Zac Efron's SHOCKING transformation for new movie The Iron Claw

Zac Efron has detailed the "shocking" transformation he underwent physically to prepare for his role in The Iron Claw.

The official premise of The Iron Claw:

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'The film is centered around the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers from the 1960s onwards that had enormous success, and popularized the iron claw professional wrestling hold. However, they not only had to battle inside the ring, but fight the "Von Erich curse" outside of it'

The Von Erich family is one of the most famous families in the history of wrestling, but their dynasty has been overshadowed by what has been dubbed the 'Von Erich Curse' after various deaths and tragedies.

Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, while Jeremy Allen White plays his brother, Kerry.

Set photos were leaked of the movie which showed Efron and White in remarkable shape for the movie in order to capture the hulking physique of the Von Erich brothers.

"It was shocking at every point of the transformation," Efron told EW.

"I remember Harris (Dickinson) and I were walking out of hair and make-up and it was like the first time we had to wear the full kit, and we were both thinking, 'What the hell are we doing here, man? How did we get into this?'

"But I think it ended up looking really good and we had a great crew helping us out with that. The hair and make-up team was epic."

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The Iron Claw (2023)

'The Iron Claw' tells the true story of the Von Erich family. In the 1960s, the Von Erichs managed to grow into a well-known concept within the wrestling world. But in addition to fighting in the ring, they also have to fight a 'Von Erich' curse outside of it.

Directed by: Sean Durkin
Stars: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson

Von Erich's seal of approval

Efron revealed that Kevin Von Erich himself had seen the movie and approved of Efron's performance.

"This movie's a true story, and that man, Kevin Von Erich right there, he really motivated me to get in shape for this movie," the actor continued.

"The physicality he brought to the ring every single day was really unique. It changed wrestling. I knew that was going to be the hardest for me to master and get right. So, I put everything I had into it.

"He told me he was happy with it last night so I'm stoked! I cried a little bit, if I'm going to be completely honest."

The first trailer for The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White.pic.twitter.com/J4Gax3TPWm

— MovieMeter (@MovieMeter_) October 11, 2023