The Controversial Decision Behind the Iron Claw on the Youngest Von Erich Brother

Sean Durkin, the writer-director of The Iron Claw, recently provided an explanation for why Chris Von Erich is not featured in the sports biopic. The film, which was released in December, chronicles the heartbreaking true story of the Von Erich family, who were well-known professional wrestlers.

The film features Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons as siblings Kevin, Kerry, David, and Mike, with Maura Tierney and Holt McCallany portraying their parents, Doris and Fritz. However, one member of the Von Erich family is notably absent from The Iron Claw: the youngest of Doris and Fritz's wrestling brood, Chris.

Why The Iron Claw cut the youngest Von Erich brother

Durkin addressed Chris’ absence in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, arguing that his presence would’ve tipped the film’s dramatic scales too far.

According to Durkin, there was a repetitive aspect to the film that couldn't quite deal with another tragedy. He expressed uncertainty about whether the film would have even been made. Chris, who battled medical conditions that hindered his career, tragically took his own life at the age of 21. Additionally, Durkin revealed that Chris was initially included in The Iron Claw's script, but the filmmaker eventually made the difficult decision to remove this material after five years of development, describing it as an "impossible choice."

Durkin explained that difficult choices must be made to capture the truth, emotion, and essence of the family's journey. Fortunately, Kevin was impressed with Durkin's approach to the Von Erich family's story, and did not raise any concerns about the final script. Additionally, Kevin approved of Efron's portrayal of him and expressed his support for the film.

Where to watch the Iron Claw

Audiences in the US have the opportunity to judge for themselves whether Durkin's decision to line up for The Iron Claw at their nearby theater was a wise one. However, moviegoers in the UK will have to wait until February 9.

Cinema fans eager to watch the movie from the convenience of their own home will have to wait as A24 is currently prioritizing The Iron Claw's release in theaters. The biopic's streaming release date is not yet known, but it will be exclusively available on Max when it becomes available. Other notable A24 releases included in the Max deal are Sofia Coppola's Priscilla and Nicolas Cage's film Dream Scenario.

For the latest Iron Claw news and updates, check out Dexerto’s full coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the decision to exclude Chris Von Erich from the sports biopic "The Iron Claw." On the one hand, I understand the filmmaker's reasoning that including Chris's story would have tipped the film's dramatic scales too far. The film already deals with the tragic deaths of three of the Von Erich brothers, and adding Chris's suicide to the mix could have been overwhelming for audiences.

On the other hand, I can't help but feel that Chris's story is an important part of the Von Erich family's legacy and should have been included in the film. Chris's struggles with medical conditions and his untimely death at a young age are a reminder of the dark side of professional wrestling and the toll it can take on its participants. By excluding Chris's story, the film feels like it is presenting a sanitized version of the Von Erich family's history.

Ultimately, I think the decision to exclude Chris Von Erich from "The Iron Claw" was a difficult one, and I can understand the filmmaker's reasoning. However, I still believe that Chris's story is an important part of the Von Erich family's legacy and should have been included in the film.