Tom Hiddleston, Genden Phuntsok to bring Everest legend Tenzing Norgay’s story to screen

WASHINGTON: The inspiring journey of Nepalese-Indian Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, whose historic ascent of Mount Everest changed the course of mountaineering history, will be explored in the upcoming drama ‘Tenzing’, featuring Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston in lead roles.

Tenzing Norgay is one of mountaineering’s most legendary figures. Born Namgyal Wangdi, and also referred to as Sherpa Tenzing, was a Nepalese-Indian Sherpa mountaineer. On 29 May 1953, he and Edmund Hillary were the first confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, as part of the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition.

Apple TV has announced ‘Tenzing’ a biographical drama based on the remarkable true story of legendary Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay and his historic ascent of Mount Everest alongside New Zealand climber Sir Edmund Hillary.

Directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and written by Luke Davies, the film stars Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay and Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary.

Tom Hiddleston stars in new Everest movie ‘Tenzing’ — Shot across Nepal, premieres October 9https://t.co/QZehqweEwN pic.twitter.com/OOp1UeXbcm

— The Tourism Times (@TheTourismTimes) June 30, 2026

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.

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 fulfillment of both a lifelong dream and a spiritual calling.”

In addition to Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston, the film 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. (ANI)