A new fan theory is taking the Beyond the Gates fandom by storm—and if it were ever to come true, it would completely change Fairmont Crest forever.
What if Izaiah Hawthorne isn’t just someone Joey Armstrong has taken under his wing? What if Joey is actually his biological father?
At first glance, it sounds unbelievable. But many viewers have begun pointing to Joey’s unusually protective attitude toward Izaiah as one of the show’s biggest unanswered mysteries.
Unlike Joey’s relationships with nearly everyone else in town, his interactions with Izaiah have always felt different. Despite Joey’s ruthless reputation and criminal connections, he has repeatedly shown patience, concern, and a willingness to guide the young man rather than intimidate or manipulate him.
That contrast has fueled growing speculation.
Another detail fans continue to debate is the secrecy surrounding their meetings. Joey has made little effort to hide his dealings with most people, yet his conversations with Izaiah have often remained carefully out of public view—especially where Police Chief Elon Hawthorne is concerned.
Some viewers also point to the emotional distance between Elon and Izaiah. Throughout recent storylines, Elon has appeared much closer to Jacob, while Izaiah has often struggled to gain the same level of attention or approval from the man he believes is his father. For some fans, that strained relationship has only added fuel to the paternity speculation.
Joey’s concern during Eva’s medical crisis has also become part of the discussion. While Izaiah waited anxiously at the hospital, Joey quietly made sure someone checked on him, once again displaying an emotional investment that many viewers believe goes beyond friendship or mentorship.
Even Joey’s own words have raised eyebrows. On more than one occasion, he has spoken about Izaiah with unmistakable pride, leading some fans to wonder whether the show is planting seeds for a much larger revelation.
However, it’s important to note that this remains only a fan theory. There has been no official confirmation from Beyond the Gates that Joey is Izaiah’s biological father. Everything currently shown on-screen can also be explained by Joey acting as a mentor or father figure rather than an actual parent.
Still, if the theory were ever proven true, the fallout would be enormous. It would completely reshape the Hawthorne family, devastate Elon, force Darlene to answer difficult questions about the past, and place Izaiah in the middle of a battle between law and organized crime. It could even create an emotional conflict between brothers, with Jacob pursuing justice while Izaiah struggles with newfound loyalty to Joey.
For now, viewers will have to wait and see whether the writers are building toward a shocking paternity reveal—or simply telling the story of an unlikely father-son bond that exists without any blood connection.
Do you think Joey is secretly Izaiah’s father, or is he simply the father figure Izaiah never had?
