Exclusive: Tenzing Interviews with Tom Hiddleston, Genden Phuntsok, Willem Dafoe and director Jennifer Peedom
Streaming globally on Apple TV on Friday, October 16, 2026 after being in select theaters on October 9, 2026 is the biographical drama film Tenzing, produced and directed by Jennifer Peedom.
Written by Luke Davies, the film is based on Nepalese-Indian Sherpa Tenzing's 1953 ascent of Mount Everest with New Zealand climber Hillary. The film stars Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary, Willem Dafoe as John Hunt the British expedition team leader, Caitríona Balfe as Jill Henderson, Thinley Lhamo as Dawa Norgay, Tenzing's first wife, and Tenzing Dalha.
"Tenzing” chronicles the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), a gifted Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), became 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.
Produced by Desray Armstrong, Iain Canning, Luke Davies, Jennifer Peedom, Emile Sherman, and Liz Watts. The film had its world premiere at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks to Tenzing cast members Tom Hiddleston, Genden Phuntsok, Willem Dafoe, and Jennifer Peedom (Director/Producer).
