The Von Erich wrestling family has publicly criticized the 2023 biographical sports film The Iron Claw, claiming it presents an inaccurate portrayal of their lives and the tragedies they faced. The film, written and directed by Sean Durkin, features a star-studded cast including Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, and Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, with Holt McCallany playing the family patriarch, Jack 'Fritz' Von Erich.
Two years after the film's release, Kevin Von Erich, the only surviving brother at 67, has taken it upon himself to correct the record. In an upcoming documentary titled The Real Iron Claw, set to air on Investigation Discovery on April 21, Kevin expressed his feelings about the film's inaccuracies, stating, "I endorsed the movie, but I have to correct the record. Their lives are worth more than just, ‘Pretend this happened.’ Because it didn’t."
In the documentary, Kevin emphasized the importance of representing his late brothers accurately, saying, "When I saw Zac Efron in the movie, I felt like I had a responsibility to tell the truth." He highlighted a significant inaccuracy regarding his brother Kerry, who was depicted as not being a family man. Kevin clarified, "Kerry in the movie was not a family man, but in real life, Kerry was." This sentiment was echoed by Kerry's daughter, Lacey Von Erich, who lamented the omission of her and her sister Hollie Adkisson from the film, saying, "My sister and I were not in the movie as my dad's children, and he didn't have a wife or anything. That was a real big part of my dad. So how he was portrayed in the movie was so inaccurate that it was heart-wrenching."
Another major point of contention for the Von Erich family is the film's portrayal of Kerry's tragic motorcycle accident in 1986. The film suggests that he lost a foot immediately following the accident, but in reality, he suffered a severe injury that was exacerbated by his return to wrestling, ultimately leading to the amputation of half his foot. Dr. Drew, who appears in the documentary, pointed out this discrepancy, stating, "There’s a scene in the movie where Kerry gets in an accident and the next time you see him, he does not have a foot. That is not in fact what happened."
Moreover, the film only acknowledges five of Fritz's six sons, leaving out Chris Von Erich entirely. Kevin pointed out this oversight, stating, "They left my little brother Chris out of the movie and the director combined Mike and Chris' life." This exclusion has left the family feeling misrepresented and frustrated.
The notion of a 'Von Erich curse' is another theme that the family disputes. Referee and promoter Dave Manning, who also appears in the documentary, vehemently rejected the idea, stating, "There was never a Von Erich curse. There were some bad choices and just some unfortunate deaths." Kevin echoed this sentiment, asserting, "In truth, the real bad guy was us. Our weaknesses in our hearts and our personality. We were never quitting and never giving up." He reflected on the challenges the family faced, saying, "No matter what, it was a challenge to be overcome. That mindset maybe did get dangerous in the end but that was how we were raised to think."
The Von Erich family's history is marked by profound tragedy. Fritz's firstborn son, Jack Jr., died in 1959 at just six years old after an accidental electrocution. David, another son, passed away in 1984 at age 25 from acute enteritis. Three years later, Mike died by suicide at 23 after struggling with substance abuse. Chris, who also faced significant challenges, shot himself in the head on September 12, 1991, at the age of 21. Finally, Kerry succumbed to his struggles in 1993, taking his own life at 33. Fritz himself died four years later from cancer, leaving behind a complicated legacy as the patriarch of a family plagued by loss.
In the documentary, Kevin reflects on the importance of family and the love he shared with his brothers, stating, "The love of the brothers is what is important. I know I will see my brothers again." This sentiment underscores the deep bond that the Von Erichs shared, which they feel was inadequately portrayed in the film.
As the family prepares for the premiere of The Real Iron Claw, they hope to set the record straight and honor the memories of their loved ones. Kevin's commitment to correcting the inaccuracies speaks volumes about his desire to ensure that the legacy of the Von Erich family is respected and remembered as it truly was.
The documentary will air on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 9-11 PM ET on ID and will also be available for streaming on Max. As the Von Erich family continues to navigate the complexities of their history, they remain resolute in their mission to tell their story authentically and honorably.
