A24’s much-anticipated wrestling biopic, “The Iron Claw,” featuring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, is all set to hit theaters on December 22, 2023, sharing the spotlight with other highly awaited films during the holiday season, including Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel, The Color Purple musical adaptation, and Michael Mann’s Ferrari.
The film delves into the tragic narrative of the Von Erich wrestling family, renowned for their prominence in Texas pro wrestling during the 70s and 80s, but plagued by a series of misfortunes and losses. Portraying the Von Erich brothers with accuracy required rigorous physical training for the actors, and a recently released image from the movie exhibits their impressive transformations.
Zac Efron takes on the role of Kevin Von Erich, while Jeremy Allen White portrays his brother Kerry. The film also features Harris Dickinson as their brother David, Holt McCallany as their father Fritz, Maura Tierney as their mother Doris, and Lily James as Kevin’s wife, Pam. The image from the movie captures the Von Erich brothers in a scene set at the family ranch, showcasing the cast’s dedication to getting into pro wrestling shape for the project.
The Von Erich wrestling family’s tale is a tragic one, with patriarch Fritz Von Erich, originally known as pro wrestler Jack Adkisson, becoming a star with his athletic prowess and signature “Iron Claw” hold. As his sons entered the wrestling business, the family rose to prominence in Texas wrestling during the ’70s and ’80s. However, they were plagued by a string of unfortunate events, leading to what some referred to as the “Von Erich curse.” Tragedy struck repeatedly, with one son passing away at six due to an electrocution accident, another dying while wrestling in Japan in 1984, and three brothers dying by suicide in the subsequent years. Fritz, the patriarch, succumbed to brain cancer in 1997, leaving Kevin Von Erich as the sole surviving brother. Kevin’s story has been covered in documentaries such as ESPN’s 30 for 30 and Vice’s Dark Side of the Ring, and he, along with his family, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Directed by Sean Durkin, known for “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” “The Iron Claw” received financing and production support from A24, along with co-financing from Access Entertainment and BBC Film. The film is produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont from House Productions, Durkin, and A24, with Derrin Schlesinger and Harrison Huffman from House Productions, Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen from Access Entertainment, and Eva Yates from BBC Film serving as executive producers.
As the release date draws near, fans eagerly await this powerful wrestling biopic that sheds light on the compelling but tragic story of the Von Erich family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wrestling biopic
What is the release date for “The Iron Claw” wrestling biopic?
“The Iron Claw” wrestling biopic starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White will be released on December 22, 2023.
What is the plot of the film?
The film revolves around the tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family, known for their prominence in Texas pro wrestling during the 70s and 80s but plagued by misfortune and loss.
Who are the main cast members?
Zac Efron portrays Kevin Von Erich, while Jeremy Allen White plays his brother Kerry. The film also features Harris Dickinson as their brother David, Holt McCallany as their father Fritz, Maura Tierney as their mother Doris, and Lily James as Kevin’s wife, Pam.
How did the actors prepare for their roles?
To accurately portray the Von Erich brothers, the actors underwent intense physical training to get into pro wrestling shape.
What tragic events affected the Von Erich family?
The Von Erich family endured a series of misfortunes, including the death of one son in an electrocution accident, another son dying while wrestling in Japan, and three brothers dying by suicide. The patriarch, Fritz, also passed away from brain cancer.
Who directed “The Iron Claw”?
The film was directed by Sean Durkin, known for his work on “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”
Who financed and produced the movie?
A24 financed and produced “The Iron Claw,” with co-financing from Access Entertainment and BBC Film. The producers include Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont from House Productions, Durkin, and A24.
Is there any additional coverage of the Von Erich family’s story?
Yes, Kevin Von Erich’s story has been featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries and Vice’s Dark Side of the Ring series. He and his family were also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
What is the focus keyword for this text?
The focus keyword for this text is “wrestling biopic.”
What are the main tags for this text?
The main tags for this text include wrestling, biopic, Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, A24, The Iron Claw, Von Erich family, tragic story, Texas pro wrestling, sports drama, movie release, December 2023, film transformation, physical training, Jack Adkisson, Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, Maura Tierney, Lily James, pro wrestling shape, Von Erich curse, ESPN 30 for 30, WWE Hall of Fame, Sean Durkin, Access Entertainment, BBC Film.
More about wrestling biopic
- Variety: Source for the film’s release date and other movie news.
- Wikipedia – Von Erich Family: Provides detailed information about the Von Erich wrestling family and their history in pro wrestling.
- IMDb – The Iron Claw: IMDb page for “The Iron Claw” wrestling biopic, featuring the cast, crew, and additional details about the film.
- ESPN’s 30 for 30: Official page for ESPN’s documentary series, which covered Kevin Von Erich’s story.
- Vice’s Dark Side of the Ring: Official page for Vice’s documentary series, including episodes featuring the Von Erich family.
- WWE Hall of Fame: WWE’s page honoring Kevin Von Erich and his family’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
- Sean Durkin – IMDb: IMDb page for Sean Durkin, the director of “The Iron Claw.”
- A24: Official website of A24, the film’s production and financing company.
- Access Entertainment: Official website of Access Entertainment, one of the co-financiers of the movie.
- BBC Film: Official page for BBC Film, another co-financier of “The Iron Claw.”
2 comments
A24 got some solid flicks! curious bout von erich fam. heard bout their curse, sad stuff. hope d actors did justice to their roles. excited for dec 22!
omg this sounds so cool! zac efron and jeremy allen white rly flexin their muscles in the iron claw! gonna be a hit! cant wait 4 dec 22 2023!