The Shocking Truth About Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Past

In the movie titled “Split,” we learn about the troubled past of Kevin Wendell Crumb, which led to his developing Dissociative Identity Disorder and eventually transforming into the terrifying Beast. As the story unfolds in “Split” and continues in the subsequent film “Glass,” we gradually discover that Kevin’s tumultuous childhood is responsible for his creation of multiple other personas. James McAvoy delivers a remarkable performance, seamlessly transitioning between various characters and personalities throughout these films.

In the dark world of M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy, the menacing personas that Kevin unleashed were not just figments of imagination; they became tangible dangers to those around him. However, beneath this terrifying facade lies a deep reservoir of tragic trauma that gives depth and pathos to his character. This section will delve into the backstory of Kevin Wendell Crumb from Split and Glass, exploring how this painful past set the stage for his transformation into the Beast.

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Origin & Childhood

Mr. Glass Killed Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Father

In the Eaststrail 177 trilogy, the heartrending past of Kevin Wendell Crumb ultimately triggered his metamorphosis into the Beast. This dramatic change turned the seemingly timid Kevin into a significant adversary in the final installments of the series. Initially introduced in the movie “Split”, Kevin was influenced by Billy Milligan to some extent. Kevin was born to Clarence and Penelope Crumb, with his father abandoning the family when Kevin was just three years old. However, it was later disclosed that Kevin’s father had been onboard the doomed Eaststrail 177 flight and perished during the catastrophe depicted in “Unbreakable”.

It was Mr. Glass who orchestrated the train accident that led to Kevin’s father’s death. His intention was to uncover individuals with special abilities. However, this action not only brought forth David Dunn, his polar opposite, but also paved the way for the emergence of the Beast. The traumatic event took a toll on Penelope, exacerbating her Dissociative Identity Disorder, causing one of her personas to harm Kevin. The mistreatment and abandonment Kevin experienced at Penelope’s hands ultimately led him to develop DID as well.

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s DID & Personalities Explained

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Twenty-Four Personalities Were Often At War Over The Horde

Through the occurrences in the movie “Split,” it’s clear that Kevin Wendell Crumb had developed twenty-four unique personas due to his Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This disorder not only affected his mind but also his physical being, causing his behavior and abilities to change according to who was controlling Kevin. While some of these personalities are featured in the movies “Split” and “Glass,” others like Heinrich, Goddard, Bernice, Polly, Rakel, Felida, Ansel, Jalin, Kat, B.T., Samuel, and Ian, were not part of the main plot. Characters such as Heinrich, Goddard, Bernice, Polly, Rakel, Felida, Ansel, Jalin, Kat, B.T., Samuel, and Ian are absent from the storyline. Others like Orwell, Norma, Mary, Mr. Pritchard, and Barry make brief appearances.

In the beginning, The Horde consists of just three distinct personas: Hedwig (who exhibits childish behavior yet possesses multiple identities), Dennis (with perverse tendencies), and Patricia (domineering). They view another personality called the Beast as a cleansing entity and strive to ensure his presence in the world. As the story unfolds in “Glass,” The Horde grows, welcoming new members such as Jade and Luke who join the group’s quest to liberate the Beast.

How Kevin Wendell Crumb Became The Beast

How Mr. Glass’ Actions Led To Kevin Wendell Crumb Creating The Beast

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the formidable nature of the Beast, the last persona to emerge from Kevin Crumb’s tormented psyche. This menacing figure was birthed from Kevin’s longing for control over his own life, serving as a chilling embodiment of his suppressed trauma. The Beast harbors a bleak perspective towards humanity, showing mercy only to those who have been scarred deeply by life’s hardships – individuals he deems “pure” due to their suffering. Interestingly, the Beast’s sympathy for these tormented souls is fueled by the anguish that Mr. Glass caused when he orchestrated the fatal collision of the Eaststrail 177 train, taking Kevin’s father’s life.

In the movie “Split”, the character known as The Beast exhibits extraordinary strength, speed, and the unique ability to climb walls, along with invincibility. The means to subdue these powers is to compel either Kevin or one of his other personalities to take control. This can be achieved through the use of very bright, intense lights or by summoning Kevin’s presence. By doing so, we can confine The Beast within the powerless state of Kevin’s consciousness, making him vulnerable.

The traumatic abuse and neglect that young Kevin endured in his past have given rise to The Beast, a particularly terrifying manifestation of his Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which is an integral part of Mr. Glass’ scheme.

Kevin Wendell Crumb Was Actually Inspired By A Real Person

Split Draws From The Real-Life Cast Of Billy Milligan

In the movie “Split,” directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the character of Kevin Wendell Crumb and his numerous personas were partially based on a real-life individual: Billy Milligan. Milligan gained notoriety in the late 1970s when he was apprehended for kidnapping and sexually assaulting three women at Ohio State University. After an investigation, psychiatrists diagnosed him with what was then referred to as multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder, or DID), suggesting that up to 24 distinct personalities lived within his mind. These personas encompassed a wide range of individuals varying in age, gender, and even nationality.

Billy Milligan’s defense team successfully employed his diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in court, arguing that he was not accountable for the crimes he committed. This made him the first individual in U.S. history to be found not guilty of a major felony due to DID. After the trial, he was placed in psychiatric hospitals for over a decade. His case ignited widespread discussions, media coverage, and enduring intrigue, leading to numerous books, documentaries, and eventually catching the interest of Hollywood creatives seeking authentic psychological narratives to adapt.

The similarities between the characters of Milligan and Kevin Wendell Crumb in the movie ‘Split’ are evident, yet they are deliberately exaggerated for dramatic effect. Both figures possess multiple distinct personas, each with unique behaviors, speech patterns, and varying degrees of consciousness. Similar to Milligan’s alters, some of Kevin’s personalities, such as Dennis, Patricia, and Hedwig, display harmful or deceptive traits, while others are benign or even helpful. The idea that certain alters “take control” in Kevin’s mind echoes the reported rotation of control among Milligan’s personalities due to external triggers and internal dynamics.

In a departure from the authenticity of the Milligan case, the movie “Split” introduces an unusual element – “The Beast,” Kevin’s 24th persona with extraordinary powers such as scaling walls, resisting bullets, and exhibiting immense animalistic strength. This fantastical character is not present in the real-life scenario, and the introduction of a menacing physical alter ego propels “Split” into the realm of full-blown horror. Compared to Billy Milligan’s story, which was deeply disturbing but confined within the boundaries of mental illness, trauma, and the legal system, “Split” transforms Kevin into a supernatural adversary, even connecting to the broader “Unbreakable” universe. As a result, the portrayal of DID in “Split” treads a thin line between creative freedom and misrepresentation of psychology.

In the movie, Shyamalan seemed to have been influenced by real-life Dissociative Identity Disorder and accurately portrayed some of its symptoms like memory lapses, identity splits, and physical alterations between personalities. However, both critics and mental health professionals have spoken up about the film potentially reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The notion that people with DID are innately dangerous or prone to extreme violence lacks clinical backing. On the contrary, those suffering from DID are statistically more likely to be victims rather than instigators of abuse.

In depicting Kevin as a menacing, almost mythical antagonist, Split perpetuates stereotypes that individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder have been tirelessly trying to dispel for many years. However, the film did stir curiosity about DID and instigated conversations regarding how traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse – a shared ordeal between Milligan and Kevin’s characters – can contribute to the formation of multiple personalities as a means of survival. Despite not being an authentic representation of DID, Split effectively combines terror and psychological mystery while prioritizing dramatic effect over realism.

2025-05-02 22:38