The incredible life story of legendary Nepalese-Indian Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay is coming to the big screen.
“Tenzing”, the upcoming biographical drama featuring Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok in lead roles, will explore Norgay’s historic ascent of Mount Everest.
Born Namgyal Wangdi and widely celebrated as Sherpa Tenzing, Norgay remains one of the most iconic figures in mountaineering history.
On May 229, 1953, Norgay and New Zealand climber Sir Edmund Hillary were the first confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, as part of the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition.
Also read: It's 72 years since Hillary, Norgay scaled the Everest
An Apple TV project, the film be directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and written by Luke Davies. Phuntsok will star as Tenzing Norgay and Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary.
According to the official synopsis, “Tenzing” chronicles the little-known story of Norgay, a gifted Himalayan climber who became the first person, alongside Hillary, to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
The film follows Tenzing as he is encouraged by his wife, Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), and finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitriona Balfe). Together, they convince Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing deserves a place on the British climbing team rather than simply serving it.
While Western climbers view Everest as a mountain to be conquered, Tenzing reveres "Chomolungma" (historic, traditional Tibetan name for Mount Everest) as the sacred mother goddess.
The journey unfolds against the backdrop of cultural differences, class divides and competing ambitions, while also capturing the dangers of the mountain.
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The official synopsis adds that, high above the world, "empire, rank and aspiration fall away, leaving two outsiders bound by mutual respect and trust, and for Tenzing, the fulfilment of both a lifelong dream and a spiritual calling."
In addition to Phuntsok and Hiddleston, the film also features Willem Dafoe, Caitriona Balfe, Tenzin Dalha and Thinley Lhamo in pivotal roles. The film marks Jennifer Peedom's latest directorial venture and tells what Apple describes as "a story of greatness that refuses to be diminished, and the love that makes it possible."
“Tenzing” will be released in select theatres on October 9, 2026, before premiering globally on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.
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