Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl halftime show is creating tons of rumors and conspiracy theories

The Super Bowl 52 halftime show has quickly become the most rumor-filled, conspiracy-laden performance of the modern era. Justin Timberlake’s return to the stage, paired with prior controversy and the death of a musical icon, have spawned a host of theories about what might happen during halftime.

It’s not uncommon for details of the show to leak ahead of time, but we’re already in full-on denial mode about some of the alleged details of what could happen. Take these with a grain of salt, because anything could happen.

There will be a hologram of Prince — DENIED

TMZ reported on Saturday that sources who saw the show’s rehearsal said a hologram of Prince would be projected on the stage, much like Snoop Dogg’s performance at Coachella in 2012, during which a Tupac hologram appeared.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella

An appearance by holographic Prince would be an ode to the musician’s legacy, as well as a tip of the hat to Minneapolis, where the game is being played. A Minnesota native and die-hard Vikings fan, Prince’s memory will live on — but not be honored through a hologram. On Saturday night long-time Prince associate and friend Sheila E denied the report:

Janet Jackson will team up with Timberlake again — DENIED

This was a fun one. The idea is that Jackson and Timberlake would be able to make good on the 2004 Super Bowl performance in which Janet had a “wardrobe malfunction.”

Sadly, there won’t be a reunion and redemption performance for the pair.

She did sign her name in a purple font tho ... [thinking face emoji].

*NSYNC will reunite — DENIED

It’s totally understandable why this would be a likely scenario. Almost every Super Bowl halftime show has a guest artist turn up, and in lieu of Janet Jackson a shock NSYNC reunion and performance makes total sense. Alas, everyone is denying this one as well.

Timberlake has said it’s not going to happen. Joey Fatone has said it’s not happening. Lance Bass said it’s not happening:

That purple hair tho .... [thinking face emoji].

UPDATE: Joey Fatone has been spotted in Minneapolis!

Britney Spears will make an appearance — NO DENIAL

This is the one possibility that’s really flying under the radar right now because Janet Jackson is getting so much attention. Spears and Timberlake have an obvious history from their time with Disney and as teenage sweethearts, and she makes a ton of sense to be the guest star the show needs.

There are already tight betting lines on Spears making an appearance, which lends credence to the idea that Las Vegas is at least open to the possibility — and it would be the fun nostalgia bomb the show current is lacking.

Finally, consider this: The Super Bowl halftime show is sponsored and produced by Pepsi. Guess who they used in their Super Bowl ad? Yup.

[thinking face emoji].

The worst Super Bowl halftime show ever