Get your tissues ready: “The Iron Claw” will be available to stream on Max on May 10.
The A24 biographical sports drama debuted in theaters on Dec. 22 and received critical acclaim. Starring Zac Efron, Sean Durkin’s latest feature is based on the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, who suffered a series of tragic deaths in the family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, alongside Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich and Holt McCallany as patriarch Fritz Von Erich. Lily James plays Kevin’s wife Pam Adkisson and Maura Tierney plays matriarch Doris Von Erich.
Efron famously packed on pounds of muscle to portray the professional wrestler. “That necessity to be perfect — it became an obsession,” he told Variety for his December cover story. “It was a singular focus for months. And your life goes out the window during prep.
The A24 biographical sports drama debuted in theaters on Dec. 22 and received critical acclaim. Starring Zac Efron, Sean Durkin’s latest feature is based on the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, who suffered a series of tragic deaths in the family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, alongside Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich and Holt McCallany as patriarch Fritz Von Erich. Lily James plays Kevin’s wife Pam Adkisson and Maura Tierney plays matriarch Doris Von Erich.
Efron famously packed on pounds of muscle to portray the professional wrestler. “That necessity to be perfect — it became an obsession,” he told Variety for his December cover story. “It was a singular focus for months. And your life goes out the window during prep.
- 4/19/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following his critically acclaimed performance as Mike Von Erich in A24’s The Iron Claw, Stanley Simons has found a new agency to call home as he has signed with Gersh for representation.
Even though the film is filled with plenty of star power from Zac Efron to Jeremy Allen White, Simons holds his own as the youngest Von Erich brother and delivers some of the best moments from the movie. Following the film’s release, agencies from around town have been aggressive in trying to sign Simons with Gersh ultimately winning him over.
He gained attention for his role as Miles, the stoner ice cream store manager in Erin Vassilipoulos’ quirky feature film Superior, which premiered in the US Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2021. Stanley made his feature film debut in 2019 with the release of Peter Lee’s delightful Bronx love story Angelfish, playing alongside the remarkable Princess Nokia and Jimi Stanton.
Even though the film is filled with plenty of star power from Zac Efron to Jeremy Allen White, Simons holds his own as the youngest Von Erich brother and delivers some of the best moments from the movie. Following the film’s release, agencies from around town have been aggressive in trying to sign Simons with Gersh ultimately winning him over.
He gained attention for his role as Miles, the stoner ice cream store manager in Erin Vassilipoulos’ quirky feature film Superior, which premiered in the US Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2021. Stanley made his feature film debut in 2019 with the release of Peter Lee’s delightful Bronx love story Angelfish, playing alongside the remarkable Princess Nokia and Jimi Stanton.
- 1/11/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
One funny aspect of particularly huge athletes is just how small they can make the average person look. Most people don't think of Jimmy Fallon as short, for instance, but he sure looks tiny when he's standing next to Shaquille O'Neale. Even famously big, tough guys can still look small when you place an even bigger, tougher guy next to them, such as when Vin Diesel had to stand next to Dwayne Johnson in multiple "Fast and Furious" movies. Director Justin Lin tried to use forced perspective to make them look equally matched in "Fast & Furious 6," but it didn't fool anyone.
A similar dynamic played out in the '80s between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kerry Von Erich, the wrestler played by Jeremy Allen White in "The Iron Claw." Wrestling hall-of-famer Cody Rhodes told WWE the famously huge Schwarzenegger didn't want to take a picture with Von Erich because he knew he'd look unimpressive in comparison.
A similar dynamic played out in the '80s between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kerry Von Erich, the wrestler played by Jeremy Allen White in "The Iron Claw." Wrestling hall-of-famer Cody Rhodes told WWE the famously huge Schwarzenegger didn't want to take a picture with Von Erich because he knew he'd look unimpressive in comparison.
- 12/24/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
This article discusses the real-life story of The Von Erichs and as such could be viewed as containing spoilers for "The Iron Claw."
Sean Durkin's "The Iron Claw" is the tearjerker film of the year, one that I called "emotionally eviscerating" in my review as it takes a folkloric look at the real-life tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty. The film focuses on Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike Von Erich throughout the 1980s and early '90s, a decade filled with unimaginable deaths and heartache. Despite this, "The Iron Claw" ends with a bit of optimism, and a cathartic release for Kevin Von Erich, known as "The Last of the Von Erichs." The film ends sometime in the 1990s and given the harrowing true story at the center of the film, non-wrestling fans might be wondering what happened to Kevin Von Erich and the rest of the family in the years that followed.
Sean Durkin's "The Iron Claw" is the tearjerker film of the year, one that I called "emotionally eviscerating" in my review as it takes a folkloric look at the real-life tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty. The film focuses on Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike Von Erich throughout the 1980s and early '90s, a decade filled with unimaginable deaths and heartache. Despite this, "The Iron Claw" ends with a bit of optimism, and a cathartic release for Kevin Von Erich, known as "The Last of the Von Erichs." The film ends sometime in the 1990s and given the harrowing true story at the center of the film, non-wrestling fans might be wondering what happened to Kevin Von Erich and the rest of the family in the years that followed.
- 12/23/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
When it comes to serious movies about wrestling, The Iron Claw is a bit unorthodox. During the height of wrestling’s popularity in the late ‘90s, we had two major documentaries on the subject via Wrestling with Shadows and Beyond the Mat. The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke was serious, but fictional, based loosely on the modern life of Jake “The Snake” Roberts and his contemporaries. The recent Fighting with My Family, meanwhile, was a sensationalized and comedic take on Saraya/Paige’s initial ascent in WWE.
By contrast, The Iron Claw is based on a bitterly true story that has always been considered one of the darkest corners in wrestling history. It has been the subject of several documentaries itself and has long been viewed as a rich resource for a potential Hollywood film. That’s because the rise and fall of World Class Championship Wrestling coincides with the story of the Von Erich family.
By contrast, The Iron Claw is based on a bitterly true story that has always been considered one of the darkest corners in wrestling history. It has been the subject of several documentaries itself and has long been viewed as a rich resource for a potential Hollywood film. That’s because the rise and fall of World Class Championship Wrestling coincides with the story of the Von Erich family.
- 12/23/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
As a dyed-in-the-wool wrestling fan, Sean Durkin's "The Iron Claw" was one of my most anticipated films of 2023. Based on the real-life story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty (real last name Adkisson), the film features Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich (my personal favorite of the Von Erich brothers), Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, and Maura Tierney as Doris Adkisson. For wrestling fans, the Von Erich story is the stuff of infamy, a dark moment in the industry's history that weighs heavy on the hearts of multiple generations. Pulling off "The Iron Claw" would be no easy feat for those involved, but the result is one of the best films of 2023.
I attended the press conference following the film's world premiere in Dallas, Texas, and was able to...
I attended the press conference following the film's world premiere in Dallas, Texas, and was able to...
- 12/22/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Plot: The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, part of a professional wrestling dynasty in the early 1980s, as they endure tragedy and triumph under the shadow of their domineering father and coach.
Review: The Iron Claw is a film that a lot of people in the movie and professional wrestling communities have been looking forward to. Especially after the episode of Dark Side of the Ring on the Von Erich “curse”, fascination with the subject has soared like a Kevin Von Erich flying crossbody. For me, too, having loved professional wrestling since I was a child, and having seen a lot of the Von Erich tragedy play out, I wondered how in the world Sean Durkin could turn this into a story that audiences could enjoy.
I’m not sure he accomplished that last bit. Don’t get me wrong; The Iron Claw is an incredible film; a harrowing,...
Review: The Iron Claw is a film that a lot of people in the movie and professional wrestling communities have been looking forward to. Especially after the episode of Dark Side of the Ring on the Von Erich “curse”, fascination with the subject has soared like a Kevin Von Erich flying crossbody. For me, too, having loved professional wrestling since I was a child, and having seen a lot of the Von Erich tragedy play out, I wondered how in the world Sean Durkin could turn this into a story that audiences could enjoy.
I’m not sure he accomplished that last bit. Don’t get me wrong; The Iron Claw is an incredible film; a harrowing,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Travis Hopson
- JoBlo.com
This review contains spoilers for "The Iron Claw."
The world of professional wrestling is filled with enough tragedy to constitute its own dedicated documentary series about it, but there has never been a story of familial annihilation quite like the Von Erichs. Often compared to the Kennedy family, the Von Erichs were/are a dynasty of wrestling superstars and the subject of unimaginable despair. Telling their story outside of a documentary setting seems an impossible task, but Sean Durkin has done the impossible with "The Iron Claw." While marketed as a biopic, "The Iron Claw" is more like a dramatic retelling of the Von Erich story — a legend retold blow by blow and presented as if it were modern folklore. And yet despite the creative liberties taken — including a glaring omission (more on that later) — "The Iron Claw" is the type of drama that makes a home in the darkest...
The world of professional wrestling is filled with enough tragedy to constitute its own dedicated documentary series about it, but there has never been a story of familial annihilation quite like the Von Erichs. Often compared to the Kennedy family, the Von Erichs were/are a dynasty of wrestling superstars and the subject of unimaginable despair. Telling their story outside of a documentary setting seems an impossible task, but Sean Durkin has done the impossible with "The Iron Claw." While marketed as a biopic, "The Iron Claw" is more like a dramatic retelling of the Von Erich story — a legend retold blow by blow and presented as if it were modern folklore. And yet despite the creative liberties taken — including a glaring omission (more on that later) — "The Iron Claw" is the type of drama that makes a home in the darkest...
- 12/12/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Iron Claw made its debut last night at the Texas Theater in Dallas last night. The city was chosen to be the location of the premiere in honor of the Von Erichs, who started their professional wrestling careers in the city. Kevin Von Erich and his family had been in attendance along with the film’s stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, who portrays David Von Erich, Stanley Simons, who plays Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany, who portrays Fritz Von Erich and Maura Tierney, who stars as the matriarch, Doris Von Erich. Director Sean Durkin would also appear alongside his cast at the premiere. The Iron Claw reactions paint an intense picture of Durkin’s new film. Steel yourselves for emotions!
The movie premiered to a bevy of emotional reactions on social media. Many shared videos of the cast on stage as the film’s end credits rolled,...
The movie premiered to a bevy of emotional reactions on social media. Many shared videos of the cast on stage as the film’s end credits rolled,...
- 11/9/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The Iron Claw trailer was recently released and was given a positive reception among wrestling and movie fans alike. Not only does the film look to have career-defining performances from stars Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, but old-school wrestling enthusiasts feel the movie could hauntingly do the story justice. The trailer has been praised for some of the accurate details that have been paid attention to in order to recreate the true story of the wrestling family, the Von Erichs.
Much of the love and care given to the story now extends to the fans as, according to The Dallas Morning News, A24 has announced that The Iron Claw will have its world premiere in Dallas, Texas, where the Von Erichs started their professional wrestling careers. It has yet to be announced which venue the premiere is set to be held, but an A24 spokesperson says more details are on the way.
Much of the love and care given to the story now extends to the fans as, according to The Dallas Morning News, A24 has announced that The Iron Claw will have its world premiere in Dallas, Texas, where the Von Erichs started their professional wrestling careers. It has yet to be announced which venue the premiere is set to be held, but an A24 spokesperson says more details are on the way.
- 10/20/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
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.
Starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney,
with Holt McCallany and Lily James, watch the new trailer.
From University Of North Texas:
The story of the Von Erichs is one of triumph in the ring and also personal tragedy. In April 1984, Sigma Phi Epsilon sponsored a match that was intended to be a homecoming for David after a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. Unfortunately, David fell ill during the tour and died on February 10 of acute enteritis. Brothers Kevin and Mike returned to Ntsu in his honor in April to defeat their arch-nemeses the Fabulous Freebirds,...
Starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney,
with Holt McCallany and Lily James, watch the new trailer.
From University Of North Texas:
The story of the Von Erichs is one of triumph in the ring and also personal tragedy. In April 1984, Sigma Phi Epsilon sponsored a match that was intended to be a homecoming for David after a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. Unfortunately, David fell ill during the tour and died on February 10 of acute enteritis. Brothers Kevin and Mike returned to Ntsu in his honor in April to defeat their arch-nemeses the Fabulous Freebirds,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A24’s trailer for the wrestling drama The Iron Claw opens with Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich describing his family. “Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed. Mom tried to protect us with God. Pop tried to protect us with wrestling. He said if we were the toughest, strongest, nothing would ever hurt us. I believed it. We all did,” explains Efron as Kevin.
The Iron Claw lays out the true story of the Von Erich brothers, siblings who found success in the wrestling ring. In addition to a buffed-up Zac Efron, the cast includes Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, and Lily James as Pam.
Sean Durkin wrote the screenplay and directs.
‘The Iron Claw’ Poster (Photo Credit: A24)
The Iron Claw...
The Iron Claw lays out the true story of the Von Erich brothers, siblings who found success in the wrestling ring. In addition to a buffed-up Zac Efron, the cast includes Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, and Lily James as Pam.
Sean Durkin wrote the screenplay and directs.
‘The Iron Claw’ Poster (Photo Credit: A24)
The Iron Claw...
- 10/11/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Let the wrestling mayhem begin: A24 has released the first trailer for The Iron Claw, the true story of the Von Erichs, a family of pro wrestlers that has ruled the ring for decades, despite so many tragedies that fans have often talked of a Von Erich Curse.
A bulked up Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White star as brothers Kevin and Kerry Von Erich, two of the clan’s most popular wrestlers. The new trailer – set, forebodingly, to the tune of Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – shows the brothers’ camaraderie in the face of wrestling opponents and their own bullying father Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany).
Also appearing in the film are Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Kevin’s wife, Pam. The Iron Claw is written and directed by Sean Durkin...
A bulked up Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White star as brothers Kevin and Kerry Von Erich, two of the clan’s most popular wrestlers. The new trailer – set, forebodingly, to the tune of Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – shows the brothers’ camaraderie in the face of wrestling opponents and their own bullying father Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany).
Also appearing in the film are Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Kevin’s wife, Pam. The Iron Claw is written and directed by Sean Durkin...
- 10/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
For months now, we've been seeing paparazzi photos of Zac Efron looking extremely beefy with a silly haircut, and hearing reports about "The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White's "gross" diet in preparation for the new A24 film, "The Iron Claw." For outsiders looking in, "The Iron Claw" looks like a wrestling drama, and many are thrilled to see the pair of actors step into the squared circle of muscle ballet. However, the average Joe's opinion of wrestling is rooted in the heyday of Hulkamania, the Attitude Era of the late '90s, or through crossover stars who have since become actors. Here's the thing: It's really cool that Allen and Efron are going to be in a wrestling movie, but if you're anticipating something like the extremely fun "Fighting With My Family" starring Florence Pugh or the deeply moving biopic "Cassandro" starring Gael García Bernal ... you're in for a hell of a rude awakening.
- 10/11/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White are putting their bodies on full display for “The Iron Claw.” The “High School Musical” icon and “The Bear” breakout star play brothers Kevin and Kerry Von Erich, Aka the Texas Tornado. “Triangle of Sadness” actor Harris Dickinson portrays David Von Erich, with “Mindhunter” star Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Emmy nominee Maura Tierney as matriarch Doris, and Lily James as Kevin’s wife Pam. Stanley Simons also stars as younger brother Mike Von Erich.
“The Iron Claw” tells the story of the Von Erich family, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early ’80s. Through tragedy and triumph, and under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers sought larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. The A24 biopic, written and directed by “Martha Marcy May Marlene” filmmaker Sean Durkin, is a holiday release set for December.
“The Iron Claw” tells the story of the Von Erich family, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early ’80s. Through tragedy and triumph, and under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers sought larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. The A24 biopic, written and directed by “Martha Marcy May Marlene” filmmaker Sean Durkin, is a holiday release set for December.
- 10/11/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
A24’s upcoming pro wrestling sports drama “The Iron Claw” was approved for the SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, clearing the way for the cast to promote the film ahead of its Christmas wide release in the U.S, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
Based on a true story, “The Iron Claw” follows 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 film stars Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Pam.
“The Iron Claw” is written and directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Sean Durkin, best known for his 2011 Sundance breakout “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”
Producers are Tessa Ross,...
Based on a true story, “The Iron Claw” follows 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 film stars Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Pam.
“The Iron Claw” is written and directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Sean Durkin, best known for his 2011 Sundance breakout “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”
Producers are Tessa Ross,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Sean Durkin’s wrestling drama, The Iron Claw, is the latest in a string of upcoming A24 theatrical releases to get cleared for a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.
The movie, which opens ahead of Christmas, on Dec. 22, will be allowed to have its cast promote the feature not only for its big screen release, but for awards season as well.
A24 financed and produced the film with co-financing by Access Entertainment and BBC Films.
Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film follows the rise and fall of the family dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day. Harris Dickinson stars as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Kevin’s wife,...
The movie, which opens ahead of Christmas, on Dec. 22, will be allowed to have its cast promote the feature not only for its big screen release, but for awards season as well.
A24 financed and produced the film with co-financing by Access Entertainment and BBC Films.
Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film follows the rise and fall of the family dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day. Harris Dickinson stars as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris and Lily James as Kevin’s wife,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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