Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and director Sean Durkin go behind the scenes to see what it was like to bring the story of the Von Erich family to life in Iron Claw attachment shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
The film follows the rise of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty in the 1980s and also covers the tragic deaths of many of the Von Erich brothers.
There were five Von Erich brothers, although the youngest brother, Chris Von Erich, who died by suicide in 1991 at age 21, was not included in the film due to timing concerns, Durkin said. Entertainment Weekly.
In the film, Efron plays the only surviving brother, Kevin Von Erich.
“Preparing to play Kevin was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done,” he says in the feature, adding that the crew was “the biggest wrestling rock stars to ever come out of Texas.”
Says Jeremy Allen White Iron Claw Cast Experiences ‘Trauma Bonding’ During Film Training (Exclusive)
Iron Claw.
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“I watched Zac hit those ropes and I couldn’t believe it,” says Kevin Von Erich. “There were certain things he would say and Harris would say and it was like I was listening [my brother] Dave.”
The patriarch of the Von Erich family, Fritz Von Erich was born in 1929 and transitioned from a career in various sports to a villain role in professional wrestling. By the 80s, Fritz was a well-known entrepreneur and promoter in the wrestling world and owner of World Championship Wrestling (WCCW).
His children followed in his footsteps, but when Fritz died in 1997, four of his sons preceded him in death.
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The second oldest son, David Von Eric, died in 1984 at the age of 25 from a ruptured intestine caused by acute enteritis while on tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. He played in Iron Claw by Harris Dickinson.
Von Erich’s youngest brother, Mike Von Erich, was reportedly less interested in the family business than his brothers, but began wrestling after his brother’s death. He injured his shoulder in 1985, and surgery to correct it led to toxic shock syndrome and alleged brain damage. He continued to wrestle, but died in 1987 at the age of 23 from a fatal overdose of tranquilizers.
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Kerry Von Erich plays White in the film. Kerry died by suicide in 1993 at the age of 33. He was part of the family wrestling dynasty along with Kevin and David. He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in the mid-80s.
A motorcycle accident in 1986 resulted in the amputation of Kerry’s right foot, but he kept it a secret and wrestled for years before his death with a prosthetic leg.
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Retired American professional wrestler, Kevin Von Erich and actor Zac Efron.
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Zac Efron jokes that his ego was damaged during filming Iron Claw in Speedo: ‘This is magical mike!’
Kevin says in the video that he felt “comfortable” as Durkin told his family’s story because all the love they had was included.
“I hope this movie has a message like, ‘Life is worth it. Don’t give up, don’t give up, don’t lay down – fight for it,'” says Kevin.
Iron Claw is in theaters on Friday.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.
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Source: HIS Education