Can a family overcome a painful past? The Von Erich brothers became legends in the wrestling world, but heartbreak soon overshadowed their triumphs. A24’s “The Iron Claw” traces the path of this famous family’s rise to stardom and the tragedies that would define their legacy. “Martha Marcy May Marlene” filmmaker Sean Durkin writes and directs ‘Claw.’ Durkin — along with casting director Susan Shopmaker — enlists a talented cast worthy of this incredible and painful true story about wrestling dynasties and family curses.
Zac Efron portrays Kevin Von Erich, the last living member of the celebrated brothers. He’s joined by Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich and Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich. Allen White has already drawn critical acclaim this year due to the return of Hulu’s “The Bear” while Dickinson attracted attention for the 2022 film “Triangle of Sadness.”. The project also stars Stanley Simons and Maura Tierney — with Holt McCallany and Lily James. Tierney and McCallany portray parents Doris and Fritz Von Erich; their life was forever changed by the suffering that seemingly followed their children. If you know the Von Erich story from their 1980s wrestling days, it’s filled with anguish and heartache. Still, one of the interesting elements is how it shows the father figure (McCallany) as a ruthless figure who pushed his children beyond reasonable limits.
The film’s official synopsis:
The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.” Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney, with Holt McCallany and Lily James.
Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont, and Sean Durkin are producers of “The Iron Claw.” The film debuts only in theaters on December 22. Get your first look at the trailer below.
