The biceps and bro love will flow freely this December, as a new sports drama starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White has been given the greenlight to conduct publicity from striking union SAG-AFTRA.
“The Iron Claw,” about the ill-fated American pro wrestling family the Von Erichs, has received an interim agreement from the actors guild – meaning its stars are clear to promote the film around the world before it sees a wide release this holiday season.
Efron and White star as Kevin and Kerry Von Erich, respectively, brothers who were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for throwing down in the ring throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Sean Durkin (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”) serves as writer-director on the project, which tells an inspiring story of athleticism mixed with myriad personal tragedies suffered in a family circle (something that became known as “the Von Erich curse” in its day).
The cast is rounded out by Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, Maura Tierney and Lily James. “The Iron Claw” serves as prime counter-programming on its Dec. 22 release date, opening against Universal and Illumination’s animated comedy “Migration.” Both will be followed in quick succession by the tentpole releases “Aquaman 2” and the splashy WB movie musical “The Color Purple.”
Producers are Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont from House Productions, Durkin and A24. Derrin Schlesinger and Harrison Huffman, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen and Eva Yates serve as executive producers.
The film was developed by House Productions, with the support of Access Entertainment and BBC Film (who also co-finaced). A24 is also producer and financier.
