Is Iron Claw Based on a True Story? Check Cast, Plot, Release Date and Trailer

Iron Claw

In 2023, Sean Durkin brings the fascinating life story of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and his family to the big screen with Iron Claws. The film stars a stellar cast including Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany and Lily James, and premieres November 8, 2023 at the iconic Texas Theatre in Dallas.

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American audiences felt the film’s impact when A24 released it on December 22, 2023, while Lionsgate brought it to the UK on February 9, 2024. The National Board of Review named Iron Claw one of the top ten films of 2023, highlighting its importance.

Critics praised the film’s engrossing narrative and engaging performances, which earned it critical acclaim. The film was a worldwide box office success, grossing $38 million, solidifying Iron Claw as a standout film that follows a wrestling legend and his family’s journey through the intense world of professional wrestling.

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Is Iron Claw based on a true story?

In 2015, ESPN’s “Wrestling Curse” 30 for 30 short documentary unveiled the gripping story of the Von Erich family’s wrestling journey and the tragedy that followed.

Now, nearly a decade later, A24 is bringing this fascinating saga to the big screen again with the star-studded film Claws, starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White.

Delving into the true story of the Von Erich family, the film promises to take audiences on an emotional journey. Appropriately titled Iron Claw, the film sheds light on the triumphs and tribulations of this family wrestling legend.

After premiering at the Dallas Texas Theatre on November 8, 2023, A24 released the film in the United States on December 22, 2023, and Lionsgate released it in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2024.

Named one of the ten best films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, Iron Claw is more than just a movie, it’s a poignant tribute to the lasting impact the Von Erich family has left on the world of professional wrestling.

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Iron claw casting

Throw

Features

Zac Efron

Kevin von Erich

Jeremy Allen White

Kerry von Erich

Harris Dickinson

David von Eric

Maura Tierney

Doris von Erich

Stanley Simmons

Mike von Erich

Michael J. Haney

Bill Mercer

Holt McCallany

Fritz von Erich

Lily James

Pam

Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Lance von Erich

Aaron Dean Eisenberg

Ric Flair

Kevin Anton

Harley Racing

Caze Louis Ceregno

Brussels Brody

Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Chieftain

Ryan Nemeth

Gino Hernandez

Scott Ines

Announcer

Iron Claw Conspiracy

“In 1979, Texas NWA Heavyweight Champion Kevin Von Erich is caught up in a family conflict, fearing that his father, WCCW owner Jack “Fritz” Von Erich, is steering his youngest brother Mike away from his musical dreams. Kevin and David make their wrestling debuts in a tag team match against Bruiser Brody and Gino Hernandez, where Kevin begins a relationship with Pam. He reveals a family “curse” tied to the tragedy and Fritz’s change of last name.

In 1980, Kerry’s Olympic dreams were dashed and he returned home, where Fritz encouraged him to join Kevin and David in wrestling. The trio defeated the Fabulous Freebirds in 1983. Tragedy struck when David died in Japan. Kerry took his place and defeated Ric Flair, but lost a foot in a motorcycle accident.

Kevin trained Mike, who faced a career-threatening injury and fell into a coma during surgery. Fearing the curse, Kevin changed his son Ross’s last name to Adkison. Mike survived, but committed suicide under the pressure of returning to wrestling. A grief-stricken Kevin competed against Flair, but was disqualified.

Kerry fought with prosthetic legs and later committed suicide. Kevin had a painful vision of his brothers reuniting in the afterlife. Kevin sold WCCW, and in a literal epilogue, the Von Erich family was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Kevin and Pam found solace with their growing family on their ranch in Hawaii, continuing the Von Erich legacy, but Kevin’s thoughts of his lost brothers remained, symbolized by his tearful reflection on the football field with his sons.

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Iron Claw release date

On November 8, 2023, Iron Claws had a splashy premiere at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, a special event that coincided with the end of the Screen Actors Guild and Television and Radio Artists Guild strikes in 2023. The premiere held special significance as it marked the first public appearance of wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich in Dallas in over 20 years.

Not only did the audience enjoy the film, but they also witnessed key characters such as Bill Mercer, Marshall, Ross von Erich, and the iconic character Tracy Stratus.

After the premiere, the film was officially released in the United States by A24 on December 22, 2023, further deepening the anticipation since its debut. The UK premiere was handled by Lionsgate and took place on February 9, 2024.

The global release strategy ensured that Iron Claws resonated with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. The timing of the premiere, which coincided with the end of the Screen Actors Guild and Television and Radio Artists Guild strikes, and a rare appearance by Kevin von Erich, added an extra layer of significance to the film’s Dallas premiere.

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Iron Claws trailer

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