The Von Erich family is one of professional wrestling’s most well-known stories of tragedy. Patriarch Fritz Von Erich brought his sons into the world of pro wrestling, where they became major stars in the World Class Championship Wrestling territory. Sadly, five of Fritz’s six boys were met with an early death. A new movie is on the way that will tell their horrific tale.

According to Deadline, the new film will star Zac Efron. Efron’s role in “The Iron Claw” is not known at this time. The picture will be written and produced by award-winning filmmaker Sean Durkin.

The Von Erichs were active in pro wrestling for decades, with several of them leaving their mark on the national scene. One by one, they died under terrible circumstances over the years. The Von Erich family is one of wrestling’s most fascinating and horrible stories.

Fritz Von Erich held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in the 1960s. At the time, it was one of the most prestigious wrestling titles in the world. Fritz went on to run World Class in the 1960s. The territory was widely considered one of the best in the nation.

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Tragedy first struck the Von Erichs when Fritz’s first son, Jack Adkinson Jr., was accidentally shocked and drowned at the age of six. David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris all passed away due to substance abuse and suicide.  Kevin Von Erich was born in 1957 and is the only surviving son of Fritz.

The story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty will soon be coming to the big screen. Whatever role he is cast in, Zac Efron will have a heavy burden to carry. The sensitive nature of the Von Erich’s history should be a major tear-jerker for moviegoers.

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Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a news contributor for Ringside News and Thirsty for News. Michael has an M.A. in Communication Technology from Point Park University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

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