Jeremy Allen White and Zac Efron grapple with legacy, muscles, and bowl cuts in A24's latest biopic The Iron Claw

Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, once known for very different roles on screen, are diving headfirst into the captivating world of wrestling. Their latest venture? Bringing to life the Von Erich wrestling legacy in A24's The Iron Claw. The recently unveiled trailer promises a poignant journey into the lives of the Von Erich family members. Efron steps into the shoes of Kevin Von Erich, famously known as the Golden Warrior. Right beside him, we have White portraying Kerry Von Erich. The film sets the stage for exploring the peaks and troughs experienced by this influential wrestling family, promising both thrilling wrestling bouts and emotional family drama.

From comedy and TV hits to a wrestling biopic

Gone are the days when Efron was purely associated with foot-tapping musicals. After his chilling portrayal of Ted Bundy, this role further solidifies his foray into more serious cinema. On the other hand, White, the face of beloved TV characters like Philip Gallagher from Shameless and the tortured chef Carmy Berzato from The Bear, showcases his versatility in this new challenge.

Also read: 'I didn't understand plate tectonics until Zac Efron explained them to me' - Unconventional lessons from Netflix’s 'Down to Earth'. 

A legacy tinged with tragedy

While the Von Erichs made headlines with their wrestling accolades, their story isn't just about championship belts. Wrestling aficionados have often referred to the Von Erich curse - a term that encapsulates the myriad of tragedies that plagued the family. Their story, with the high of their successes juxtaposed against the lows of personal losses, is often paralleled with the Kennedys, another family with a seemingly cursed fate.

Kevin Von Erich, represented by Efron in the film, remains the sole torchbearer of that generation. And he hasn't shied away from expressing his appreciation for Efron's dedication to the role. Conversations with director Sean Durkin further hint at the depth the film delves into to unravel the family's history.

Also read: 'Maybe I do just exist on this show': How Shameless consumed Jeremy Allen White's identity

With an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Lily James, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, and Maura Tierney, The Iron Claw is gearing up to leave a lasting mark in cinema this December. So, as 2023 draws to a close, save the date for December 22nd. The wrestling ring is set, and The Iron Claw promises that goes beyond the physical – one that tugs at the heartstrings.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)