Credence Barebone 2.0: What Will His Regenerated Form Be in Fantastic Beasts 2?

Hi All,

I've got a new video up on Credence Barebone's role going forward in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that I hope you will like. In it, I speculate that we will see a progressive change, or regeneration, in Credence from film to film. A bit like Doctor Who, but hopefully keeping the actor Ezra Miller throughout these transformations.

Please let me know what you think. And I've listed the full transcript below the video.

Also, today and tomorrow only, my publisher is offering FREE Kindle promotion for my fan theory book, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. You can get your free copy here: Free Ebook!

Transcript:

Hello. Welcome back to Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. I’m Susan Şipal.

Who’s your favorite doctor? I’m particularly fond of the ninth and tenth. Or, if you’re not a Doctor Who fan, perhaps you prefer Gandalf the White. But what I’m really curious about at the moment, is what form will Credence take in Fantastic Beasts 2.

I covered many theories like this in my book, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts, and hope you’ll check it out.

Hey all you Whovians out there – who’s your favorite doctor? Whether you prefer the zany spin of Tom Baker or Peter Capaldi’s maturity, or maybe, like me, you’re anticipating Jodie Whittaker’s fresh take, it’s the ability of the Doctor to regenerate that keeps this series going. This constant evolving also speaks to an important theme of the show – the need of the Doctor to continuously expand his consciousness.

Regeneration or rebirth is a very popular theme across all literature. It’s the apex of the hero’s journey that allows the reader to experience the catharsis of a transformed life within themselves. How literal that rebirth is depends on the nature of the story. In fantasy, a character may pass through the Underworld and return to life. Whereas in comedy, a character may die of embarrassment and live to screw up another day…just a bit wiser.

In Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling had Harry skirt along the edge. He passed through death in King’s Cross to return to do battle at Hogwarts, but she left the reader to decide just how much of it was all in his head.
With Fantastic Beasts, however, I see strong hints that we’re going to get more of a Doctor Who type of regeneration with Credence Barebone.

We all know by now that it’s been confirmed that Ezra Miller will return to his role as Credence Barebone in Fantastic Beasts 2. Most of us knew this when we watched Newt Scamander follow that wisp of escaping Obscurus from the City Hall subway station. Or at least when we heard the interview with producer David Heyman about the ending scene that had been deleted with Credence leaving on a ship.

The filmmakers were very careful to show us in Fantastic Beasts 1 just HOW Credence could come back. At least twice we saw the Obscurus gather back into the form of Credence Barebone, even after a massive explosion. But surely, after that last devastating blast, that small tendril of Credence that remained must somehow be transformed from what he was before.

I explored in my Magical Circus Series where I think Credence might show up in the next film – as part of the Freak Show of the Circus Arcanus. Now I want to explore more what transformation we can expect to see in him personally. How will we recognize the tremendous change that has surely taken place inside? Will he have a change in appearance or personality? Or will he have newfound powers? And how will the filmmakers show this to the audience, considering that it is the same actor?

Pottermore’s recent announcement gave us one key clue that Credence may not reappear exactly as before. The article stated: “Credence will be back in a ‘mysterious’ way.” Mysterious. Does that mean we will not recognize him at first? Or will he not recognize himself?

Perhaps the blow Credence received from Madam Picquery’s Aurors was so devastating that his memory has been altered. And, if so, will Grindelwald use this to his advantage? Perhaps presenting himself to Credence as the one person who stood by him when others abandoned him.
Personally, I anticipate that we’ll get a hint of all of the above. With memory serving as such a key theme throughout the first film, I expect Credence will suffer from some sort of memory lapse as a result of the explosion. I also expect that we’ll see an outward shift in his appearance to reflect the greater inner change he has experienced. And this transformation of character will possibly set a pattern of incremental changes for each film going forward.

Which brings me back to my last video. We explored the ancient idea of metempsychosis, a Greek spin on reincarnation where the soul can transmigrate from animal to human or human to animal. Ancient spiritual groups like the Pythagoreans taught their initiates to unite the four elements within oneself to seek enlightenment. To purify their current life in order to achieve a higher level in their next. And if they can retain their memories of their previous life, they will finally escape the cycle of reincarnation to live divine.

Birds have always provided a symbolic link to the spirit or soul. From the ancient Egyptian concept of the Ba, to the Holy Spirit as a dove in Christianity, the flight of birds well represents this freedom of the soul without the body. Within Fantastic Beasts, we saw lots of bird-like creatures. I can’t imagine a stronger hint at the soul than a dove in the lighted window of a church. But we also have the Occamy and Swooping Evil, and Frank the Thunderbird, who was surely the beastly soul of the film.

For Fantastic Beasts 2, I’ve theorized we will see another bird that relates even more strongly to the soul and regeneration. A Phoenix. David Yates stated in an interview that we would see a new beast of Chinese origin in the next film, and I speculated in my Magical Circus Acts video that Claudia Kim may have a bird act, that this could possibly be a phoenix.

Indeed, I have a theory for the ultimate role of the phoenix at series end which, if I’m right, would be a major spoiler. It’s highly, highly unlikely that I am, because I’m going quite “out on a limb” with this one, but I thought I’d give you a warning before proceeding because some of you have expressed concerns in the comments about being spoiled.

Jo has openly stated in interviews of Fantastic Beasts being about the beast we all have within and the way we make beasts of others. Couple that with my theory of a possible subtext of a graduated metempsychosis based around the number five and human and animal transmigration of souls, and I think we could see a beastly reincarnation at the end of the series.
Could Credence undergo a cycle of regeneration at the end of each film until he eventually attains a level of spiritual enlightenment that the ancients whispered about in their secret rites? Will we see his appearance or personality advance from film to film until he is finally freed of his human form and elevated to immortality at series end?

And who better in the Wizarding World universe to embody this immortality than Fawkes?

Yes, that Fawkes. Dumbledore’s phoenix.
Could Fawkes literally be Credence Barebone’s final regeneration?

I know this is highly unlikely, but let me show you some tantalizing hints.
We all know that phoenixes are reborn, regenerated, from ashes. Harry saw this for himself when he first met Fawkes.
We’ve also already seen Credence exploding into ashes, to survive only as a tendril…”like feathers,” as Rowling states in the scriptbook.

In a prior video, we talked about the explosive nature of Credence’s Obscurus and its links to the Atomic bomb which ended World War II. However, that theory does not contradict this one. Rather it links it to another theory – what Grindelwald meant by “Will we die, just a little?” In that theory, I speculated that Grindelwald and Newt might try to take the Obscurus onto themselves – Grindelwald to better use its powers for his “greater good” purposes, and Newt to save Credence.

Dying just a little. Sounds a bit like reincarnation.

However, if either Newt, or more likely Grindelwald, were to separate Credence from his Obscurus, it could be the catalyst that detonates a massive Obscurus bomb while freeing Credence’s soul to transfigure into the newly born Fawkes.

As Fawkes, Credence would not only be a potent symbol of peace for the ending of the Fantastic Beasts series, but would provide a transformative framing for the historical next. If Fawkes, the bird who linked Voldemort to Harry through their wands, was Credence, his presence and shared feathers would add new depth and meaning to a story we’ve already experienced. Your understanding of Harry Potter would be transformed by the story arc of Fantastic Beasts.
Honestly, I have to say as an author, I think this is such a fabulous idea that if Rowling is not plotting it for her series, I fully plan to do it for two of my own!

But as I mentioned in my last video, I very much believe this Fantastic Beasts story arc will be a team effort. It will take the full power of the four members of the Team, the four elements, to support the fifth, Credence, in the freeing of his soul. And that is why the pentagram is such a powerful symbol for this series.
As I acknowledged, I’m very probably wrong about my Fawkes theory, but I do believe we’ll see a progressive regeneration of Credence throughout the series…whatever his final form may be.

Before I finish, I’d like to point you in the direction of JK Rowling’s Lumos organization, who is having a fundraising effort on Crowdrise. You can both help end the institutionalization of children and reunite them with their families while scoring cool gear for yourself and being entered to win a trip to the London set of Fantastic Beasts 2! Join me in donating. I’ve provided a link in the description below.

What do you think about the possibility of Credence regenerating with each film? Do you think there’s any slim chance he could finally be Fawkes? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Be sure to check the description box below for any links I cited and videos mentioned. And please subscribe for future theories. Also, don’t forget to check out my Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts at Amazon or your local bookseller.

Is Merope Gaunt Riddle the Snake Girl Featured in the Magical Circus Arcanus in Fantastic Beasts 2?

Pottermore recently announced that a magical circus is coming in Fantastic Beasts 2. As I had a theory stating exactly this back in February, I was extremely exited with this news.

So, I've been thinking more on what this circus might look like, and who might be in it, in a new series of videos. Here's one with Suvi Holm of Finland on who that Enchanting Snake Girl might be.

The transcript is below the video, in case it gets removed again. Hope you like it!

Transcript:

Hello. Welcome back to Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. I’m Susan Şipal. In the recent announcements regarding Fantastic Beasts 2, the filmmakers stated that there would be some “surprising nods” toward Harry Potter. Suvi Holm and I have a theory as to what one of these nods might be, and we'd like to see what you think.

I covered many theories like this in my book, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts, and hope you’ll check it out.

In my last video on certain time elements that may link Fantastic Beasts 1 to future films, I pointed out an intriguing date on the Circus Arcanus publicity poster. It noted that the circus was leaving for Europe after their final performance on December 13th. With the 5-day crossing possible in the 1920s, that’s just enough time for them to reach England, if that’s their destination, before New Year’s Eve…the night of Voldemort’s birth. A link that provides a lot of tantalizing possibilities, and we’re going to explore one of them now.

First, I’d like to point out that it’s not too far a stretch to imagine that the circus either originated in Europe or has been there before as the owner, Skender, may not be American. The publicity poster shows that the circus has been on tour in New York, not that they are based there.

I also said yesterday in the first part of this series exploring the mysteries of the Circus Arcanus, that I planned on three videos. But the material is growing, and thus I now expect this will be the second of four.

The focus on today’s video is thanks to Suvi Holm of Finland, who shared the key clue and beginning ideas with me. Suvi, if you’ll remember, was also the mastermind behind Dumbledore as a possible Demiguise Animagus theory.

Suvi found a very curious link between Merope Gaunt Riddle, Voldemort’s mother, and a circus. In Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore and Harry took a dip into Dumbledore's memory of visiting Tom Riddle's orphanage. Mrs. Cole, the matron, says that when Merope came to them on the night she gave birth to Voldemort, they wondered if Merope had come from a circus. This was purely because of the unusual name, Marvolo, that she gave her son. However, it still provides a link from Merope to a circus.

Suvi thinks that the Snake Girl pictured in the Circus Arcanus poster could be Merope. Together, she and I have pieced together the following evidence to support this theory, and why I think it not only possible, but likely.

We first see Merope in the scene where Harry and Dumbledore dip into a Ministry Official’s memories of visiting the Gaunt home. As part of this scene, Marvolo and Morfin speak to each other, and Merope, in Parseltongue. Though Merope is too cowed to respond, she clearly understands everything they say. If she weren’t being threatened by her father and brother, she would probably speak it. So, she should possess the ability to call snakes to her.

If you look at the image of the Enchanting Snake Girl in the Circus Arcanus poster, you’ll see that the snakes are wrapped around her rather than her transforming into one like an Animagus. This could be the mark of a Parseltongue. And who is the one known female Parseltongue of this time? Merope Gaunt Riddle.

Dumbledore believed that after Tom Riddle left his wife, Merope lost the use of her powers to take care of herself. But Dumbledore also admitted he was speculating. It is not specified exactly when Tom Riddle abandoned his pregnant wife. She may have been alone several months. What was she doing to support herself? Dumbledore also assumed she was staying in London, but is it possible that she used her unusual abilities to join a circus and traveled with them even to New York and back? And that something that happened in that circus injured her health or made her lose the will to live?

Now let’s jump across the pond to Credence. Many have theorized that Credence could be descended from Isolt Sayre, including several of this vlog’s followers, whom I’ve credited in the description below. The key clue seems to be the use of the word Squib. Grindelwald said he could smell Squib on Credence when they first met. Why was this important to have in the script, besides showing Grindelwald’s true colors? Because it could be a possible link to Credence’s heritage.

The most famous Squib established by Rowling in American wizarding history is Martha Steward, Squib daughter of Isolt Sayre and James Steward. Isolt’s mother and aunt were Gaunts. I don’t think Rowling would have made this connection if she didn’t somehow expect to use it in the story, not just the backstory. Through Isolt, Credence would thus be of Slytherin blood. If so, it’s very possible he speaks Parseltongue.

Marvolo Gaunt also called his daughter Merope a Squib. Though we saw through Dumbledore’s guesses about her use of a powerful love potion to bind and hold Tom Riddle that she most definitely was not.

Credence and Merope sure have a few things in common. What if they met during those last two weeks of her life? With her background of abuse and repressed magical power, she would clearly sympathize with Credence. In fact, I think it entirely possible that Merope would be the point of entry for Credence into the circus.

And what if, in witnessing her snake act, Credence discovered he could talk with snakes? Might Merope have recognized him as a distant Slytherin kin and taken him under her wing…or scale?

And might she have entrusted him with the one heirloom she still possessed?

The only thing we know that Merope did to support herself during this time was to sell her Slytherin locket just before Christmas. For a mere 10 galleons. Caractacus Burke said he performed numerous spells on it to ensure it was legitimate. But, remember, the locket had been faked somewhat before, though admittedly only with a substitute. Regulus Black switched Voldemort’s Horcrux locket out with a similar one when he visited Voldemort’s cave with Kreacher. Could the real Slytherin locket have been faked even earlier as an exact duplicate?

A curious thing about the Caractacus Burke Pensieve scene is that it’s the only one of the Voldemort-related memories that’s not presented from within. Harry and Dumbledore do not dip into Burke’s memory of that night Merope came into his shop, or even of Dumbledore interviewing him. No, it’s just of Burke taking shape in the Pensieve and talking about a night long past. It’s possible, therefore, that Rowling is hiding something important here that she could not from within a Pensieve scene that is supposed to reveal the complete truth. Like that Merope slipped Burke a fake locket after he’d examined the real one.

Merope was fully aware of what that locket was worth. She was present when her father talked about its value in front of the Ministry official. Perhaps she’d hoped to pass it on to her child, but, knowing her life was short, determined it would be too risky to leave an article of such extreme value with an infant in an orphanage.

We saw how Merope was careful to give her child a name that she’d obviously thought about in advance. One that someone else might recognize. Maybe she entrusted the real Slytherin locket to someone close to pass on to her child when he left the orphanage. A task that the new owner was unable to complete due to his own death.

Hepzibah Smith, the elderly collector Tom Riddle stole the locket from, said it had special powers. It’s unclear whether we ever saw any of these hidden powers as those that were displayed in Deathly Hallows could have stemmed from its power as Voldy’s Horcrux. But having worn it during a crucial time in her life, maybe Merope discovered some of its original magic.

What would happen if Slytherin’s locket found its way to another of his descendants with unusual powers, Credence Barebone? In Credence’s hands, might Slytherin’s ancient magic find new life? Think about it: how incredible Credence would be if he not only has the massive powers of the only Obscurial known to live past age ten, but is also in command of hidden gifts from Salazar Slytherin.

Remember, it was when Tom Riddle discovered his heritage that he really grew in power.

I freely admit I’ve slipped from fan theory into fan fiction as I have little evidence to back up the possibility of Merope passing off a fake locket and then entrusting the real one to Credence, just conjecture. (And don’t blame Suvi for this part of the theory!) However, if Rowling includes Merope in the story, it will be for a specific purpose. Merope may be just the person uniquely qualified to pass on special knowledge to Credence; whether it comes with a locket is just bonus.

The biggest negative against Merope’s inclusion in Fantastic Beasts 2 is that the recently released details says the film will take place months after the ending of FB1, when she is already dead. However, I could envision a brief prelude to the second film that shows Merope meeting Credence, and perhaps her entrusting him with something hidden, before the main part of the film takes place months later.

This Merope as the Snake Girl theory would definitely fulfill the statement that FB2 would connect with Harry Potter in surprising ways. While many people have anticipated a link to Voldemort, it would be just like Rowling to twist it and instead provide the link to his mother.

I’m not fond of Fantastic Beasts as a Voldemort origin theory, and I don't think that’s where it's going. But, because of the dates of the first film, I do think there must be some sort of connection. I do not think we will see the birth of Voldemort. I believe the connection is going to be more on what Merope might have left that will find its way to Credence rather than explaining more about Voldemort to us. Whose story we already know.


But for my theory to hang together, the timing is crucial. So I circle back to my last video and the dating of Circus Arcanus’ trip to Europe. Rowling knows her timeline. Why construct a timeline that has this magical circus arrive in Europe, probably England, right on the eve of Voldemort’s birth unless there was a connection somehow? To me, Merope seems to be the critical link to explain that purpose.

Yes, Rowling would have to fudge her canon a bit to make this work, but she does have an out. Dumbledore admitted that he was conjecturing about Merope’s whereabouts and magical abilities after Tom left her. He had no way of knowing if she’d gone abroad since she was in London for the birth. That's why the date of the return trip to Europe for Circus Arcanus is so important.

And to those of you who may think it’s ridiculous to look at this level of detail from a book published in 2005 for clues to a film coming out in 2018, think about this:

1. The original text book for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was published in 2001. Rowling has said in an interview that ever since writing that book, Newt’s story has been playing in her mind. So ideas for Newt were jostling around in that very crowded brain when Rowling penned these Pensieve scenes.
2. Beyond mere ideas, writers can have books in various stages of completion for many, many years. I have one that’s been in progress for over 15.
3. And retroactively making something fit is always a possibility. It’s easy enough for Rowling to go back to a prior published manuscript and look for clues that she can now tie into a new story.

Speaking as a writer, if Suvi and I are right about this, it's frightening to think how far out and how much in detail Rowling plots her stories. I just can’t wait to see if any of this is true, and if not, what she has in store for us instead!

What do you think? Could the Snake Girl be Merope Gaunt? Please share your thoughts in the comments. And be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss my next video in this series, which will further explore the mysteries of the magical circus.

Be sure to check the description box below for links to the prior videos I mentioned. Also, don’t forget to check out my Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts at Amazon or your local bookseller.

Might Credence Barebone Run Away to Join the Circus in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2?

Have you wondered what will happen with Credence Barebone in Fantastic Beasts 2? We know he survives because we saw a wisp of Obscurus escape the subway station. Plus, Ezra Miller has already been announced in the returning cast. :-)

But, without a family and the Second Salemers, how is he to support himself? How will he get to Paris to be in the next film?

Here are my thoughts in this video, which is also on my YouTube channel. The transcript is pasted below.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Transcript:

Hello and welcome back to Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts.I’m Susan Sipal.

We know from clues which producer David Heyman has dropped that Credence Barebone continues into the next film. But with his family all dead or gone, how will he support himself? And how’s he gonna get to Europe?

I think I’ve found a clue within the film itself. And it all starts with unlucky #13.

In a prior video, I analyzed Rowling’s Use of Unlucky #13 to mark key clues. Since then, I’ve found a very prominent placement of 13 in the setting of Fantastic Beasts.

This theory to follow is similar to those found in my most recent release, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. I hope you’ll check it out for even more clues.

As we approach the climax of the film, Graves walks past a particularly intriguing poster in an alley on his way to Credence, having been summoned by the Deathly Hallows necklace. It’s on a poster advertising the Circus Arcanus. Notice the prominent 13 begging our attention.

You can get a much better view of the poster on MinaLima’s website where they have a full-color advertisement that the newspaper it is based upon.

MinaLima are the graphics artists who designed for all eight Harry Potter films as well as Fantastic Beasts. They said in a recent interview, that some of the details they work into their material are direct from JK Rowling…but they won’t say what.

Notice some of the key details in this beautiful poster:

• Circus Arcanus has been touring in New York during the course of the movie, which dates mostly around Dec 6-7
• Their final show is on the 13th
• Then they are leaving for Europe.

And we know already that the next film is based in Paris.

The Circus’ cast includes:

• A snake girl
• Borys the Brute hypnotist
• Homo Amphibia

Surely some of these have some magical elements.

This so-called Freak Show reminds me of when “freak” was used previously in the film, with very nasty connotations.

Remember in the Shaw tower scene how the Senator called Credence a freak, twice? Once he directed it toward the family as a whole, and later to Credence specifically. The senator’s abuse showed the true nature of this politician and made Modesty react protectively toward her older brother.

Then there is the fact that the Circus is traveling to Europe. In an interview shortly after the release of Fantastic Beasts, Producer David Heyman said a scene had been cut that showed Credence getting on a ship. Could he have been bound for Europe? And might he have ended up on the same ship as the circus?

Credence is in desperate need of true friends. He may be drawn to the magic seemingly represented in Circus Arcanus. And to others suffering from society’s scorn and fascination.

He might feel that he’s found a true home with people like himself. And there may very well be a witch or wizard living within the Circus.

• The Snake Girl could be a Slytherin Animagus
• The Hypnotist using the Imperius curse.
• And the Homo Amphibia may be a magical beast?

The Circus Arcanus may be nothing more than a decorative poster created by MinaLima, like the one in Deathly Hallows that hung in the Luchino Caffe where the trio dueled the Death Eaters after having fled from Bill and Fleur’s wedding. However, there is more to this one.

• With the repetition of the word “freak,”
• The circus poster leading to a pivotal scene,
• The cut scene of Credence heading onto a ship,
• The circus performers linked to magical elements (not just clowns as in the Deathly Hallows poster), plus they are heading to Europe,
• And the theme of abuse of those outside society’s norms, especially children, there is just too much here to ignored.

And remember, that theme of abuse of children is one which is very important to Rowling. The concern that JK Rowling weaves into Fantastic Beasts for neglected and abused children is a reflection of her real-life crusade to help those that are institutionalized worldwide.

Lumos believes that no child should be denied a family because they are poor, disabled, or from an ethnic minority.

If you would like to support Jo’s foundation to help the millions of children in institutions, I hope you’ll click on the donate button and give to Lumos Foundation USA.

Please share your thoughts on Credence joining the circus in the comments. Also please subscribe and check out my playlist for more theories. Remember morevideos are on the way.

In the meantime, don’t forget to checkout Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts at Amazon or your local bookseller.

Until next time.

Might Credence Barebone Run Away to Join the Circus in #FantasticBeasts 2?

I posted a new video over the weekend with a new theory. This one is a lot of fun to consider...at least for me. Is it possible J.K. Rowling inserted clues through the graphic arts of the film to hint at something to come with Credence Barebone? Might he run away to join the circus?

Watch the video for more. Plus, I've included the transcript below it as well.

Transcript

We know from clues which producer David Heyman has dropped that Credence Barebone continues into the next film. But with his family all dead or gone, how will he support himself? And how’s he gonna get to Europe? I think I’ve found a clue within the film itself. And it all starts with unlucky #13.

In a prior video, I analyzed Rowling’s Use of Unlucky #13 to mark key clues. Since then, I’ve found a very prominent placement of 13 in the setting of Fantastic Beasts.

This theory to follow is similar to those found in my most recent release, Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts. I hope you’ll check it out for even more clues.

As we approach the climax of the film, Graves walks past a particularly intriguing poster in an alley on his way to Credence, having been summoned by the Deathly Hallows necklace. It’s on a poster advertising the Circus Arcanus. Notice the prominent 13 begging our attention.

You can get a much better view of the poster on MinaLima’s website where they have a full-color advertisement that the newspaper is based upon. MinaLima are the graphics artists who designed for all eight Harry Potter films as well as Fantastic Beasts. They said in a recent interview, that some of the details they work into their material is direct from JK Rowling…but they won’t say what.

Notice some of the key details in this beautiful poster:

• Circus Arcanus has been touring in New York during the course of the movie, which dates mostly around Dec 6-7
• Their final show is on the 13th
• Then they are leaving for Europe. And we know already that the next film is based in Paris.

The Circus’ cast includes:

• A snake girl
• Borys the Brute hypnotist
• Homo Amphibia

Surely some of these have some magical elements.


This so-called Freak Show reminds me of when “freak” was used previously in the film, with very nasty connotations. Remember in the Shaw tower scene how the Senator called Credence a freak, twice? Once he directed it toward the family as a whole, and later to Credence specifically.

The senator’s abuse showed the true nature of this politician and made Modesty react protectively toward her older brother.

Then there is the fact that the Circus is traveling to Europe. In an interview shortly after the release of Fantastic Beasts, Producer David Heyman said a scene had been cut that showed Credence getting on a ship

Could he have been bound for Europe? And might he have ended up on the same ship as the circus?

Credence is in desperate need of true friends. He may be drawn to the magic seemingly represented in Circus Arcanus. And to others suffering from society’s scorn and fascination. He might feel that he’s found a true home with people like himself. And there may very well be a witch or wizard living within the Circus.

• The Snake Girl could be a Slytherin Animagus
• The Hypnotist using the Imperius curse.
• And the Homo Amphibia may be a magical beast?

The Circus Arcanus may be nothing more than a decorative poster created by Mina Lima, like the one in Deathly Hallows that hung in the Luchino Caffe where the trio dueled the death eaters after having fled from Bill and Fleur’s wedding, However, there is more to this one.

• With the repetition of the word “freak,”
• The circus poster leading to a pivotal scene,
• The cut scene of Credence heading onto a ship,
• The circus performers linked to magical elements (not just clowns as in the Deathly Hallows poster), plus they are heading to Europe,
• And the theme of abuse of those outside society’s norms, especially children, there is just too much here to ignored.

And remember, that theme of abuse of children is one which is very important to Rowling.

The concern that JK Rowling weaves into Fantastic Beasts for neglected and abused children is a reflection of her real-life crusade to help those that are institutionalized worldwide.

Lumos believes that no child should be denied a family because they are poor, disabled, or from an ethnic minority. If you would like to support Jo’s foundation to help the millions of children in institutions, I hope you’ll click on the donate button and give to Lumos Foundation USA.

Is Madam Picquery Credence Barebone's Birth Mom in #FantasticBeasts?

I recently uploaded a new video to my Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts Video Series on YouTube. While I was working on a series of theories based on Credence Barebone from my book Fantastic Secrets, a new one occurred to me. Scroll below the spoiler alert and Doxy for more!

SPOILER ALERT!

Doxy by Kayla Perkinson

Is Seraphina Picquery the Birth Mom of Credence Barebone?

Click on the video for the clues I've found. I've also listed the transcript below it.

While the evidence isn't conclusive, there are several clues that give credence to the theory that Seraphina is Credence’s mother. The first is the parallel imagery in the way they are both introduced.

Notice their

• Position in screen, both left off-center
• both Facing to the right
• Surrounded by 4-5 others
• and Looking at a paper – examining wizarding newspapers in Seraphina’s case.

Second, both Seraphina and Credence are noted for remarkable magical power.

Seraphina was a rare individual offered a place in all four of Ilvermorny's houses. Credence is the first known Obscurial to live past age 10.

While her power is applauded, his is feared.

Speaking of Madam Picquery’s alma mater home, the Horned Serpent—the only time a snake is mentioned in the script book is in relation to Credence’s belt:

Suddenly— the belt is whipped out of Mary Lou’s hands by supernatural means and falls like a dead snake in a far corner.

Perhaps the most intriguing hint of a relationship between Credence and the president is the meaning behind their names.

Besides religious connotations, with Seraphim being angels and Credence meaning belief, Seraphina hints toward the Obscurius in other ways.

• Seraph means the burning one.
• The Seraphim are angels of high order with a faith of burning passion.
• Pico della Mirandolla (15th cent philosopher) says:
• “They burn with the fire of charity.”

All of this leads to the combustible imagery of the Obscurus. It looks like smoke and leaves a residue like ashes. It seems to be consumed by its raging passion.

Can you imagine the trauma and conflict if it is discovered that Madam Picquery ordered the killing of her own child?

It’s hard to imagine a more personally darker act than the death of a child by its mother. However, we’re in the first film of a series set around WWII that includes the horror of the Holocaust and ends with the devastation of the Atomic Bomb. This is an adult series, and I don’t think Rowling is afraid to get dark.


What are your thoughts? Could Madam Picquery be Credence's birth mother? What could have caused their separation? Or, do you think his mother is someone else?

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel so you won't miss the other videos I'm working on!

Snowpocalypse #Giveaway and Fantastic Beasts Theories Videos

To keep you entertained if you become snowbound over the next few days (and even if you don't), my publisher, Deep River Press, is offering a FREE giveaway for two days on A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter for Kindle.

Free for Two Days!

A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter

Improve Your Writing with Harry Potter as Your Text!
The Harry Potter magic lives on as J.K. Rowling expands her wizarding world into new stories and formats. For five years, writers and fans from all continents have used A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter to delve beneath her pages' surface to discover the skill and artistry which created a story that enchanted audiences across generations. In this newly revised and expanded edition, S.P. Sipal takes you even deeper than before, exploring new techniques, and even peering into the artistic and marketing vision behind Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

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Spoiler Warning! Videos Below Contain Spoilers!!

Clues and Fan Theories to Fantastic Beasts Videos

And if you'd like to just kick back and watch some videos, I have a new series on YouTube exploring the clues and secrets of Rowling's newest film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. These theories are based on my newest release: Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts.

Did Newt or Tina Win the Allegiance of The Elder Wand?

Is Tina Goldstein an Animagus?

I hope you enjoy the reading and the videos! I shall continue the video series with more coming on Credence. Please suggest any topics you'd like to see in the comments here or on Youtube!

Are you getting snow? How are you keeping warm?

Is Credence Barebone the New Snape? Day 11 of the 12 Days of #FantasticBeasts

On the eleventh day of Fantastic Beasts, my true love gave to me... Another darkly disturbed ambiguous antihero!

Welcome to day 11 of the 12 Days of Fantastic Beasts! Below I present one section of one of the most intriguing characters from the film: Credence Barebone.

SPOILERS ABOUND! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE MOVIE OR READ THE SCRIPT BOOK!

Crossed Wands by Kayla Perkinson

On Credence Barebone from Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts

Although the “faith” part of Credence's name is mentioned in an earlier section, there is another meaning for Credence that I believe pertains. In the Church’s Eucharist (Mass), the credence is the table which holds the bread and wine before they are consecrated and served.

In this sense, Credence holds the elements that can be come Divine…if lovingly nurtured. With the power Credence possesses, he could be quite the force for good.

In the script book, he is described as an adult. In the film, he comes off as an older teen, at least to me.

All we know about his heritage before he was adopted by Mary Lou is that his mother was a “wicked, unnatural woman” (p. 204). A witch.

Based on his interactions with Graves, Credence longs for a connection to his magical heritage, which he has been taught to fear and loathe. Self-loathing is perhaps the most destructive form of hatred.

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Graves/Grindelwald decreases Credence’s self-worth even more when he betrays his blossoming romantic feelings by telling him:

You’re a Squib, Credence. I could smell it off you the minute I met you. (p. 226).

He then tells Credence that the death of his mother is his reward. (We assume he is referring to Mary Lou and that Grindelwald has not searched out Credence’s birth mother).

It’s quite a bleak beginning for this young man. However, Rowling loves to take a dark character with a kernel of good and redeem them (Snape, anyone?). We must have faith in Credence!

Note: Credence and the Obscurus are big topics that I cover in more than one section of the book. I've only presented one section here.

Just like Snape, Credence is a darkly disturbed ambiguous character with a hint of the antihero. From the deleted scene of Credence on the ship, we know he will be in future movies. What do you think we can expect from him?!

Be sure to check out all posts for the 12 Days of Fantastic Beasts!

About the Book:

Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts

Explore JK Rowling's secrets, one clue at a time!

Fantastic Secrets Behind Fantastic Beasts is THE guide for all Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them fans eager to experience anew the excitement of of finding clues and sharing speculation, just like they enjoyed during the height of the Harry Potter series. New fans will be amazed at the secrets lurking underneath the surface of Rowling's newest film. Diving deeply into the story's mysteries, S.P. Sipal offers a detailed analysis of the analogies, myths, and clues JK Rowling hid on screen and on page to charm her fans once again.

Discover and explore such questions as:

• Is there an Animagi hidden in the story?
• Why will there be FIVE movies?
• What secret is Modesty hiding?
• Did Frank wipe out ALL the memories from that fateful night?
• And was Grindelwald already in possession of the Elder Wand?

S.P. Sipal has analyzed the mysteries behind the Harry Potter series for over a dozen years. A sought-after presenter at fan, writing, and academic conferences both at home and abroad, her books have also delighted writers, teachers, and fans alike. Now she turns her expert attention to investigating the beginning of Rowling's exciting new series. Join her as she prepares you to dig into the layers of subtext yourself to claim what treasures await...before the Niffler beats you to it!