‘The Iron Claw’ stars talk about their transformation into wrestlers

“The Iron Claw” cast members Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simmons join TODAY to talk about their upcoming film, how they found joy in a heavy story, and the physical and mental preparation they went through. “It was intense, but it paid of,” Efron says.
» Subscribe to TODAY: / @today
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: www.today.com/
Find TODAY on Facebook: / today
Follow TODAY on Twitter: / todayshow
Follow TODAY on Instagram: / todayshow
» Stream TODAY All Day: www.today.com/allday
About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.
#theironclaw #actor #movie

[@razin_arizona]

Jeremy Allen White is gifted. His intensity on screen is deeply felt.

[@colstonlchinese]

Facts

[@BrdOutaMyMnd]

Sounds Like This Movie Will Take Zac Efron To A New Level Of Respect For His Acting. I Can't Wait For This Movie.💯

[@Stumme-40203]

Nice to see such a young, up and coming actor get a shot.

[@BrdOutaMyMnd]

@Stumme-40203 he's never broken out of his Disney image. He's still the guy from High School Musical. Just saying.

[@ZacEfron-tp8xy]

I'm glad and I appreciate all the love and support from your ends ❤❤

[@__-wm9lu]

@@BrdOutaMyMndhe literally played Ted bundy

[@dancleary4101]

@@BrdOutaMyMndsays you

[@stianw.danielsen2943]

Jermey with the grandma sweater. respect

[@mikebowman5819]

Agreed. Efron with the shades indoors is a baller move too. Eye infection or not 😎

[@ameliawidener2225]

I'm so happy my boy Harris finally starting to really make it and get more roles. I've been a fan of him since beach rats and the darkest minds when he was juat starting out. Love him❤ so much

[@violentbryan21]

One of the best movies in years, Not gonna lie I got a little teary eyed at the end. Even though I knew going into the movie what to expect. It was still sad to see.

[@alexjack5158]

Stop lying

[@AverageMan34]

​@@alexjack5158u obviously hasn't seen it

[@kimbogal]

little teary eyed? Lol. This movie is unbelievably sad.

[@aineshbalaga1216]

Had no idea about the Von Erich family before watching this movie. Legitimately thought it was going to be a much more different story. (mainly on the happier side) What’s crazy about this film is that they should’ve casted one more actor because in real life there were 5 brothers but they ultimately determined it would be too much to handle for the audience. I don’t think I would’ve ever known about this story if it weren’t for this movie. Personally for me this family will be remembered for their hard work/commitment to the sport of wrestling along with their own accomplishments. Hopefully the movie industry as a whole starts to pivot in the direction of making more films like this in the near future. There are a ton of other real-life stories out there that deserve to reach a wider range/group of people out there just like this one.

[@wonipowa7542]

They did have a wrestler cast to play that part - Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) who was the AEW champion, but for some reason his part was cut. I think he was one of the executive producers on this film.

[@charlesedwards2856]

⁠@@wonipowa7542I largely think it was because people wouldn’t believe that THAT much tragedy could befall one family, on top of the original commenters thought about being too much tragedy. I hope they release a director’s cut with the scenes including MJF in there.

[@demiighoul1623]

Saw this movie last night and it’s wonderful as well as emotional. A great watch for sure.

[@JayWIll2000s]

Same

[@alphanerd7221]

It's objectively terrible.

[@demiighoul1623]

@@alphanerd7221 that’s objectively your opinion that I didn’t ask for

[@alphanerd7221]

@@demiighoul1623 Wrong. By the objective standards of narrative it's bad. I don't care what you want.

[@demiighoul1623]

@@alphanerd7221 another opinion I never asked. But go off sis. You clearly have enough time to respond to everything

[@Brook11223]

When David Von Erich passed away in Feb 1984 that's when WCCW started to slowly lose it's momentum. It did have momentum but David's tragic passing definitely was a huge blow.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

The first son died from electrocution/drowning as a child. It seemed to be one tragedy after another for the Adkisson family. The youngest brother, Chris, struggled, and eventually committed suicide (he is not mentioned in the film). Only Kevin remains of the brothers/family, but he gave his kids permission to use the Von Erich name for their own chosen wrestling careers...

[@Brook11223]

@@igorschmidlapp6987The reason for Chris not being mentioned is probably due to the duration of the film. The director made the decision to have specific runtime for the film. I think he wanted to cover his story but had to take creative liberties to tell the story to a certain length.

[@ZacEfron-tp8xy]

Yah, thanks for the memories, I appreciate all the love 😘😘

[@TheJordanHunt3r]

@@Brook11223 True, the director even discussed the situation with Kevin Von Erich as to why the director made the tough decision to cut out Chris from the movie. Kevin agreed.

[@Brook11223]

@@TheJordanHunt3r I also think David's death could've been prevented if he had gone to the doctor who would've provided him the medication he needed to fix his health problem. I feel the brothers could've little bit stood up to their father letting him know health is number one priority because without health you can't perform your job. Also the father could've kept a watchful eye on his kids putting limitations etc.

[@Stoogewriter]

I grew up in the DFW Metroplex and the Von Erichs were my favorite wrestlers! I can't count the tears I cried when they died. For a long time I couldn't watch wrestling. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. Interested to see what they got right and when they took artistic license. I know I'll need to bring tissues because it's a sad story.

[@charlesedwards2856]

Not sure if you’ve seen it yet, but the biggest artistic license they did was take out the story of the youngest brother or maybe combine the stories of the two youngest brothers. There’s only so much tragedy people can believe, so they probably felt like having the other brother would be too much to stay believable.

[@edalder2000]

I am a huge wrestling fan and know The Von Erich story. It's one of the great tragedies of pro wrestling-that is saying a lot. "The Iron Claw" trailer loos amazing, but I know I will having a tough watch.

[@DebraPudlowski-lu1me]

I remember watching them wrestle back in the 80’s. And then the deaths were just one after another. It was so sad. They were such great wrestlers

[@aleigh805]

The costumes are an absolute chef's kiss. 🤤

[@CHRISPYakaKON]

Such a dope movie which I hope gets lots of love because there are some wrestling families who stories deserve their own movies

[@Milena-xz7rz]

I love Zac so much! He's such a beautiful person inside and outside. Can't wait to see him in this incredible role🤩

[@ZacEfron-tp8xy]

Thanks alot, I appreciate all the love and support❤❤

[@Krustyclown5791]

Zac effron was jacked. 😊 They did a good job.

[@Checkmate0911]

The von eriks were my favorite wrestlers as a kid . This movie showcased their greatestness very well.

[@ryanthomas5507]

Loved this movie…just saw it tonight

[@marilynengen3475]

Just saw it was awesome

[@janb92]

A lot of you are singling out 1 actor, but ALL of them did an incredible job. This movie was amazing

[@JayWIll2000s]

I am watching the iron claw right now and man it is so sad and inspirational we need to appreciate the moments like this and the talent that is zack Efron playing Kevin and all of them in this movie.

[@williamsanders2439]

Definitely worth the watch

[@El-ingobernable]

i wanna see these guys in another movie together. i know celebs do a lot media but I've never noticed them wearing the same stuff on different shows (this and Kelly Clarkson Show)

[@xDIAMONDDOGx579]

Man what an amazing film, made me cry and cheer man. If you got brothers, when you know you know.

[@wikedwun]

Such a great movie

[@Moonroofmusik]

Love them

[@Jaysonfear42069]

I wish we could get more movies like this with wrestling

[@dannytooley7530]

Like Eddie Guerrero and ric fair and Bart hart and undertaker andCRYNA and FaBUloUS MOOlAH too and many others

[@Jaysonfear42069]

@@dannytooley7530 yes sir they would be awesome

[@aleee9214]

Just watched the movie. It was GREAT 5/5

[@user-dg1xz7ew3x]

Great Movie

[@vernongrant3596]

If you hadn't heard of the Von Erichs before, after this movie they should be a household name.

[@user-mk6db7du9p]

Zac should have received an Oscar nom for his role

[@practicalgenius1798]

I agree

[@RWAC685]

Jeremy Allen White Was Amazing. My Boy LIP Is A Wrestler.

[@katdujka4760]

These guys are like brothers. I feel like the guys felt like Stanley was left out, even though he wasn't. I could see their eyes on him with some kind of sympathy. they all really care about each other.

[@robinvolpi]

Stanley waa NOT "left out" In fact, he seemed to shy away from engaging when the interviewer began and posed several open questions to them. The only two who seemed comfortable jumping in, initially, were Zach & Jeremy, so let's not start w/the ridiculousness.

[@erictheisen3203]

Sounds it was a great movie.

[@Lommy9999]

Harris Dickinson will be the next successful actor.

[@anthonycampos8057]

Vince McMahon, in the 80s, tried really hard to sign the Von Erichs, Kevin, David, and Kerry.

[@LeighMet]

he signed kerry in the 90's

[@edalder2000]

The kicker is that Vince was the biggest scum bag in wrestling. Fritz Von Erich was #2.

[@anthonycampos8057]

@@edalder2000 Vince is also a genius.

[@komi8628]

@@anthonycampos8057and a creep

[@anthonycampos8057]

@@komi8628 an alleged creep

[@meganhunt1123]

So good to see lip doing so well 😂

[@adwmfilms]

Zac deserves an Oscar

[@suzannewilson9918]

The.Bear couldn’t showcase Jeremy’s talent much more than this intense movie!

[@FrankAbagnale205]

Why is there such a weird vibe on this sofa between the four of them. That Harris guy looks miserable.

[@bananabread7707]

They have been promoting for months/weeks, this is the last week and it’s early in the morning.

[@LaptopLarry330]

There may have been an advance screening of the film in New York City, then they partied together at an after party once the screening was over.

[@breezybrad]

3:09

[@jadoef.m4131]

Zac is the only one that doesn’t look like a brother 😂 imo

[@annier895]

“The iron Jaw”

[@11sdownie]

Can’t wait to see this. Wrestling doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

[@TheJordanHunt3r]

Holt looks DEAD on like Fritz Von Erich. Its almost scary

[@jonastiger1000]

Loved this tragic movie about one of my favorite interests. Oscar nominations are certain.

[@Dr_Jim57]

akso Enjoyed this sad film about one of my favorite topics

[@jonastiger1000]

Cool, it's in my Top 5 this year.

[@martaakh8105]

❤

[@chronicillz1879]

4:26 oh snap, thats the dude that played in triangle of sadness, not a bad movie

[@athenavan2242]

I want to see this movie

[@chronicillz1879]

@@athenavan2242 yea its pretty good, its unique

[@athenavan2242]

@@chronicillz1879 I will have to order been pulled from most retailers now! Thanks for the info

[@Jaysonfear42069]

I think zac should've played kerry and Jeremy played kevin

[@drewwalters1878]

Can Jeremy Allen White get a role where the family is not completely disfuctional please?

[@californio1850]

It's a good thing the family's trademark move wasn't the purple nurple. It wouldn't make for a good movie title.

[@danantitrump3206]

So Sad, Watched Kerry in Person Fort Worth.

[@laurensanders1420]

Something seems off about this interview….

[@h28custom84]

JUICE!!!! thats how they did transformation.

[@danantitrump3206]

I want to hear from the other guys

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Ah... the days of the Von Erichs vs. the Freebirds... and the old rat-infested Sportatorium (where Elvis once performed). It was eventually torn down. And Kerry Von Erich vs.Ric Flair for the championship at Texas Stadium (now torn down, too)...

[@MoreThanWrestling]

The Sportatorium wasn’t torn down, it caught fire and burned down sadly.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

@@MoreThanWrestling Well, it burned down in 1953, but was rebuilt, and it burned again in 2001 with major damage, and was officially demolished by the City of Dallas in 2003.

[@user-qj3co2jd7f]

Imagine living in a time where a big screen movie about a pro wrestling family is widely accepted and acclaimed ! Having been an avid fan since the 70s it’s an amazing transformation from butt of jokes to this! respectability.

[@MiJukie]

Just saw it, tragic story

[@arthurkong1374]

For some reason they didn't put their youngest brother Chris in the movie.

[@UncleEbenezer77]

Zak should’ve played Kerry and Jeremy should’ve played Kevin.

[@ced6429]

Zac looked closer to Kerry’s size, and looks more like him.

[@darrenfranklin7494]

THANK YOU!!

[@TheJordanHunt3r]

@@ced6429 EXACTLY 💯

[@practicalgenius1798]

They both had the right spirit for the characters they olayed

[@alphaandomegaproductions5073]

Did he say, “I grew up watching the NWA”??? At 1:14

[@michaelpalermo354]

Yes. What’s your point?

[@michaelwass8499]

Was looking for another human to pont that out 😂 Def meant NWO, but probably some NWA as well! 😂

[@michaelpalermo354]

@@michaelwass8499 What are you guys talking about? NWO? What am I missing?

[@royceburger7929]

Zack efron looks like karl lagerfeld

[@dinorawruh]

The host asking questions on The Bear when this group is trying to promote The Iron Claw is probably not the move lol

[@GuidoGrasso]

Why does brother number 3 from the left seem unhappy to be there? You’re in Rockefeller center during Christmas bro, promoting a movie you were in! Marv and Harry are gonna be at Duncan’s Toy Chest soon with Kevin Mccalister.

[@erricacane9566]

I saw that too. Looked like he was irritated.

[@crazyleg2006]

I could not get past who they cast as Kerry

[@loriellajames6978]

Lol

[@kimyv7693]

Great film ..sad.

[@carlos-ik1pc]

is that the actor from the original willy wonka

[@dannytooley7530]

Witch one and I think no mate

[@boblangford81]

Sad to see Efron rearranged his face by abusing human growth hormones. He says it's a shattered jaw. There are countless pictures of athletes who shattered their jaw, had their jaws sawn shut, and still look the same after they heal. Look at any Pro Hockey player who had a real shattered jaw. Then go look at people who abused Human Growth Hormones and look at their jaws, foreheads, etc. Zac was trying to make his 5'8" frame bigger. It's sad to see because there is no going back. This is the same as getting too much plastic surgery. Be warned kiddies: Steroids shrink your nuts to a fraction of their normal size, not to mention other effects, and hormones will make your body grow in ways you don't want. Work with what you have.

[@apok1980]

They all seem tired. Maybe they didn’t have their coffee yet.

[@italvito]

The host saying, he watched the NWA but not know the Von Erichs ????

[@chadewers958]

I don't remember the Von Erichs showing up in Jim Crockett Promotions on TBS, which was probably the most accessible version of the NWA for him, so it seems believable enough to me.

[@acornobr0wn]

Be sure to close the eyes to toke 💨👀

[@t.shandrielblogs]

Not a big deal, but just gazing at all of them sitting on the couch. And Zac with those shades on, talking about he has an eye infection. Wondering if they're a tad bit hungover 😆

[@bricemarchant9410]

This interview was terrible...LOL Its like no one wanted to be there.

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

Their whole body language is weird, off. Their whole vibe. As if someone died. Did something happen before they went on? Hope it's nothing major.

[@14AspenDrive]

Isn't this like 5 in the morning?

[@60wwediva]

Yeah it really is extremely somber like someone is dead or sick and with Zac wearing the sunglasses? It's not good at all.

[@60wwediva]

​@14AspenDrive no excuse. Do you know how many stars across different parts of Hollywood have had to go there at 5am especially as a group and didn't act like this? I could see Zac was the pro and older out of all them trying to inject some form of mild charisma but everyone sat there like someone is dead or something is wrong. Nevermind that Zac is wearing sunglasses the entire day like this and none of them pitch in to ease the tension. Some things not right.

[@Shtave3]

They're hungover 😂

[@14AspenDrive]

Who hasn't messed up and gotten drunk the night before something important work related? You're reading way into this.@@60wwediva

[@flipjunior8707]

Zac face is really messed up smh

[@toddthickstone6961]

On his worst day I'm sure he's better looking than u could ever dream of being ❤

[@orangecat5036]

Worse Hollywood interview I've ever witnessed.

[@60wwediva]

Very terrible. These guys need PR training and Zac can't carry the whole group forever

[@jacobfulton913]

Someone give these guys a script because without it they can’t talk.

[@betty3tes]

Sure eye infection;)

[@jamiehan6426]

Achoo! (Eye lift)

[@thyop89]

People commonly get eye infections and it's highly unlikely he would elect to get surgery in the middle of a press run. Jeeez people are so cynical about everything these days.

[@jordanlemay8399]

Poor Zac got pink eye!

[@JC-tr4gh]

Good movie! The stature of the actors, particularly the guys portraying Kerry and Kevin was off-putting as they are far too small to be believable.

[@MoveMountains10]

This was such an awkward interview

[@antmaster360]

Really feels like they don’t actually know the Von Eric story

[@RyanKaufman]

@@antmaster360 Lol this a weird take, they barely had time to talk about the story. It feels awkward because two out of the four have barely been in film and are in their 20s so being on a morning showcast with Zac Efron is a wild experience and out of their element. Jeremy and especially Zac felt comfortable but didn't want to step on their "brothers" toes.

[@antmaster360]

@@RyanKaufman Bro even zac efron talked broad af about doing the movie and the story behind it. They all brought no information at all to the interview

[@RyanKaufman]

@@antmaster360 Have you watched an interview before? They're not gonna get nitty gritty on a 5 minute interview with four total people being interviewed lol. This is the weirdest thing to focus on

[@inconvenientfacts6452]

@@antmaster360 Little Ryan doesn't seem to mind they have cast short lightweights as 6ft plus heavy weight champions because they have depth.These scenes where they are doing the promos and the interviewer is towering over them. What next, Danny Devito as Andre the giant. Jonah Hill as Hulk Hogan

[@singstreetcar5881]

Harris dickson is my husband

[@ZacEfron-tp8xy]

😂😂😂

[@Lommy9999]

Harris *Dickinson* is my husband. Never heard of yours though. Is he nice?

[@ZacEfron-tp8xy]

Would you like to meet him ?

[@usergodcandy777]

Eye infection!

[@inconvenientfacts6452]

Kerry von Erich was my favourite growing up. 6ft 2 254lb. They have done his memory an insult by having 5ft 7 160lb Jeremy Allen White play him. The worst casting decision ever

[@RyanKaufman]

Yeah performances and emotional depth is stupid, just cast any beefy guy so tiny man InconvenientFacts6452 can feel better about being bullied in school

[@inconvenientfacts6452]

@@RyanKaufman Sorry if I offended your boy crush. I appear to have hit a nerve with the scrawny brigade

[@Jimbo-rt3lu]

Why ask the questions that there can be only one correct politically correct answer?

[@christiangarcia6137]

NWA???? You mean NWO but im pretty sure Rick Flair was one of the four Horsemen though. This guy needs to a little more research before insulting Zach.

[@ronb7931]

How they transformed their bodies 💉 the same way athletes do it now…

[@user-kt6fp8me6h]

Yep, Zac got immediately uncomfortable and turned to the others to get them involved. It is what it is, I'm not hating, but I don't know if I would ever do roids for a role, but I guess the money is is make them do it.

[@MadSolar]

Chicken and broccoli brother lol 😆

[@user-kt6fp8me6h]

@@MadSolar lol

[@nevermindgaming6848]

Imagine getting butt hurt over the casting kok

[@weswelch5403]

😂😂😂😂 whoever did this movie really didnt know the von erics ..they had the short little dude playing as kerry...when he was the biggest of the brothers ..i walked out of the movie ..dont waste your money if your a True von eric fan

[@waldopepper3056]

Those guys rnway to short to b Kerry n Kevin especially Kerry he was 6ft 2 Jeremy white is shorter than me lol

[@nevermindgaming6848]

K bro we get it

[@ricko1961]

Why is that little guy playing Kerry. Why

[@oscarcarter8142]

Movie was OK. Didn't portray Kerry in a good physical light. Kevin is muscular but in the movie was too big. I grew up watching the Von Erichs. Movie was ok

[@blueeemom8338]

I think he got injections and made his eye infected and they had a interview and he forgot about it

[@Jackie-sn1km]

Eye infection 😂

[@ruthnolan13]

Think about how many actresses are routinely costumed in skimpy, skin-revealing outfits for films, which is expected of them....but in the rare case when actors are dressed in hot pants, the world shakes. Just saying.

[@jtaco4101]

Lol these guys look like the lollipop guild compared to the real von erichs

[@JayWIll2000s]

Lol facts

[@Kieran_P100]

What on earth happened to Troy Boltons face

[@alyssaharris5943]

What's wrong with the guy in all black? He looks terrible.

[@EDMEDMEDM]

Insane miscasting having that little guy play Kerry…🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ViincenttB]

Roids

[@crowfather3838]

Zac sounds like he's on roids.

[@joecandelario5460]

lol Efron didn’t want to admit the steroids he was taking to get that big