The Von Erich family undeniably left a unique and indelible impact on professional wrestling history through their triumphs and tragedies in the ring. This December, their captivating story finally makes its way to the big screen with the release of “The Iron Claw” on December 22nd.
Directed by Sean Durkin, the film boasts Zac Efron in the lead role of Kevin Von Erich alongside supporting cast members Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Lily James. Early footage showcases Efron’s charismatic take on portraying the top star of the famous Von Erich wrestling clan during the industry’s lucrative 1980s boom period.
Production company A24 has built industry buzz by aligning the biopic with its brand of critically-acclaimed indie filmmaking. Oscar speculation has already begun around Efron’s performance as Kevin navigating the pressures of the family business under the stern tutelage of patriarch Fritz Von Erich.
For devoted professional wrestling fans, “The Iron Claw” promises an in-depth exploration of the Von Erich family legacy, spotlighting their highest heights and lowest tragedies. Their unpredictable narrative fueled some of wrestling’s most dramatic real-life moments both inside and outside the squared circle.
“The Iron Claw” will revive discussion around the Von Erich’s impact when it releases in theaters nationwide next week on December 22nd.
Recently, Marshall Von Erich was on Busted Open Radio where he opened up about the film and how he and his family felt while watching the movie.
“It was nerve-wracking going into the premiere as a family. We all went over there — my sisters had a harder time, and my mom — there were just so many question marks. And my dad was like, ‘If anything, they’ll Google the real story, and I’ll talk to them.’ But we ended up watching it, and it’s based on a true story, so there’s a few chronological inconsistencies. But there was one part in the movie that my dad told us in confidence. I don’t think he ever told anybody in an interview or anything — of a dream he had after my uncle Kerry passed that was so heavy that we almost had to leave the movie theater. My dad was like — he couldn’t believe that it was in there,” Marshall Von Erich said.
Zac Efron reflected on speaking with the real-life Kevin the night before its Dallas premiere. “I was very curious about what he thought of the movie,” he shared. “We went out to the patio, sat forehead to forehead, and talked about life for an hour and a half. And he told me that he did enjoy the movie. I can’t really put into words how that feels. It’s far and away the most important review to me on so many levels. It meant the world, and everything just came full circle.”
“I have seen the movie now, and I hope people take from that that we really love each other. I love my father. Things were just hard, but life is hard you gotta get tough,” said Kevin Von Erich on the red carpet.
Von Erich also commended Zac Efron for how he was portrayed in the movie.
“I thought he did a great job,” Von Erich said. “He should get the Academy Award. He’s got my vote.”
AEW’s MJF has a very small roll in the film as Lance Von Erich. Movie critic and wrestling fan Siddhant Adlahka attended the recent premiere of The Iron Claw and revealed on Twitter that MJF is barely featured in the film.
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