Zac Efron Is Unrecognizable In The Iron Claw Trailer

By Chad Langen | Updated

There’s a new biopic in town, and it’s set to grapple with both the hearts of moviegoers and the fascinating world of professional wrestling. The acclaimed production company A24, has just released the trailer for The Iron Claw. And going off the footage, it’s clear the film is going to be a combination of heart, hustle, and raw emotion.

The story of the legendary Von Erich family, staples of professional wrestling in Texas, comes to the big screen in The Iron Claw.

In The Iron Claw, Zac Efron steps into the ring as Kevin Von Erich, or the Golden Warrior. A key figure in the celebrated Von Erich wrestling dynasty, Kevin’s story is intertwined with family, fame, and a fight against the odds. Alongside him, Jeremy Allen White captures the essence of Kerry Von Erich, together forming a powerhouse duo intent on ruling the heavyweight division.

What’s particularly intriguing about The Iron Claw is the portrayal of the familial dynamics of the Von Erichs. It’s not just about the wrestling; it’s also about relationships. Holt McCallany stars as the patriarch Fritz Von Erich, a wrestling legend in his own right but also a father whose legacy is marked with both championships and unimaginable personal tragedies. With supporting roles from stars like Lily James, Maura Tierney, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons, the film has a cast as stellar as its story.

The Iron Claw

Before the trailer for The Iron Claw even dropped, the movie generated significant buzz, fueled by Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White’s remarkable physical transformations. Candid photos surfaced featuring Efron’s sculpted physique and a distinctive Von Erich-inspired bowl cut, sparking a frenzy of reactions on social media. White’s dedication to the role was equally evident, as he shared his aim of gaining an impressive 40 pounds of muscle, emphasizing the depth of his commitment to the project.

In addition to Zac Efron, The Iron Claw features a nearly unrecognizable Jeremy Allen White as future WWF Intercontinental Champion Kerry Von Eric.

Zac Efron, once the face of teen musicals and comedies, has recently been veering towards more dramatic roles. After his haunting portrayal of Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, he seems poised to further demonstrate his versatility in The Iron Claw. On the opposite corner, Jeremy Allen White, known for portraying lovable characters like Philip Gallagher from Shameless and chef Carmy Berzato in The Bear, is ready to showcase a different side of his acting prowess.

The story of the Von Erics is one of the darkest tragedies in wrestling, and The Iron Claw looks like it’s going to be a rough watch.

Behind the scenes, The Iron Claw benefits from the directorial brilliance of Sean Durkin. Known for crafting psychologically intense dramas like The Nest and Martha Marcy May Marlene, Durkin’s touch is likely to bring depth to the story of the Von Erichs. The tale is not just about wrestling; it also delves into the series of personal tragedies that befell the family, making it a poignant exploration of fame, success, and the price one pays for both.

For fans of the real-life Von Erichs, The Iron Claw is an opportunity to revisit the legends. For those unfamiliar with the wrestling dynasty, it’s a compelling dive into the world of sports entertainment, replete with its highs, lows, and everything in between. The narrative of the Von Erich family has all the elements of classic drama – ambition, rivalry, love, and loss.