Or at least, the eldest still alive as this particular story begins.
ZAC EFRON: Oh, Im just overwhelmingly grateful for this whole experience.
Its rekindled a fire in me, and really, it just makes me feel incredibly grateful.
Zac Efron as wrestler Kevin Von Erich in ‘The Iron Claw’Brian Roedel/A24
DEADLINE: People are talking about this as a career-best performance that shows a different side to your capabilities.
Is that an opportunity youve beenwaiting for?
This experience and hearing peoples words on the movie, it just means everything, man.
Its hard to put into words.
DEADLINE: What in this story did you connect most deeply with, when you were approached?
EFRON: It was really Kevins journey and the connection with this family.
I think this is the movie Ive always wanted to make.
How did you relate to that facet of his experience?
In what sense has contemplation of masculinity factored into your own life and work?
EFRON: Its interesting because I think the definition of masculinity is always changing.
It was something that, for some reason, was close to me.
DEADLINE: Tell us about the preparation behind your performance.
EFRON: Nothing could prepare me for the wrestling.
[Laughs] The physical preparation and the training, thats something that Ive always found very interesting.
Ive always admired peoples transformations, in particular for movie roles.
I just find that dedication fascinating and special when I see it.
So in training for this, I got to train essentially for my championship, my belt match.
It all came down to, how precise is my training?
Ho dedicated am I to this?
How hard can I push?
I think I shed a skin somewhere in those seven months where Kevin was really at the wheel.
It felt honest, it felt real.
It, in many ways, built the bond that we had as brothers for the movie.
I guess most of the training and preparation for this movie was done alone.
I didnt really reach out to friends or family, and it was a very isolating process.
DEADLINE: There are few performers who can transform themselves for a role in the way that you could.
What is it like, living that kind of life?
EFRON: Its everything, man.
I think the main thing I focus on is balance.
But to be honest, I dont think Ill ever be the same after playing Kevin.
It definitely changed me; Im still coming back to Zac.
EFRON: The character will always live in me.
Kevin, hes now a piece of me, and I think Im a piece of him.
EFRON: Its definitely very meaningful.
Knowing he was ultimately going to going to experience the movie, sometimes its daunting.
you could drive yourself crazy, overthinking it.
Theres a part of you that has to just trust the process and believe in the work.
There was something deep down in me that felt very proud and humbled that Kevin was receptive.
DEADLINE: What are your hopes for the next stages of your career?
EFRON: I think looking forward now, Im just looking at every project with a fuller view.
Ill definitely be more selective, I think, in the best ways.
This is why Ive always wanted to make movies.
And it does take a lot out of you.
So, I think less is more in these moments.
I really enjoy working with directors that have a vision and that can guide.
I cant pick a genre or a style of film that would be the most appealing next.
