Interview: Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White Tag Team the Brilliance of ‘The Iron Claw’

You’ve never seen Zac Efron like he is in The Iron Claw. Likewise, you’ve never quite seen Jeremy Allen White on the big screen like this. The two actors do some of the year’s finest work here in a film I’m over the moon for. Efron in particular gives one of 2023’s absolute best performances. He’s the heart and soul of the movie, doing things only hinted at in his career so far. The two are not just impressive, but as you’re about to learn, extremely nice as well. Paired up for a conversation with m about the flick, they were generous with their time, ready to laugh, and open to sharing a lot. Hell, they even sort of interview each other at one point. My prior conversations with filmmaker Sean Durkin (here), as well as cast members Maura Tierney (here) and Stanley Simons (here) are up, but now, it’s Efron and White taking a turn.

In my rave review of the film, found here, I had the following to say about the cast, led by Efron:

Zac Efron has never been better, turning in one of the year’s very best performances. He shows you the utter decency of this man, as well as the paranoia that his family, who he loves with all his heart, is cursed. The chemistry he has with his siblings too is something to behold. Efron has always been underrated as an actor, full of charisma and charm, but here he puts it all together. Also delivering terrific work is Jeremy Allen White as the most tortured of the brothers. He has the most intense role and he delivers, including in a scene that had gasps in my premiere screening. White is a heavyweight, to be sure, and this is more evidence of it. Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons have less screen time, but they don’t waste a moment of it. The former wears the weight of being the chosen one of the lot, while the latter shows his passion for music in a beautiful scene. The male central characters are rounded out by patriarch Holt McCallany, who intimidates while also showing his love for his family. That dichotomy is wonderfully displayed, as this is one of the more complex characters of the year. As for the women, Lily James is rock solid as the outsider, while Maura Tierney does so much as the matriarch with just her eyes. A certain scene that’s repeated throughout the film will wreck you. Supporting turns here also include the likes of Kevin Anton, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Michael Harney, and more.

Below, you can hear my discussion with Efron and White. I made sure to mention how much I like the former in Liberal Arts (as well as dropped in a bit on Dirty Grandpa, which amused him), while the latter was seemingly delighted by my fondness for Fingernails. That put the chat in a really good starting spot. Talking about The Iron Claw, I wanted to know about how they did such amazing work, as well as what the experience was like. They didn’t disappoint. You can listen for yourself momentarily, but also be sure to see the film, now that it’s officially in theaters. It’s one of the best works of the year, bar none…

Here now is my interview with The Iron Claw stars Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White. Enjoy:

The Iron Claw is in theaters now!