The Missing Von Erich: Chris
The absence of the youngest Von Erich brother, Chris, is a notable omission in The Iron Claw. While the film focuses on the emotional bond between the brothers, Chris's tragic passing and his impact on the family were left unexplored. His absence, though understandable for narrative reasons, diminishes the full breadth of the family's experience.
A photo of Chris and Kerry Von Erich featured in the Vice docuseries Dark Side Of The Ring.
Unseen Relationships: Kerry's Family
Kerry's marriage to Catherine Murray and his two daughters, Hollie and Lacey, were overlooked in The Iron Claw. The absence of these relationships deprived the audience of understanding the broader familial dynamics and the influence of Kerry's career on his daughters. While the film's focus on Kerry's solitude heightened dramatic tension, it overlooked the profound impact of his family life.
Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich Looking Behind Him in The Iron Claw
Chronological Shift: Kerry's Motorcycle Crash
The film's portrayal of Kerry's motorcycle accident coinciding with his Heavyweight Championship win differs from the actual timeline. In reality, the accident occurred two years later. While the film's narrative choice added dramatic tension, it deviated from the chronological sequence of events, altering the emotional impact of the incident.
Kerry Von Erich (Jeremy Allen White) riding a motorcycle in The Iron Claw.
Revealing Fritz's Persona
The film omits the offensive truth about Fritz's wrestling persona, which was rooted in Nazi imagery. This omission obscures the origins of the Von Erich family curse, shifting the focus from the controversial aspects of Fritz's character. The untold details about his persona add a layer of complexity to the family's history.
Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw
Alternate Marital Timeline: Fritz and Doris
The film's depiction of Fritz and Doris's marriage dissolution differs from the reality. In The Iron Claw, Doris's departure occurs after Kerry's death, while in truth, their separation happened earlier. The film's choice to delay their separation overlooks the impact of their relationship dynamics on the family's struggles, leaving their post-film journey untold.
Doris and Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw with their kids
Family Dynamics: Kevin and Pam's Children
The film presents Kevin and Pam's sons as the first-born, deviating from the actual sequence where they had two daughters first. This creative choice alters the emotional resonance of the final scene, emphasizing the bond between Kevin's sons. The untold details of their daughters' role in the family's dynamics add depth to the Von Erichs' story.
Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) and Pam Adkisson (Lily James) dancing at their wedding in The Iron Claw.
Unacknowledged Loss: David's Daughter
The film overlooks David's deceased daughter, Natosha, and his ex-wife, leaving out a significant aspect of his personal tragedy. The untold story of Natosha's passing and its impact on David's life adds a layer of emotional depth to his character, enriching the portrayal of the Von Erich family's enduring tragedies.
Lily James and Zac Efron as Pam and Kevin in The Iron Claw holding each other and looking in one another's eyes.