New film “The Iron Claw” delves into the tragic history of the legendary Von Erich family, who made waves in the world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. However, keen-eyed fans may notice that the youngest brother, Chris Von Erich, has been excluded from the storyline.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, filmmaker Sean Durkin explained his decision to omit Chris from the film. Durkin cited the repetitive nature of the family’s tragedies and the film’s inability to withstand yet another heartbreaking event. Chris, who wrestled alongside his brothers Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike, struggled to match their success due to his asthma and brittle bone condition. Sadly, he died by suicide in 1991 at the age of 21.
The Von Erich family became notorious for their string of misfortunes, commonly dubbed the “Von Erich curse.” David passed away suddenly in 1984, while Mike and Kerry tragically died by suicide in 1987 and 1993, respectively. “The Iron Claw” aims to portray these devastating deaths through the perspective of Kevin, the sole surviving Von Erich brother.
Durkin revealed that Chris was initially part of the script for five years, but eventually, he was removed. This decision, according to the filmmaker, was extremely challenging and one he struggled against for a long time. Despite the omission, Durkin wanted to capture the essence and truth of the family’s journey on screen.
Before reaching out to Kevin, Durkin made a conscious choice to finish writing the script. He wanted to ensure that the characters in the film were separate entities from the real people, allowing him to convey their story genuinely and respectfully.
Currently, “The Iron Claw” is showing in theaters, offering viewers a glimpse into the tumultuous history of the Von Erich family. As audiences explore the film’s narrative, they will undoubtedly be reminded of the strength and resilience that Kevin and his family displayed in the face of overwhelming odds.
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