Director Sean Durkin is delving into the story of the Von Erich family for the upcoming A24 film The Iron Claw, and leading the cast as pro wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich is Zac Efron. Previously, Efron had been spotted on the set with images showcasing just how muscular he'd made himself to convincingly play the pro wrestler. That captured the attention of many who were impressed with the actor's transformation, with even the real Kevin Von Erich commending Efron for his commitment.
Another star of the film is Jeremy Allen White, who plays Kerry "The Texas Tornado" Von Erich. In a recent interview with Esquire, White commented on how he put himself through the wringer for the role, including a diet of foods like waffles, turkey patties, and avocado throughout the day to put on the pounds. That coincided with reports that White had put on 40 pounds of muscle for his part in the movie. Even so, White says that was nothing compared to Efron, who he admits blew everyone else away with the work he'd done for his physical transformation.
"Zac's a maniac," White explained. "He's so focused and knowledgeable on training, diet, all that. In terms of a physical transformation, I think he kind of blew us all out of the water. He looks really amazing in this thing."
The Iron Claw Tells the Story of the Von Erichs
The Iron Claw is written and directed by Sean Durkin. Along with Efron and White, the film stars Lily James (Pam & Tommy), Harris Dickinson (Where the Crawdads Sing), Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), and Maura Tierney (The Report).
"I think you should be hyped," White also says of the film. "I was a fan of wrestling, but I didn't know the story of the Von Erichs, and it's so interesting, bonkers, and sad. Sean did a beautiful job. He’s been a fan of wrestling and the Von Erichs since he was a kid, and so I feel like he understands the story so intimately that he had a really nice perspective on it. And it was a blast to work with Zac and Harris [Dickinson]."
The Von Erich family was well known in pro wrestling. Patriarch Fritz Von Erich and several sons had become pro wrestlers, though all but one of the boys would die at a young age due to tragic circumstances. Kevin Von Erich has said he's looking forward to the film and that Efron has the casting endorsement from not only himself, but from his daughters.
"I saw a picture of the guy, he looked great," Von Erich said of Efron., suggesting the actor may have even made himself look too muscular. "I don't think I ever looked that good. So, I think they're going to be great."
He added, "My daughters love him, and so they think he's the right guy to do it."
A24 has not yet set a premiere date for The Iron Claw.