Tenzing (film)
2026 historical drama film by Jennifer Peedom
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Tenzing is a 2026 biographical drama film directed by Jennifer Peedom and written by Luke Davies. It stars Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary, and Willem Dafoe as John Hunt. The film is based on Nepalese-Tibetan sherpa Norgay's 1953 ascent of Mount Everest with New Zealand climber Hillary.[2]
- Liz Watts
- Emile Sherman
- Iain Canning
- Jennifer Peedom
- Luke Davies
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American promotional poster | |
| 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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Release dates |
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Running time | 125 minutes[1] |
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| Language | English |
The film had its world premiere at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on September 4, 2026.
Cast
- Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay
- Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary
- Willem Dafoe as John Hunt
- Caitríona Balfe as Jill Henderson
- 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.[3] 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.[4][5] Tenzing Norgay's eldest son Norbu Tenzing, is executive producing, along with Simon Gillis and David Michôd.[4]
Originally in production at Netflix and Higher Ground Productions,[6] worldwide rights to the project were acquired by Apple TV+ in a competitive bidding war at the Marché du Film in May 2024.[7][8]
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.[9] Caitríona Balfe joined the cast in May 2025.[10] Thinley Lhamo has an undisclosed role in the film,[11] while Genden Phuntsok joined the cast as Tenzing Norgay in June 2025.[12]
Stefan Duscio is responsible for cinematography, Melinda Doring for production design, and Simon Njoo for editing the film.[4] Principal photography commenced in Nepal in May 2025, with filming on location in Kathmandu and the Everest region.[11] Filming wrapped on August 7, 2025 in New Zealand.[13] Post-production was done by Spectrum Films in Australia.[4]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on September 4, 2026.[14] It will also screen at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 15.[15][16][17]
Tenzing is scheduled to be released in select theaters in the United States on October 9, 2026, and will be released on Apple TV on October 16.[18]