Tenzing (film)
| Tenzing | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jennifer Peedom |
| Written by | Luke Davies |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Stefan Duscio |
| Edited by | Simon Njoo |
| Music by | Rebekka Karijord |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Apple TV |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Tenzing is an upcoming biographical drama film about Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, directed by Jennifer Peedom and written by Australian author Luke Davies. It stars Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as John Hunt. Caitríona Balfe co-stars.
Cast
- Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary
- Willem Dafoe as John Hunt
- Caitríona Balfe as Jill Henderson
- Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay
- Thinley Lhamo as Dawa Norgay
Production
The film is directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, who previously directed the 2015 documentary film Sherpa, and written by Australian writer Luke Davies. It was originally set up at Netflix and Higher Ground Productions in 2021.[1] It is produced by Liz Watts of See-Saw Films, along with Desray Armstrong, Peedom and Davies, with Pravesh Sahni as co-producer. Rakesh Singh line produces for Itop Film Productions.[2][3] Tenzing Norgay's eldest son Norbu Tenzing, is executive producing, along with Simon Gillis and David Michôd.[2]
Netflix and Higher Ground Productions were originally slated to produce the film,[4] but after a bidding war at Cannes Market, Apple TV+ acquired the rights the project, including worldwide distribution rights, in May 2024.[5][6]
In May 2024, Tom Hiddleston was cast as Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as John Hunt, Baron Hunt, with Netflix and Higher Ground no longer attached.[7] Caitríona Balfe joined the cast in May 2025.[8] Thinley Lhamo has an undisclosed role in the film,[9] while Genden Phuntsok joined the cast as Tenzing Norgay in June 2025.[10]
Stefan Duscio is responsible for cinematography, Melinda Doring for production design, and Simon Njoo for editing the film.[2] Principal photography commenced in Nepal in May 2025, with filming on location in Kathmandu and the Everest region expected to last for a month.[9] Filming wrapped on August 7, 2025 in New Zealand.[11]
Post-production is being done by Spectrum Films in Australia.[2]
References
- ^ Peter White (February 5, 2021). "Netflix & The Obamas' Higher Ground Set TV & Film Slate Including 'Firekeeper's Daughter' Adaptation, Tenzing Norgay Feature & National Parks Docuseries". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Keast, Jackie (June 4, 2025). "Jennifer Peedom's 'Tenzing' underway in Nepal". IF Magazine. Archived from the original on July 27, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ^ Warner, Sam (May 10, 2024). "Tom Hiddleston lands next lead movie role". Digital Spy. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Vann-Wall, Silvi (June 10, 2025). "Tenzing: Jennifer Peedom's awaited narrative feature takes Hiddleston and Dafoe to Nepal". ScreenHub Australia. Archived from the original on July 2, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (May 14, 2024). "Apple Makes Worldwide Deal For Everest Sherpa Movie 'Tenzing' Starring Tom Hiddleston & Willem Dafoe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ Yossman, K.J. (May 14, 2024). "Tom Hiddleston Everest Thriller 'Tenzing' Lands at Apple". Variety. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (May 9, 2024). "Tom Hiddleston To Play Sir Edmund Hillary In 'Tenzing' About The First Climbers To Conquer Everest; Willem Dafoe Also Aboard See-Saw Films Pic With Hunt For Tenzing Actor Underway — Cannes Market Hot Project". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (May 6, 2025). "Caitríona Balfe Joins Everest Sherpa Movie 'Tenzing' From Apple And See-Saw Films". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Rose, Tom (May 7, 2025). "Apple's new Everest film Tenzing starts shooting in Nepal with Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (June 3, 2025). "Genden Phuntsok Lands Title Role In Apple's Mount Everest Expedition Flick 'Tenzing' – First Look". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ @_filmcrave (August 7, 2025). "Jennifer Peedom's #Tenzing starring Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe and Caitríona Balfe has officially wrapped filming. It follows the inspirational life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his summit of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside fellow outsider New Zealander Edmund Hillary" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).