Movie star Zac Efron has been tapped for a lead role in writer-director Sean Durkin's true wrestling drama film The Iron Claw, which is currently in development at A24. Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film will chronicle the meteoric rise and equally tragic downfall of the famed family of American professional wrestlers. The movie will follow their eventful journey in creating a dynasty that made a massive impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day.
Now, it's been announced (via Deadline) that Efron will take on a lead role in Durkin's The Iron Claw. A24 will be financing the project, which will also be co-produced by Tessa Ross (Ex Machina, The Lobster), Derrin Schlesinger (Four Lions), and Harrison Huffman (The Black Phone). It's unclear who Efron will portray at this time, with further casting announcements expected to be made shortly.
The announcement comes just a few days after the confirmation that the High School Musical star will lead another film project in the form of an untitled Netflix rom-com alongside Nicole Kidman and Joey King. Efron is no stranger to playing a real-life figure, as he expertly showed off his acting chops in 2019's Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, in which he played the role of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. The 17 Again actor has appeared more prominently in dramatic roles as of late, and his casting in The Iron Claw suggests that his efforts have paid off as he looks to deliver another strong entry into A24's impressive array of titles.
Source: Deadline