July 29th 2025.
There's a new movie coming out on Netflix that's been described as "harrowing". It's about a real-life wrestling family and the devastating tragedies they faced. The film, called The Iron Claw, first premiered in 2023 and tells the story of the Von Erichs, a family of professional wrestlers who were plagued by misfortune.
Despite finding great success in the world of wrestling, the Von Erich sons, who were also the sons of wrestling company owner Fritz Von Erich, also faced many struggles. The synopsis for the film gives us a glimpse into what we can expect: "The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports."
The movie stars Holt McCallany from Mindhunter as the patriarch of the family, with heartthrob Zac Efron playing the role of Kevin Von Erich. Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons also join the cast as the other Von Erich brothers. With a budget of $15.9 million, the film ended up grossing over $45 million.
It's no surprise that The Iron Claw was a hit with both critics and audiences. Many praised Efron's performance and the brutally honest portrayal of the grief that the Von Erich family endured. Screen Rant wrote, "Zac Efron really gives it his all in this heartbreaking wrestling film about the Von Erich family. The biopic details the complexity of the family." The Hollywood Reporter also shared their thoughts, saying, "As a wrenching American heartland saga, The Iron Claw is certainly compelling, and to anyone unfamiliar with the Von Erichs' history, each jolt of fresh anguish delivered to the family will be startling."
Rolling Stone added that the movie may be messy at times, but it's also a story of redemption. They said, "It's a messy movie about messy lives, occasionally in ways you wish it wasn't. But The Iron Claw is also a story of redemption... That's partially why Efron's performance is the one that sticks with you."
Viewers who have already seen the movie or are planning to watch it when it comes out on Netflix have been raving about it. They say it's a deeply emotional story about brotherhood and loss, and that you don't have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy it.
For those who are eagerly awaiting its release, The Iron Claw will be available to stream on Netflix starting August 9. Many may remember seeing photos of Efron's incredible transformation for the role, where he gained 15 pounds of pure muscle through a grueling diet and training schedule. Director Durkin spoke about the actors' dedication, saying, "I appreciated every second of it, and I saw the effort and the hard work, we're all working to get to the same place and the same page."
Efron later revealed that he needed to undergo stem cell therapy for a back injury he sustained while filming The Iron Claw. Despite the challenges, he was fully committed to his role and appreciative of the opportunity to play such a complex character.
The Von Erich family, originally from Texas, is known for their long history in the world of wrestling. Their actual surname is Adkisson, but they all used the ring name Von Erich when they entered the sport. Sadly, out of the 10 members of the family who became professional wrestlers, five of them passed away before their parents.
Fritz and his wife Doris had six sons between 1952 and 1969. Tragically, their first son, Jack Jr., passed away in a freak accident when he was just six years old. Over the years, their other sons, David, Mike, Chris, and Kerry, all passed away as well, with the causes of death being enteritis and suicide. Kevin, their only surviving son, retired from wrestling in 1995. Sadly, Doris passed away in 2015, with the cause of her death never being publicly revealed.
The Iron Claw gives viewers an inside look into the lives of the Von Erich family, and it's a story that is sure to captivate audiences. Whether you're a wrestling fan or not, this film is one that is not to be missed. So mark your calendars for August 9, when The Iron Claw will be available to stream on Netflix.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
