Apple Original Films’ upcoming historical drama Tenzing actually stars Tom Hiddleston as New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. Here’s everything we know about the movie so far…
Apple Original Films’ upcoming historical drama Tenzing actually stars Tom Hiddleston as New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary alongside lead star Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay.
The True Story: Tenzing chronicles the historic 1953 Everest expedition through the eyes of Himalayan climber Tenzing Norgay.
Star-Studded Ensemble: The drama stars Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe, Caitríona Balfe, and Thinley Lhamo.
Release Windows: The film hits select theaters on October 9, 2026, before streaming globally on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.
A Spiritual and Cultural Descent on Mount Everest
Based on extraordinary true events, Tenzing brings a fresh perspective to one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Rather than framing the journey solely around the Western ambition to “conquer” nature, the narrative centers on Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), a gifted Himalayan climber who revered the mountain as Chomolungma, the sacred mother goddess.
Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), Tenzing finds a crucial ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Together, they convince expedition leader Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing belongs on the core British climbing team as an equal partner rather than merely serving it. What follows is an ascent defined as much by class, cultural differences, and social tensions as by the extreme perils of the mountain.
High above the world, empire, rank, and ambition fall away, leaving two outsiders—Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston)—bound by mutual trust, culminating in the fulfillment of a lifelong spiritual calling.
Release Date: When & Where to Watch
Apple Original Films has slated an autumn release strategy for the period drama:
In Select Theaters: October 9, 2026
Streaming on Apple TV: October 16, 2026
Cast
The project is helmed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa, Mountain), with a screenplay written by Oscar nominee Luke Davies (Lion).
Genden Phuntsok
Tom Hiddleston
Willem Dafoe
Caitríona Balfe
A trailer will be released in due course.
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