory, announced on Wednesday. "The suspension is due to the fact that, according to the Danish Transport Authority, the training of staff for screening international passengers does not fully meet the current requirements."

The statement continued, "We are working intensively with the Danish Transport Authority to address the specific issues identified in the training. The goal is to restore normal operations for international traffic as quickly as possible."

Greenland Airports made it clear that domestic flights would not be interrupted during this period.

The suspension notice forced a United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Nuuk to return to the States. The airline canceled the flight as well as its return flight which was scheduled for Wednesday.

United became the first airline to operate a nonstop route to the Greenland capital when its service launched in June. The last U.S. to Greenland service was via Air Greenland in the late 2000s.

"Of course, there's things we have to learn. But I think it's been promising," the head of international relations at Visit Greenland, Tanny Por, told The Points Guy. "It's the first time we've had any airline come from outside Copenhagen or Iceland, ever, so it's really a big milestone and a big historical moment."

Surprising Reason Meal Kit Pioneer Is Ditching Subscription Model

Blue Apron was a pioneer in the meal kit industry, now saturated by options. However, the New York-based company is getting ready to ditch their subscription model, and it may not be for the reason you think.

"We turned subscription fatigue into a dystopian fever dream," Angela Campos, creative and commercial director of Quirk, said as the company prepared to debut a three-part Black Mirror-esque ad campaign. "Trust me, it’s a lot more fun to watch than to live through."

As the company, which launched in 2012, prepares to transition to an a la carte ordering model, the dystopian ad campaign holds a mirror to our dependency on subscriptions.

“Somewhere along the way, you had to subscribe to everything—even dinner,” a narrator in one of the clips says. “With the new Blue Apron, you don’t.”

According to Raina Enand, head of marketing for Blue Apron, "Life is really different now."

"Busy families need more control and flexibility," she said.

Echoing Enand, Blue Apron SVP and GM Whitney Pegden told Good Morning America, "Blue Apron has always been about helping people cook and eat well at home but the way families manage mealtime has changed."

In addition to overhauling their purchasing model, the company has also doubled its menu options. Other new options include "Assemble & Bake" meals that families can cook in just 10 minutes and "Dish," a single-serve option that comes oven ready.

For customers who are committed to their subscription model, Blue Apron+ offers free delivery and Auto Ship options.

"We’ve been working on this for the past year, listening to customer feedback on what the market is moving towards, and we really thought about this as all encompassing from every aspect of the business," Enand said. "Calling it a rebrand is actually doing it a disservice. It’s really a relaunch of the company."