The Iron Claw, a forthcoming biopic from A24, has debuted its first teaser. It depicts the tale of the Von Erich family, a line of professional wrestlers best known for their iron claw grappling technique. Two of the Von Erich family’s most accomplished wrestlers, Kevin and Kerry, are portrayed in the trailer by Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White.

The trailer begins with a narration from Kevin and a montage of the Von Erich brothers practicing and competing. People have been telling me that my family is cursed ever since I was a young child, Kevin says. “Mum tried to protect us by calling on God. Pop made an effort to defend us by wrestling.

The family patriarch Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) is shown reprimanding his sons in the following scene in the trailer. “You’re nothing without me!” Fritz yells. “You’re nothing without wrestling!”

The rise and fall of the Von Erich brothers is then shown in the trailer. In the ring, Kevin and Kerry are extremely successful, but they are also troubled by injuries and personal tragedies. Kevin perishes in an aviation accident in 1984, and Kerry commits himself in 1993.

Kevin and Kerry are seen standing side by side in the ring with their arms raised in celebration at the conclusion of the clip. “We were the Von Erichs,” Kevin claims. “And we were the best.”

Analysis

The Iron Claw’s teaser offers an intense and heartbreaking glimpse into a terrible tale. As the Von Erich brothers, Efron and White have strong performances, while McCallany is spooky as Fritz Von Erich, the controlling father who drove his kids to the verge of suicide.

The trailer does an excellent job at depicting both the negative aspects of professional wrestling and its intensity and enthusiasm. Although the Von Erich brothers were very skilled wrestlers, they were also a victim of a system that imposed a great deal of stress on their bodies and minds.

The Iron Claw will undoubtedly be a must-see for fans of biopics and professional wrestling. It is a tale about ambition, family, and the steep price of achievement.

Familie Von Erich

One of the most prosperous and well-liked wrestling families ever was the Von Erich clan. The family patriarch, Fritz Von Erich, was a professional wrestler who transitioned to promotion in the 1960s. One of the most prosperous regional wrestling companies in the country, World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), was formed by him.

All six of Fritz Von Erich’s kids went on to become professional wrestlers. Kevin, Kerry, and David Von Erich were the three most prosperous brothers. The oldest and most accomplished brother was Kevin. He was a two-time NWA World Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion. Middle brother Kerry was a World Heavyweight Champion as well. David, the youngest sibling, and his brother Kerry were renowned tag team wrestlers.

The Von Erich brothers had enormous popularity both in Texas and across the country. They were renowned for their charm, agility, and unique grappling maneuver, the iron claw. However, tragedy also befell the Von Erich family. Kevin Von Erich perished in an aircraft collision in 1984. Kerry Von Erich committed suicide in 1993. In 1985, David Von Erich overdosed on drugs and died.

A dramatic and moving movie, The Iron Claw chronicles the tale of one of the most famous and sad families in the annals of professional wrestling.

Zac Efron interview

The actor discussed his part in The Iron Claw and his affection for the Von Erich family in a recent interview with Zac Efron.

“I was really drawn to the story of the Von Erich family,” stated Efron. They were such skilled wrestlers, yet such tragic characters. I truly wanted to do justice to their tale.

Efron also discussed the difficulties of portraying Kevin Von Erich.

Kevin was an extremely complicated character, according to Efron. He was a celebrity in the ring, but he still struggled and felt awkward outside of it. Playing him was difficult, but it was also a great experience.

On December 22, 2023, The Iron Claw is slated for cinema release.

Additional Reflections

The Iron Claw’s trailer is a must-see for fans of biopics and professional wrestling. It is a strong and moving examination of a terrible tale. As the Von Erich brothers, Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White have strong performances, while Fritz Von Erich—the demanding father who pushed his kids to the brink—is chillingly portrayed by Holt McCallany.

Fans of biopics and professional wrestling should not miss The Iron Claw. It is a family-related tale.