The third-oldest of the Von Erich siblings, David fell agonizingly short of claiming the coveted NWA World Heavyweight Title during his time inside the ropes, despite numerous battles with the likes of Ric Flair and Harley Race over the years. Away from singles competition, “The Yellow Rose of Texas” would team with his brothers Kevin and Kerry in their iconic feud with The Fabulous Freebirds throughout the 1980s, as well as working in Missouri. 

David passed away in February 1984 during a tour of Japan at the age of 25, with many ex-wrestlers, including Flair and Mick Foley, claiming it came due to a drug overdose, despite the coroner’s report indicating he suffered from acute enteritis. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Matter, with the couple’s only daughter dying just two months after her birth.

Stepping into his shoes for the film will be rising English actor Harris Dickinson, who at 27 years old has already had supporting roles in a number of feature films, including “Maleficient,” “The King’s Man,” and “Where The Crawdads Sing.” However, “The Iron Claw” will be his most prominent role to date. Dickinson first earned fame in 2017, winning the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead in the drama film “Beach Rats,” and is also slated to appear in Steve McQueen’s upcoming film “Blitz”.