Jeremy Allen White engages in ‘gross’ diet for wrestling biopic ‘Iron Claw’: ‘It’s no way to live’

Jeremy Allen White meant “no, chef” when it came to having his mega-meals ahead of the wrestling biopic ‘The Iron Claw’.

White plays wrestler Kerry Von Erich aka the Texas Tornado in the upcoming A24 film. Zac Efron plays the titular role of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich, with Harris Dickinson, Lily James, Holt McCallany and Maura Tierney also appearing in the Sean Durkin film tracing the Von Erich family’s wrestling dynasty.

To beef up to play the Texas Tornado, White said he was committed to a “gross” high-protein diet.

“(I was) eating all the time. Like, never stop,” the “Bear” star said. Squire. “In the morning, I’d have waffles, almond butter. In the middle of the day, I always had turkey meatballs and avocados. It’s really disgusting. You’re trying to consume as much as possible, and to be honest, you’re not feeling well. I was training too, but, I don’t know, trying to get that big is no way to live.

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White added that co-star Efron is a “freak” when it comes to physical transformation for the role.

“He is so focused and knowledgeable about training and diet and everything. In terms of the physical transformation, I think he blew us all out of the water,” White said. ‘He looks really cool in this thing.’

The “Shameless” alum teases that the wrestling biopic is “so interesting and crazy and sad” when it comes to the downfall of the Von Erichs.

“I was a fan of wrestling, but I didn’t know the history of the Von Erichs,” White said. “(Director) Sean did a great job. He’s been a fan of wrestling and the Von Erichs since he was a kid, so it seems to me that he understands the story so intimately that he’s got a really nice perspective on it. And it was great to work with Zac and Harris.

White previously told GQ that Efron sent him a “really lovely note” ahead of production that read, “Work out, eat, keep doing what you’re doing, be tough.” White attempted to pack on 40 pounds of muscle for the role, with Efron undergoing an incredible transformation to play Kevin Von Erich.