The Iron Claw: Know the True Story Behind Zac Efron’s New Film

A24 delivered several hits in 2023 including the recently released Sean Durkin directorial. The A24 biographical sports drama movie The Iron Claw circles around the true story of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family and discusses the downfall of the family, which is considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestling family in the business. The film is finally arriving in India on 9 February in theatres, so let’s learn a little about the history of the family.

The film stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany, and Lily James. The film is shot from the point of view of Kevin Von Erich, who witnessed the tragic deaths of his brothers and lived through the Von Enrich curse. The title of the movie comes from the popularised wrestling hold known as “the iron claw,” invented by the Von Enrich family. Let’s take a look at the true story of A24 movie The Iron Claw.

The Iron Claw: The inspiring true story that inspired the plot of the A24 movie

Kevin Von Erich is best known for his time with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in the 1970s and 1980s. The character will be played by Zac Efron in The Iron Claw. Kevin, along with his brothers David (played by Harris Dickinson), Kerry (played by Jeremy Allen White), Mike (played by Stanley Simons), and Chris, achieved immense popularity and success in the world of professional wrestling. Their father, Fritz Von Erich (played by Holt McCallany), was a wrestler and promoter who founded WCCW.

Kevin, like his brothers, faced personal hardships and family tragedies. However, his brothers including David, Mike, Kerry, and Chris, died prematurely and these tragedies deeply affected Kevin and his family. Following his retirement from wrestling, Kevin remained involved in the wrestling world. He is often seen making appearances at wrestling events and conventions. The true story of his struggles in maintaining family relations will be shown in the A24 movie The Iron Claw.

Meet the Von Erich family

The Von Erich family’s wrestling legacy began with patriarch Fritz Von Erich, whose real name was Jack Adkisson. Fritz started his wrestling career in the 1950s and eventually became one of the most prominent figures known to people. He later transitioned into promoting wrestling events in Texas, founding World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).

Jack Jr. was his eldest son, who passed away at a young age. David Von Erich was one of the most popular and promising members of the Von Erich family. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 25 due to acute enteritis. Kerry Von Erich was one of the most celebrated members of the family. He achieved worldwide fame and success as “The Modern Day Warrior” and held multiple championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Tragically, Kerry died by suicide in 1993. Mike Von Erich also pursued a career in professional wrestling. However, he struggled with health issues and injuries throughout his career. Mike tragically died by suicide in 1987. Chris Von Erich was the youngest son of Frit. He also pursued a career in wrestling but faced challenges due to health issues and injuries. Chris died by suicide in 1991.

The Von Erich curse

The true story of the Von Erich curse will also be a part of the plot of the A24 movie The Iron Claw. The “Von Erich curse” is a term used to describe the series of miserable events and untimely demises that occurred in the Von Erich family. The curse gained attention due to the string of misfortunes that tormented the family, including the premature deaths of the Von Erich sons’ David, Mike, Kerry, and Chris who died prematurely. In addition to the tragic deaths, the Von Erich sons faced challenges on a personal level throughout their lives that forced them to take drastic decisons. The deaths and hardships faced by the Von Erich family had a profound impact on Kevin.

Where is Kevin now?

Von Erich married Pam Adkisson in 1980 and has four children, including Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich, who are third-generation wrestlers taking forward the family legacy. He returned to wrestling for the first time in a long time at the age of 60. He teamed with his sons Ross and Marshall as they defeated Marty Jannetty, Jumping Lee and Gery Roif at The Rage Wrestling Mega Show in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is The Iron Claw based on a true story?
Yes, it is a biographical sports drama film based on the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family.

– What happened to The Iron Claw family?
Five of the six sons of the Erich died prematurely.

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– Why is Chris not in The Iron Claw?
Unlike his brothers, Chris never had a successful career as a wrestler and hence is not a part of the plot.

– What book is The Iron Claw based on?
The film is not based on any book.

(Main and Feature Image: Instagram/The Iron Claw)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.