The Iron Claw Fact Check: 8 Biggest True Story Changes & Inaccuracies

The Von Erich Family and The Iron Claw

The 2023 biographical sports drama film, The Iron Claw, has brought the Von Erich family's story to the big screen, but it's important to note that the movie includes several changes and inaccuracies for the sake of storytelling. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film covers the lives of the Von Erichs, a renowned family of professional wrestlers, from the 1950s to more recent times. However, the movie's narrative diverges from the true events in the family's history, prompting a closer look at the real story behind the film.

The Von Erich Brothers, Mike (Stanley Simons), Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and David (Harris) pose in The Iron Claw.

The cast of The Iron Claw features notable actors such as Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, and Holt McCallany, who bring the Von Erich family members to life on the screen. While the film attempts to honor the wrestling dynasty, the director and writer had to make significant changes to the tale, including the removal of certain figures, altering the genders of characters, and speeding up life-changing events in the family's history.

The Von Erichs brothers in The Iron Claw poster

8 Changes and Inaccuracies in The Iron Claw

The Iron Claw Leaves Out The Sixth Von Erich Brother

Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

One of the most significant changes made in the film was the exclusion of Chris Von Erich, the sixth brother in the Von Erich family. Chris, who struggled with health challenges and the pressure to live up to the family's legacy, tragically died by suicide at the age of 21. Director Sean Durkin chose to remove Chris from the story, citing the film's inability to handle another tragedy. However, elements of Chris's life were incorporated into the character of Mike, one of his brothers, in the film.

Kevin's First Two Children Were Daughters

Lily James and Zac Efron as Pam and Kevin in The Iron Claw holding each other and looking in one another's eyes.

While the movie depicts Kevin and his wife Pamela as having two boys, in reality, they had two daughters first. The decision to change this fact may have been a narrative choice to parallel Kevin's sons with the Von Erich brothers at the end of the film.

David Never Sent Kevin A Postcard From Japan

David Von Erich fights a wrestler in the ring in The Iron Claw

In a departure from reality, the film depicts a postcard from David to Kevin, following David's death. However, this event did not occur in real life. The director and writer emphasized the importance of creating symmetry between the brothers in the film, leading to this fictional addition.

Kerry's Accident Happened In 1986

Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich and Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

The movie fast-tracked Kerry's motorcycle accident by two years for dramatic effect. In reality, the accident occurred in 1986, but in the film, it took place in 1984 to coincide with other events in the storyline. The film also depicts Kerry losing his right foot one day after the accident, while in reality, it happened two years later.

Kerry's Marriage Is Downplayed

jeremy allen white in the iron claw

The film skims over Kerry's marriage and downplays its significance, omitting his two daughters and the details of his divorce. In real life, Kerry's marriage to Catherine and their subsequent divorce were significant events in his life.

Doris & Fritz Separated Before Kerry Died

Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

The film depicts the separation of Doris and Fritz as occurring after Kerry's death, which differs from the actual timeline. In reality, the couple had already separated a year before Kerry's passing.

Kevin Didn't Find Kerry When He Died

Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

A notable change in the film is the depiction of who found Kerry after his death. While the movie shows Kevin finding his brother, in reality, it was their father, Fritz. This alteration was likely made to emphasize Kevin as the main character in the narrative.

The Iron Claw Doesn't Depict David's Daughter's Death

The film does not feature the death of David's infant daughter, Natosha, as part of the family's tragic story. In real life, this was a significant event that contributed to the family's hardships.

The Impact of Changes on The Iron Claw

The alterations made to The Iron Claw bring to light the complexities of adapting real-life events for the screen. While the film captures the essence of the Von Erich family's legacy, it also raises questions about the responsibility of filmmakers in portraying historical figures and events. The decisions to omit certain family members, alter timelines, and downplay significant events in the family's history have sparked discussions about the portrayal of truth in biographical films.

The Von Erich family hugging in the ring and Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich in The Iron Claw with credits behind them

The Iron Claw is a compelling portrayal of the Von Erich family's journey in the world of professional wrestling, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges and controversies that arise when translating real stories into cinematic narratives. As audiences immerse themselves in the drama and emotion of the film, it's essential to acknowledge the factual discrepancies and artistic liberties taken in crafting the story of the Von Erichs.