The Iron Claw made its debut last night at the Texas Theater in Dallas last night. The city was chosen to be the location of the premiere in honor of the Von Erichs, who started their professional wrestling careers in the city. Kevin Von Erich and his family had been in attendance along with the film’s stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, who portrays David Von Erich, Stanley Simons, who plays Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany, who portrays Fritz Von Erich and Maura Tierney, who stars as the matriarch, Doris Von Erich. Director Sean Durkin would also appear alongside his cast at the premiere. The Iron Claw reactions paint an intense picture of Durkin’s new film. Steel yourselves for emotions!
The movie premiered to a bevy of emotional reactions on social media. Many shared videos of the cast on stage as the film’s end credits rolled, and everyone involved was showered with applause during an enthusiastic standing ovation. Kevin Von Erich would join them and hold up his arms with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White in victory.
JoBlo’s own Travis Hopson was in attendance and expressed his extremely positive reaction, stating, “#TheIronClaw is tremendous, heartbreaking, and will have you in tears at the unbelievable tragedy that tore this great wrestling family apart. This is Sean Durkin’s best film yet as he continues to explore isolated families torn apart by outside pressure including faith and need for success. While this is going to be a big film for wrestling fans you definitely won’t need to be one to feel what it has to say. Great, physically and emotionally demanding performances by Efron, White, and the whole cast.”
Ben Rogers of the Ben & Skin Show would share his positive reaction which reads, “#TheIronClaw is incredible! I honestly cannot even believe how good this movie is. Such a tragic story. And it evolves around a sport that feels far more entertainment based than it feels like actual competition.But this film was made in such a beautiful way, with absolutely brilliant acting performances. I didn’t really know what to expect with this movie, but I was absolutely blown away. I think it’s really really good.”
You can read their reactions, plus more below.
The official synopsis for The Iron Claw from A24 reads:
“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.”