Zac Efron & Jeremy Allen White Lead Tragic True Wrestling Drama in First Trailer for A24's 'The Iron Claw'

by Darian Scalamoni

    Zac Efron is an actor that many associate with his roles as a song-and-dance man. Whether it be his run as the star of the High School Musical franchise, Hairspray or more recently with The Greatest Showman, it's always been undersold that Efron had what it takes to be a leading man in other genres. He got a glimpse of his real ability as an actor in Netflix's Ted Bundy pic, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, but now he has a chance to really impress with the upcoming wrestling drama The Iron Claw which just got its first trailer today.

    The Iron Claw stars Efron as Kevin Von Erich, one of the members of the iconic Von Erich wrestling family, who is trying to balance a life of his own under the pressures of what it means to be a Von Erich in professional wrestling. Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson play Kerry and David Von Erich respectively, with all three actors looking to be in incredible shape to play these larger-than-life heroes of the squared circle. Holt McCallany, best known for his role as Det. Bill Tench in Netflix's Mindhunter plays their father, Fritz Von Erich, a three-time world champion wrestler in his own right, who works his sons to the bone so hard that it leads to tragedy for their own wrestling dynasty. Lily James and Maura Tierney are also a part of the ensemble for A24's feature. 

    Additionally, White, the star of FX's The Bear gained close to 40 pounds for the role of Kerry Von Erich, as pictures made their rounds of him and Efron packing on the muscle for this influential sports drama that is sure to catch the attention of many this awards season. Sean Durkin, writer-director of such films as Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Nest wrote and directed the pic that should fall in line with his previous efforts as a psychological drama that's sure to get some critical attention.

    Check out the trailer below for The Iron Claw! The movie hits theaters everywhere on December 22.