THE LIFE story of wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich and his family is retold in A24's The Iron Claw.
Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White lead the biographical sports film, which premiered in US theaters nationwide on Friday, December 22, 2023.
Who is in The Iron Claw's cast?
Based on the Erich wrestling dynasty, The Iron Claw's cast includes:
Sean Durkin, a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker, serves as the film's director and screenwriter.
"All great drama is about family, whether it’s blood or not," shared Jeremy Allen White.
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The Emmy Award nominee plays Kevin Von Erich's younger brother Kerry.
At the peak of his wrestling popularity, Kerry was known as The Texas Tornado.
Regarding his portrayal of the late Kerry, Jeremy told GQ: "It’s about acceptance, it’s about belonging, and just getting away from loneliness.
"There’s something human about never feeling like you are really your own man."
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He also further detailed the physical preparation required to play the role.
He explained to Esquire: "Zac's a maniac. He's so focused and knowledgeable on training, diet, all that."
"In terms of a physical transformation, I think he kind of blew us all out of the water. He looks really amazing in this thing."
"I was training as well but I don't know, trying to get that big, it's no way to live."
"You're trying to consume as much as you possibly can, and, to be honest, you don't feel great."
"I think you should be hyped. I was a fan of wrestling but I didn't know the story of the Von Erichs, and it's so interesting, bonkers, and sad."
The Shameless alum added: "Sean did a beautiful job. He’s been a fan of wrestling and the Von Erichs since he was a kid, and so I feel like he understands the story so intimately that he had a really nice perspective on it."
"And it was a blast to work with Zac and Harris [Dickinson]."
What is The Iron Claw based on?
The Iron Claw chronicles the lives of the Von Erich professional wrestling family.
Hailing from Texas, the clan's actual surname is Adkisson but it was later changed for the purpose of Jack Adkisson's wrestling career as Fritz Von Erich.
During the 1960s, Fritz gained a following for competing in World Class Champion Wrestling.
The three-time world champion opened the door for his sons to follow in his footsteps.
Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris became wrestlers as well.
The latter three wrestlers died by suicide and David Von Erich died from Acute Enteritis, which leaves Kevin as the last surviving of his brothers.
Kevin and his father Fritz are associated with popularizing "the iron claw" wrestling move.
The move involves the user dramatically incapacitating their opponent by grabbing them by their head.
In 2009, the dynasty of wrestlers was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
How can I watch The Iron Claw?
On December 22, 2023, The Iron Claw was released in theaters nationwide.
It was distributed by A24, an American independent entertainment company.
The film is scheduled to be released on February 9, 2024, in the United Kingdom.
It will be distributed by Lionsgate UK, a British subsidiary of the American-Canadian global mass media and entertainment organization.
As of December 23, 2023, there is no word yet on when The Iron Claw will be released on digital platforms and streaming services.
The real Kevin Von Erich has expressed his approval of Zac's portrayal of him.
"I haven’t spoken to him, but my daughters love him, and they think he’s the right guy to do it," he told TMZ.
"He looks really good and muscular! He must be really working hard."
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Besides complimenting Zac Efron, Kevin also praised Chavo Guerrero, a retired professional wrestler, for his behind-the-scenes work as the film's wrestling consultant.
He also stated that the movie accurately portrays the patriarch of the Von Erich clan, his late father, Fritz.
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