Iron Claw Interview: Sean Durkin on Authenticity vs. Creative License

One especially complicated aspect of adapting someone’s true story to screen is figuring out when to hold tight to true events and when creative license will best serve the movie. That’s what writer-director Sean Durkin worked on for seven years while writing the script for The Iron Claw.
The movie stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney, and Holt McCallany as the Von Erich family. They’re legends in Texas, but eager to rise higher in the ranks in the processional wrestling space. While feeling the pressure of their father’s (McCallany) unreasonably high expectations, the Von Erich brothers struggle to power through significant tragedy while chasing the spotlight on one of the biggest stages in sports.
With The Iron Claw now playing in theaters nationwide, I got the chance to have a short conversation with Durkin about a number of key elements of the film. Check out the video at the top of this article or the interview transcript below to learn about his approach to balancing authenticity and creative license, what he looks for in a lead actor, times on set when it was most important to trust his instincts, and more.
#a24 #interview #wrestling
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[@RemiOlutimayin]

As a kid in Lagos, Nigeria, growing up in the 80s... I lived for those brothers.

[@dw3808]

Durkin... Congrats.... Shoot the med ball like a basketball

[@__-wm9lu]

1:54 Kevin has said “I used to be the oldest of 5 brothers. And now, I’m not even a brother.” This move BUTCHERED this beautiful quote so bad.

[@rathergenericproductions2123]

Hard disagree. I love the quote used in the film

[@__-wm9lu]

@@rathergenericproductions2123 youd also love dangling keys

[@rathergenericproductions2123]

@@__-wm9lu Right because I’m a baby, and yet you’re the one whining