Fandom Myth

Synonyms:
See also:	Fan theory, tinhatting, headcanon
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A fandom myth is a narrative or belief that garners popularity within a fandom or fandoms, without sufficient evidence to prove its veracity. There is some overlap between the "fandom myth" concept and fan theories and tinhatting.

Examples of fandom myths include the alleged deleted kissing scene in The X-Files episode "The Post-Modern Prometheus" and the Johnlock Conspiracy from BCC Sherlock fandom.

Example Myths

• The Post-Modern Prometheus Kiss Scene. The season 5 X-Files episode "The Post-Modern Prometheus" ends with a scene of Mulder and Scully dancing at a Cher concert. According to some viewers, there existed an alternate take of this scene in which David Duchovny kisses Gillian Anderson, unscripted. An alleged screencap of this kiss has circulated for decades. The alternate scene is today generally considered to be a collective false memory.
• The Johnlock Conspiracy (TJLC). Following the airing of the third and final episode of the fourth series of Sherlock, some fans theorized that there was a secret fourth episode that would give the series a better conclusion. The consensus among these theorists was that the secret episode would involve the ship Johnlock becoming canon (hence the myth's name), and many believed that the upcoming series Apple Tree Yard secretly contained the fourth Sherlock episode. Apple Tree Yard turned out to indeed be its own show, and whether Sherlock will continue remains up in the air.