Whoever says new role says new physical transformation for Zac Efron. The actor explains his motivation behind this metamorphosis.
Back in “Baywatch: Baywatch,” Zac Efron wasn’t afraid to embark on an extraordinary physical transformation. Fresh from his Disney years (particularly with “High School Musical”), the actor had evolved from a teenager with an angelic smile to a muscular lifeguard who would almost overshadow his co-star Dwayne Johnson. This year too, the 36-year-old American was not afraid to change his appearance for a film.
In the biopic “The Iron Claw” (which will be released in cinemas in France on February 14, 2024), Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, an American wrestler with impressive muscles, member of a family of six boys, all passionate about the same discipline.
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Zac Efron transforms into a 1970s wrestler
And for such a role, Zac Efron had no choice but to transform once again to have a believable wrestling body before filming of the Sean Durkin-directed feature film began. “The fact that this movie was a true story motivated me to work on it,” Zac Efron told “Entertainment Tonight” at the premiere of “The Iron Claw” in Dallas, Texas, on November 8. “The physical dimension that he brought to the ring every day is extraordinary. He completely changed the discipline. »
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While the other actors in the film, in which they play Zac Efron’s character’s wrestling brothers, also had to follow some diets and exercise routines, the lead actor added that it was the “most difficult” thing of his entire preparation: “I knew that it would work.” was the most complicated thing for me. But I gave it my all. And Kevin Von Erich himself told me he was happy with the result, so I’m thrilled! I even cried a little, to be honest. »
A bowl cut to complete this transformation and Zac Efron becomes Kevin Von Erich in “The Iron Claw”, alongside Harris Dickinson (“Where the Crawfish Sing”) and Jeremy Allen White (“Shameless”, “The Bear”), the the others are played by members of the wrestling siblings.
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Unfortunately, Harris’ family was known not only for her achievements in the ring, but also for her “curse”: Five of the six Von Erich boys died before their father and trainer, three of them by suicide. A legendary wrestling family is now appearing on the big screen.
“The Iron Claw”, in the cinema on February 14, 2024.