In theatres October 9. On Apple TV October 16, 2026
SYNOPSIS
Based on true events, Tenzing chronicles the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), a gifted Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), was the first to summit Mount Everest. Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Together, they persuade Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing belongs on the British climbing team, rather than merely serving it.
Where Western climbers see Everest as something to be conquered, Tenzing reveres Chomolungma as the sacred mother goddess. What follows is an ascent defined as much by the tensions between backgrounds, classes and competing ambitions as by the perils of the mountain itself.
But 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 life-long dream and a spiritual calling.
CAST
Genden Phuntsok — Tenzing Norgay
Tom Hiddleston — Edmund Hillary
Thinley Lhamo — Dawa
Caitríona Balfe — Jill Henderson
Willem Dafoe — Colonel John Hunt
CREDITS
Director Jennifer Peedom · Writer Luke Davies
Producers Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning (See-Saw Films), Desray Armstrong, Jennifer Peedom, Luke Davies
Executive producers Norbu Tenzing, Simon Gillis, David Michôd
An Apple Original Film