The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White transform in The Iron Claw trailer
Actors star in A24’s forthcoming biopic about real professional wrestling family, the Von Erichs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White have transformed into wrestling legends for A24’s forthcoming drama, The Iron Claw.
The two actors co-star in the sports biopic about the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who were famous for the iron claw grappling move.
In the movie’s first trailer, released on Wednesday (11 October), audiences are introduced to Efron’s Kevin, the second-oldest Von Erich son.
“Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed. Mum tried to protect us with God. Pop tried to protect us with wrestling,” Kevin delivers in a voiceover. “He said if we were the toughest, the strongest, nothing could ever hurt us. I believed him; we all did.”
The Bear’s White, 32, portrays Kevin’s younger brother Kerry, who also competed in the heavyweight division. Holt McCallany features as Kerry and Kevin’s father, three-time world champion Fritz Von Erich.
Lily James, Maura Tierney and Harris Dickinson also star.
Director Sean Durkin’s film will follow the story of the Von Erichs and their impact on the sport of wrestling from the 1960s to today.
As well as the triumphs, it will also explore the tragedies of the family, which included five of Fritz’s six sons dying before the age of 33 – three of whom died by suicide.
In November 2022, leaked images of Efron, 35, in costume wearing a muscle tee and denim cut-off shorts, his hair grown out and cut into a fringe for the film, left fans stunned.
Several couldn’t help but hilariously compare his appearance to Dreamworks’ animated villain Lord Farquaad from Shrek.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“Lord Farquaad but make it the 21st century,” one joked.
Efron is well-known for his incredible transformations for screen roles. He previously revealed to Mens Health that he “fell into a pretty bad depression” while bulking for 2017’s Baywatch.
White also commented on the physical training he had to undergo for the biopic in a 2022 GQ interview, sharing that he was attempting to put on 40 lbs (18 kg) of muscle.
The Iron Claw releases in cinemas on 22 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments