Interview: Harris Dickinson Discusses the Power of ‘The Iron Claw’

Harris Dickinson has a crucial role in The Iron Claw. He has to portray the golden child among the Von Erich clan, as well as represent a lot of lost promise. It’s a lot to ask, but he’s more than up to the task, bearing the weight of the role with aplomb. My prior discussions with filmmaker Sean Durkin (here), as well as cast members Maura Tierney (here), Stanley Simons (here), Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White (here) are up on the site. Now, it’s Dickinson’s turn.

Below, you can hear my conversation with Dickinson. We talk about what spoke to him about the role, how playing it has impacted him, and even what the actual Von Erich family thinks about the performance. It’s fascinating to listen to, and should, without question, make you even more excited to check out the flick. The Iron Claw is now in theaters, so don’t waste any time…

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

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.

Here now is my interview with The Iron Claw co-star Harris Dickinson. Enjoy:

The Iron Claw is in theaters now!