Following his hot chef breakout on The Bear, dirtbag boyfriend icon Jeremy Allen White will assume the role of Kerry Von Erich in The Iron Claw, an upcoming A24 movie about the American wrestling family dynasty. While Kerry was the most well-known of his family, a full three generations of Von Erichs were wrestling champions — in 2009 they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame — though their later misfortune sparked rumours that they were victims of a deadly curse.
Unsurprisingly, said subject matter has made for a sad film. Though the film review embargo is not up, critics have been tweeting their reaction. Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel called it “the most depressing film of the year… all about death, curses and family”. Candid Cinema’s Manda called it “devastating”. Critic Brandon Lewis said the film was “gruelling” and “heartbreaking”.
So besides making us all want to sob, what is the film going to be about? What actually happened to the Von Erich family? And when can we inject it directly into our eyeballs? Here’s everything you need to know about A24’s The Iron Claw.
What is the plot of The Iron Claw?
The film is based on the true story of the Von Erich family. The patriarch of the family, Fritz Von Erich, rose to fame in the world of professional wrestling by playing villainous ‘heel’ characters. When Fritz died of cancer aged 68 in 1997, five of his six sons had already passed before him — a combination of suicides, electrocution and mysterious circumstances which naturally led to talk of a ‘family curse’. Sean Durkin, who will write and direct the film, has described it as a “family portrait, about a wrestling family who revolutionised the sport and then suffered tragedy.”
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Who’s in the cast?
Zac Efron plays the lead role of Kevin Von Erich, while Triangle of Sadness’ Harris Dickinson stars too as David Von Erich. Pam & Tommy star Lily James is the latest addition to the film’s all-star cast, playing Pam Adkisson, Kevin’s wife. Alongside Jeremy, Lily, Zac, and Harris, Holt McCallany will play Fritz Von Erich and Maura Tierney will play his wife, Doris. Cazzey Louis Cereghino, Jim Gleason, Kevin Anton, and Jullian Dulce Vida are also slated to appear in the film.
Is there a trailer for The Iron Claw?
Yep! The trailer for The Iron Claw dropped on 11 October via A24. In it, we get a closer look at the Von Erich family, and a confirmation that Zac Efron is the film’s lead.
Are there any photos from The Iron Claw?
Our first official look at the movie came through Zac Efron’s Instagram page. The actor posted an image of himself in a red-roped wrestling arena wearing a tiny pair of blue shorts, muscles on full display, sailing through the air towards his opponent – feet first, of course.
BTS photographs of Zac and Lily on set of the movie have also leaked on social media. Lily looks like a sweet 60s southern belle in a button-up tweed two-piece and perfectly waved hair. On the other hand there’s Zac Efron, whose cut-off shredded denim shorts and grey tank top are giving sexy himbo, even alongside the most unfortunate 80s mullet known to man since Will Byers’ bangs in Stranger Things 4.
When is the release date?
The movie will cinemas in the US on 22 December 2023. It will be released in the UK on 9 February 2024.