Zac Efron Shares Stunning Details of His Incredible Transformation for 'The Iron Claw'

Zac Efron, age 36, recently shared his experience of taking on the role of Kevin Von Erich in the upcoming film "The Iron Claw," set to premiere on Friday, December 22. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, November 8, Efron revealed that the transformation process was filled with shocks and surprises. He recounted a moment when he and co-star Harris Dickinson walked out of hair and makeup, both questioning how they had ended up in such a unique situation.

Moreover, aside from acknowledging the contributions of the hair and makeup departments, Efron divulged his revamped exercise regimen in order to accurately portray the renowned wrestler. Efron mentioned how Von Erich, aged 66, "truly inspired me to improve my physical condition for this film."

The way he brought physicality to the ring every day was truly exceptional, revolutionizing wrestling," he added. "I recognized that mastering and perfecting it would be the most challenging aspect for me. Therefore, I dedicated all my efforts to it."

This was not the initial occasion where Efron altered his appearance for a character. In 2017, he adhered to a strict diet and exercise regimen for the film Baywatch. Efron subsequently revealed the feeling of being "burned out" from the intense preparation for the role.

“I began experiencing insomnia and was plunged into a profound state of depression for an extended period,” he shared with Men’s Health in October 2022. “There was something about that ordeal that completely drained me. I struggled immensely to find my equilibrium once again.”

Retired American professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich, along with actor Zac Efron, have been captured in an image by Omar Vega/Getty Images. Efron later uncovered that the diuretics he had been consuming to decrease fluid retention in his body were the culprits. Expressing uncertainty about obtaining the "Baywatch look," Efron explained the artificial appearance caused by the lack of water in the skin, almost like it had been digitally altered. Attaining this look required the use of powerful diuretics like Lasix, which Efron stated he no longer needed to rely on.

Six months after completing the filming, he began to regain his sense of self. At a recent red carpet event on Wednesday, Efron responded to a question about his former co-star Matthew Perry from the movie 17 Again, who tragically passed away last month. Efron expressed his deep admiration and willingness to portray Perry in a biographical film, stating that it would be a great honor.

After Perry's unexpected passing in October, his close friend Athenna Crosby disclosed to ET Canada that Perry had expressed his desire for Efron to depict a younger version of himself in a movie.