Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Origin & Backstory In Split Explained

Introduced in Split, Kevin Wendell Crumb’s traumatic origins and the subsequent Dissociative Identity Disorder it caused set up his eventual transformation into the fearsome Beast. During the course of Split and the following film Glass, his early days are steadily revealed to be the source of his multiple other personalities. One of James McAvoy’s most impressive movie roles, Kevin ends up shifting through numerous personalities and performances in the films.

Kevin’s most dangerous personalities became present physical threats to the world around them. However, there’s a deep bedrock of tragic trauma behind Kevin’s origins that adds a somber edge to all of the fearsome elements carried out by his personalities in M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy. Here’s the origin story of Split and Glass‘s Kevin Wendell Crumb, and how it set the stage for him to become the Beast.

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Origin & Childhood

Mr. Glass Killed Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Father

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s tragic history eventually led to his transformation into the Beast as part of the Eaststrail 177 trilogy. This transformed the nominally meek Kevin into a major antagonist in the latter two entries of the franchise. Kevin first appeared in Split and was partly inspired by Billy Milligan. Kevin was the child of Clarence and Penelope Crumb. When he was only three, Kevin’s father “left” the family. It was later revealed this was because Kevin’s father was onboard the fateful Eaststrail 177 and died when it crashed during the events of Unbreakable.

This makes Mr. Glass responsible for the death of Kevin’s father, as he arranged for the train crash in the first place in a bid to find people with powers. Although this revealed his opposite in the super strong David Dunn, it also set up the circumstances that would birth the Beast. The trauma of this event played a part in worsening Penelope’s DID, with at least one of her personalities lashing out at her son. The pain and neglect that Penelope put the young Kevin through resulted in him developing DID as well.

Kevin Wendell Crumb’s DID & Personalities Explained

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

By the events of Split, Kevin Wendell Crumb had developed twenty-four distinct personalities as a result of his DID. His condition also resulted in his body going through radical changes, with his body language and skills adjusting to whoever was in control of Kevin. Several of Kevin’s personalities are among Split and Glass‘s characters, but some are absent from the plot. This includes Heinrich, Goddard, Bernice, Polly, Rakel, Felida, Ansel, Jalin, Kat, B.T., Samuel, and Ian. Others briefly appear, including the intellectual Orwell, the apologetic Norma, the Irish-coded Mary, stuffy film professor Mr. Pritchard, and the extroverted fashion designer Barry.

However, some of the personalities are shown to be far more fearsome and work to suppress the softer sides of Kevin. This includes the childish Hedwig, who can unleash different personalities. There’s also the perverse Dennis and the domineering Patricia, with the trio forming the initial Horde. The Horde sees a personality known as the Beast as a purifying force and works to ensure his freedom in the world. The Horde only begins with three personalities but expands in Glass, with personalities like Jade and Luke joining their mission to free the Beast.

How Kevin Wendell Crumb Became The Beast

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

The most dangerous of Kevin Crumb’s personalities is the Beast, the final personality to develop. Born from Kevin’s desire to have power over his life, the Beast is a vicious and powerful force that represents Kevin’s trauma. The Beast has a particularly dark view of humanity, only willing to spare those who have suffered greatly in their lives and are therefore “pure” in his eyes. His appreciation for those who’ve endured trauma and pain is directly tied to the anguish that Mr. Glass caused by killing Kevin’s father when he arranged for the crash of the Eaststrail 177 train.

The Beast possesses super strength, enhanced speed, and the ability to crawl on walls, and invulnerability. The only way to counter these powers is to force Kevin or one of the other personalities to take over, which can be forced with intense sudden lights or calling out to Kevin. This can trap the Beast in the powerless Kevin’s mind, rendering him mortal. The end result of the abuse and neglect a young Kevin suffered in the backstory to Split, the Beast is perhaps the most iconic and frightening aspect of Kevin’s DID and the direct result of Mr. Glass’ plans.