Zac Efron Salary for Playing Kevin Von Erich in “The Iron Claw”: Revealed 

The Iron Claw unapologetically holds a mirror to the world of professional wrestling – the same world it bases itself on. The A24 film, which brims with energy but also superficiality, is based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty – a Texas family plagued by tragedy.

Zac Efron in The Iron Claw | Credits: A24

Sean Durkin, known best for Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Nest, assembled a strong cast for the film, including Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Holt McCallany. 

Efron’s journey from the boy in High School Musical to wrestler Kevin Von Erich, the loyal leader of the wrestling clan, does reflect his versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles. That, nevertheless, is for the soul, but what about the tummy? Let’s look into what Zac Efron might have earned for playing Von Erich.

Breaking down how much Zac Efron made from A24’s The Iron Claw

While Zac Efron’s exact salary for The Iron Claw remains undisclosed, a closer look at his career choices and the film’s budget clears out the fog. Efron is a bankable star, typically commanding around $5 million per movie. The Iron Claw, however, falls into a different category. 

A still from the film | Credits: A24

Writer-director Sean Durkin’s approach to telling this story leans heavily into the sorrow that follows the Von Erichs. With its mid-range budget of $15.9 million, the film likely required its cast to accept relatively modest paychecks compared to high-budget blockbusters.

To better estimate Efron’s earnings for The Iron Claw, we can look at some of his pay for previous projects. Efron reportedly earned $8 million for Neighbors, which bodes well with the film’s production value and wide commercial appeal. 

For Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019) an independent biographical crime drama, Efron is estimated to have earned around $1 million, given the film’s limited budget and niche audience.

These figures show that there is a likelihood of a middle-ground for salary on Iron Claw, with Efron showing a willingness to adapt his earnings based on a project’s scope.

A still from the film | Credits: A24

Given The Iron Claw’s budget status, Efron’s paycheck likely falls between $2 million and $5 million, with some sources, however, quoting $2 million as the definitive amount. The film made $45,204,449 worldwide, and much can be attributed to Efron. 

Jeremy Allen White, who plays Kerry von Erich, reportedly earned the highest salary after Efron at $500,000. Harris Dickinson’s David von Erich, took home $300,000, while Maura Tierney, as Doris von Erich, is said to have earned $250,000.

Zac Efron on playing Kevin Von Erich

The Iron Claw was Efron’s most challenging film yet in what he describes as “the best ways possible.” Playing Kevin Von Erich, the eldest surviving son of a Texas wrestling dynasty, Zac Efon’s Kevin rises as a loving leader among his brothers, only to witness their devastating deaths under the shadow of the so-called “Von Erich curse.”

A still from the film | Credits: A24

Efron, who gained 15 pounds of muscle for the role, delivers what many are calling a career-best performance. “It rekindled a fire in me,” he shares. “This is the movie I’ve always wanted to make.” 

He connected most with Kevin’s perseverance, describing his journey as one of “immense courage” in the face of overwhelming loss. “There’s something about this story that can have a meaningful, measurable impact on how we view life.”

The physical and emotional preparation for the role was intense. “Nothing could prepare me for the wrestling,” Efron laughs. Training for months, he found isolation in the process but discovered camaraderie with his co-stars when filming began. “That bond we built as brothers translates into the film in the best way possible.” Efron also reflects on masculinity, a central theme in The Iron Claw.

The definition of masculinity is always evolving. This story explores the pressure to push physical and emotional limits. It’s something I’ve felt in my own life.

Meeting the real Kevin Von Erich also brought closure. “Knowing he’d see the film was daunting,” Efron admits. “But hearing Kevin say he felt his brother’s presence in the movie…that’s everything.” Looking ahead, however, Efron plans to be more selective with his choices. 

What is on the horizon for Zac Efron?

A still from the film | Credits: A24

Zac Efron is taking a more deliberate approach to his career now. After his transformative experience on The Iron Claw, he’s gained a renewed perspective on the kind of projects he wants to pursue. “I’m looking at every project with a fuller view,” he explains. He would say further,

I want to work with directors who have a real story to tell, a perspective, and a group around them whose commitment matches mine. It’s about giving the audience a reason to see the film.

Efron, nevertheless, does acknowledge the intense demands that come with fully immersing himself in a role, which is why he plans to prioritize balance moving forward.

It does take a lot out of you. I think less is more in these moments. I want to take care of myself enough to be able to give everything to the next adventure, to the next journey.

His focus now is on selecting projects that align with his passion and sense of responsibility. “This is why I’ve always wanted to make movies,” he says. “I view it more as a responsibility now, and that’s naturally going to make me more selective.” 

Wrestling fans may revel in the nostalgic excess of The Iron Claw, but the same cannot be said for people new to the performance art. It, nevertheless, remains a standout Zac Efron performance that does more in changing the perceptions around the High School boy we’ve come to know, than otherwise.

Check out The Iron Claw on Max