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Apple Original Films has unveiled the official trailer for Tenzing, an epic new biographical drama recounting one of the most extraordinary achievements in mountaineering history.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, the film stars Genden Phuntsok as legendary Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, with Tom Hiddleston portraying New Zealand explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. Willem Dafoe and Caitríona Balfe also feature in the impressive ensemble cast.
Set against the unforgiving beauty of the Himalayas, Tenzing revisits the 1953 expedition that saw Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary become the first climbers to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest.
However, the film promises to tell the story from Tenzing’s perspective, exploring the man behind one of the most famous moments in climbing history.
The trailer introduces Tenzing as a highly skilled climber whose knowledge of the mountain is essential to the British expedition. With the support of his wife Dawa, played by Thinley Lhamo, Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson, portrayed by Caitríona Balfe.
Together, they push for Tenzing to be recognised as a genuine member of the climbing team rather than simply someone expected to serve the expedition.
That struggle becomes an important part of the story as the expedition brings together people from vastly different backgrounds, cultures and social positions.
Hiddleston’s Hillary ultimately becomes Tenzing’s climbing partner, with their relationship developing amid the extraordinary physical challenges of attempting to conquer the world’s highest mountain.
The film also places particular emphasis on Tenzing’s spiritual connection to the mountain. While Western climbers approach Everest as a challenge to overcome, Tenzing reveres Chomolungma as a sacred presence, giving the historic expedition a deeper personal and cultural significance.
Alongside Hiddleston and Phuntsok, Dafoe stars as expedition leader Colonel John Hunt, while Balfe plays Jill Henderson. The screenplay comes from Luke Davies, with Peedom and Davies credited with the story.
Tenzing previously premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival before screening at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film will receive a limited theatrical release on October 9, 2026, before arriving globally on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.
