“The Iron Claw”: Everything to Know About the Movie Starring Zac Efron

The film is based on the true story of wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the 'rise and fall' of the Von Erich family

Zac Efron is undergoing a major transformation for his latest role in The Iron Claw.

The actor is slated to play real-life pro wrestler Kevin Von Erich in an upcoming film from A24. Plans for the movie were first announced in June 2022, with filming officially kicking off in October 2022 as the actor was seen on set wearing a noteworthy new hairdo.

Based on a true story, the upcoming film will explore the "rise and fall" of the Von Erich wrestling family.

The project marks the latest in a series of roles in which Efron has portrayed a real-life person. In 2019, he notably played serial killer Ted Bundy in Netflix's Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and recently, he played former United States Marine Chick Donohue in the biographical film The Greatest Beer Run Ever.

From the cast members joining Efron for the film to the interesting backstory, here's everything to know about The Iron Claw.

What is The Iron Claw about?

Per the official tagline from A24, the film tracks the "rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day."

The son of famed professional wrestler Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich began wrestling in 1976, receiving numerous honors over the course of his career, including a world championship title. In 2009, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Von Erich family.

Who is in The Iron Claw cast?

Alongside Efron as Kevin, the film also stars Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as the family’s matriarch Doris and Lily James as Kevin’s wife Pam.

How did Zac Efron prepare for his role in The Iron Claw?

While Efron is no stranger to bulking up for a role, he recently told Men's Health that he had a different approach this time than the training he did for Baywatch. Efron recalled that he "fell into a pretty bad depression, for a long time" after recovering from the rigorous training for the 2017 film.

"That Baywatch look, I don't know if that's really attainable," he said. "There's just too little water in the skin. Like, it's fake; it looks CGI'd. And that required powerful diuretics to achieve. So I don't need to do that. I much prefer to have an extra, you know, 2 to 3 percent body fat."

Who is directing The Iron Claw?

Martha Marcy May Marlene filmmaker Sean Durkin is slated to write and direct the film alongside producers Tessa Ross, Derrin Schlesinger and Harrison Huffman, per Deadline.

When did The Iron Claw film?

The Iron Claw kicked off filming in Louisiana in October 2022, with the first look at Efron in character being released on Oct. 24.

Related: Zac Efron Reveals What's Kept Him Grounded Over the Years: 'Staying Positive No Matter What'

Is there a trailer for The Iron Claw?

In October 2023, A24 released the official trailer for the upcoming film, showing Efron in action as Kevin Von Erich and the drama that ensues with the Von Erich family.

When will The Iron Claw come out?

The film will release in theaters on Dec. 22, 2023.

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