On a recent edition of “The A2theK Wrestling Show,” WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich weighed in on the depiction of his family in The Iron Claw biopic and the film’s omission of his late brother, Chris Von Erich.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his thoughts on The Iron Claw not depicting his brother Chris Von Erich: “It turns out my story is pretty sad and it can really bum a lot of people out man, and they’re here to be entertained for crying out loud. So, they thought that Chris would have been too much, too many deaths to get into.”
On his father: “I loved my dad and he was a good man, and I know he was a stern f***. We all loved him, so much. So, I was just kind of worried my dad would look in a way he didn’t deserve.”
On Zac Efron’s portrayal of himself: “A real professional. They do a lot of investigation before they run the part and the guy knew all about me. And the guy that played my brother Dave? What a job he did, he even fooled me a few times, you know?”
The Iron Claw is now available to buy or own via digital video on demand.
The Iron Claw Biopic: Kevin Von Erich Shares Thoughts on Film and Omission of Brother Chris Von Erich
The recently released biopic, “The Iron Claw,” has been generating buzz among wrestling fans and enthusiasts. The film chronicles the life and career of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich and his family’s impact on the wrestling industry. However, some viewers have noticed the absence of Kevin’s late brother, Chris Von Erich, in the movie. In a recent interview on “The A2theK Wrestling Show,” Kevin Von Erich shared his thoughts on the film and its omission of Chris.
When asked about his thoughts on the exclusion of Chris Von Erich from the biopic, Kevin expressed understanding and empathy for the filmmakers’ decision. He acknowledged that his family’s story is filled with tragedy, and including Chris’s struggles and untimely death could have been overwhelming for viewers seeking entertainment. Kevin recognized that the primary goal of the film was to entertain, and delving into Chris’s story might have overshadowed that objective.
Chris Von Erich, the youngest son of Fritz Von Erich, battled with personal demons throughout his life. He tragically took his own life in 1991 at the age of 21. His struggles with depression and the weight of being part of a famous wrestling family were well-documented. While his absence from the biopic may disappoint some fans who were hoping for a comprehensive portrayal of the Von Erich family, it is understandable why the filmmakers chose to focus on other aspects of Kevin’s life.
Reflecting on his father’s depiction in the film, Kevin expressed concern about how he would be portrayed. Fritz Von Erich was known for his stern demeanor and strict parenting style. However, Kevin wanted to ensure that his father was depicted in a fair and accurate light. He emphasized that despite his father’s tough exterior, he was a good man who loved his family deeply. Kevin wanted to avoid any misrepresentation that could tarnish his father’s memory.
One aspect of the biopic that Kevin praised was the portrayal of himself by actor Zac Efron. He commended Efron for his professionalism and dedication to the role. Kevin revealed that Efron had done extensive research and was well-informed about his life and career. Additionally, Kevin expressed admiration for the actor who portrayed his brother Dave, mentioning that he was even fooled by his performance at times.
“The Iron Claw” is now available for purchase or digital rental, allowing fans to delve into the story of the Von Erich family and their impact on professional wrestling. While the omission of Chris Von Erich may be a disappointment for some, it is important to remember that the film’s primary goal is to entertain rather than delve into every aspect of the family’s history. Kevin Von Erich’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the biopic and shed light on the challenges faced by the filmmakers in telling their story.