Fans are blown away by Zac Efron's transformation for role playing real-life wrestler

The first trailer for The Iron Claw has been released and we finally get a look at Zac Efron playing a real-life wrestler.

The movie focuses on the Von Erich family, who were a dynasty of wrestlers from the 1960s onwards.

They originated the iron claw professional wrestling hold and rose through the ranks of the sport.

However, while the family was successful inside the ring, they had to battle the 'Von Erich curse' when they weren't wrestling.

The A24 film stars Efron as Kevin Von Erich and is joined on screen by Jeremy Allen White, who plays brother Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson who is cast as fellow brother David Von Erich, and Stanley Simons as brother Mike Von Erich.

Kevin made a name for himself in World Class Championship Wrestling, where he sparked infamous feuds with the likes of Chris Adams, The Fabulous Freebirds, and Ric Flair.

Flair also makes an appearance in the film and is played by Aaron Dean Eisenberg.

The trailer looks like an emotional rollercoaster as delves deep into how the Von Erich family became a household name in the wrestling world.

Viewers have been blown away by Efron's transformation for the role.

A24

One said: "Damn Zac Efron is a beast. Im excited for his acting."

Another added: "Somebody needs to give Zac that He-man role ASAP."

While others thought it looks like they're going to need tissues on standby when they see the film.

"This looks incredible. I literally got chills and my eyes started to water slightly just watching this trailer. I never really knew too much about the Von Erich's growing up but I watched the Dark Side Of The Ring episode about their family and it was brutal. Zac Efron looks like a Von Erich and it is awesome to see him get a role like this and own it. I am both excited and nervous to watch this film," said one viewer.

Another added: "This is such a loud trailer with such sad emotions! I love it. The voice change, the acting looks spectacular! Gonna be a great but depressing movie to watch during Christmas but I am gonna do it anyway!"

Efron beefed up when he was cast in Baywatch and it looks like he's had to get back into the gym hard to play Kevin.

The Iron Claw will be released around the world on December 22 this year.

Topics: Zac Efron, TV and Film

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie