Maxwell Jacob Friedman has a limited role in The Iron Claw as Lance Von Erich, raising questions about whether his part in the movie’s final cut was reduced. Based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, The Iron Claw received immense acclaim after its release and now ranks among the best biographical sports dramas of all time. The film stars Zac Efron as its lead, Kevin Ross Adkisson, and also features other renowned actors like Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, and Lily James, who portray the other members of the central family.

While The Iron Claw‘s portrayal of the wrestling world and its heartbreaking depiction of the central family’s tragedies make it a compelling watch, the film also keeps viewers engaged by featuring several cameos from the wrestling community. From Ryan Nemeth to Chavo Guerrero Jr., many familiar names and faces appear in the film. Maxwell Jacob Friedman is another renowned real-life wrestler who plays a role in The Iron Claw, but his appearance feels surprisingly short.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s Role As Lance Von Erich In The Iron Claw Explained

Lance Von Erich Was Not Related To The Central Family

Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJK in the world of professional wrestling, plays Lance Von Erich in The Iron Claw. Although the movie does not delve into the details of his character’s relationship with the central family, Lance was actually not related to the Von Erichs by blood. His real name was William Kevin Vaughan, and he only served as a replacement for Mike Von Erich in late 1985 in WCCW (World Class Championship Wrestling) after Mike Von Erich was diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome. Reportedly, MJK was supposed to have a bigger role in the film, but his part was cut for one primary reason.

Lance Von Erich’s Role In The Iron Claw Was Supposed To Be Bigger – Why Was It Cut?

His Role Wasn’t Relevant To The Overarching Story

Maxwell Jacob Friedman only appears briefly in The Iron Claw‘s closing arc. However, as he revealed in an interview (via ComicBook.com), he had a more extended scene in the film, which was removed from the final cut because it did not add more heft to the overarching storyline. He added that as much as he enjoyed shooting his acting debut in the film, he understood his scene did not particularly “fit in the pieces of the puzzle” because the movie had less to do with his character and more to do with the relationship between the Von Erich brothers and the pressures their father put them under.

The crossover wrestling star also praised director Sean Durkin by calling the film an “absolute masterpiece” and not being critical of it for cutting his scenes. He ended his statement by saying audiences will enjoy a director’s cut of The Iron Claw if it ever sees the light of day. Regardless of whether The Iron Claw‘s director’s cut gets released, Maxwell Jacob Friedman did a commendable job with his limited role, which could pave the way for him to land more movie projects.