History of The Iron Claw (film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

The Iron Claw is a biographical sports drama focusing on the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers. Set between 1979 and the early 1990s, the film portrays the brothers' relentless pursuit of wrestling success under the demanding guidance of their father, Fritz Von Erich. The story highlights the intense pressure and personal sacrifices they face, overshadowed by a series of devastating tragedies that contribute to the family's reputation of being 'cursed.' The film explores themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the dark side of professional wrestling.

1979: Introduction of the Von Erich Family and WCCW

In 1979, Fritz Von Erich, a retired professional wrestler, owns the World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) company. He has five sons: Jack Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike. Kevin, the Texas Heavyweight Champion, begins a relationship with Pam and tells her about the "Von Erich curse."

1979: Von Erichs struggle for success

In 1979, the film depicts the struggles of wrestling company owner Fritz Von Erich's sons to achieve the success for which their father groomed them, from 1979 to the early 1990s.

1980: Kerry's Olympic Hopes Dashed

In 1980, the Summer Olympics boycott ends Kerry's Olympic discus-throwing aspirations, prompting him to return home and begin wrestling at the request of his father, Fritz.

1981: "Tom Sawyer" entrance music

In 1981, "Tom Sawyer" by Rush, served as Kerry Von Erich's entrance music from 1981 to 1983 and was also featured in the marketing for the film.

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1983: The Von Erichs Win Championship and David's Death

By 1983, Kevin, Kerry and David win the Six-Man Tag Team Championship, but David dies of enteritis in Japan a week before his match against Ric Flair. Kerry then beats Flair to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Afterwards, Kerry loses his right foot in a motorcycle accident.

1983: "Tom Sawyer" entrance music

In 1983, "Tom Sawyer" by Rush, served as Kerry Von Erich's entrance music from 1981 to 1983 and was also featured in the marketing for the film.

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1991: Death of Chris Von Erich

In 1991, Chris Von Erich died by suicide. He was not included in the screenplay for The Iron Claw.

2009: Von Erichs Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

In 2009, The Von Erichs were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The epilogue also notes that Kevin and Pam are still married, living on a ranch in Hawaii with their family.

2015: Durkin begins research for the film's initial screenplay.

In 2015, Sean Durkin started research for the film's initial screenplay, driven by his childhood fandom of professional wrestling and personal sadness about the Von Erich family deaths.

June 2022: Film Announcement and Production

In June 2022, the film was announced with Efron starring and A24 producing and distributing.

October 2022: Principal Photography Begins

In October 2022, principal photography for the film began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, lasting six weeks. The wrestling scenes were filmed as full-length, one-take matches in front of a live audience.

October 2023: Von Erich Family Praises Film

In October 2023, Marshall Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich praised Chavo Guerrero's role as a wrestling consultant on the film. Kevin Von Erich endorsed Efron's portrayal, calling it "the most important review".

November 8, 2023: The Iron Claw Premieres

On November 8, 2023, The Iron Claw premiered at the Texas Theatre in Dallas.

December 22, 2023: US Release of The Iron Claw

On December 22, 2023, A24 released The Iron Claw in the United States. The film was well-received, with praise for Efron's performance and being named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the National Board of Review.

2023: SAG-AFTRA Special Dispensation

In 2023, The Iron Claw received special dispensation from SAG-AFTRA to continue production and promotion during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, due to A24's positive relationship with the union.

2023: Biographical sports drama film

In 2023, The Iron Claw, a biographical sports drama film written and directed by Sean Durkin, tells the tragic story of the Von Erichs, a family of professional wrestlers. The film depicts the struggles of Fritz Von Erich's sons to achieve success from 1979 to the early 1990s.