Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe and Benjamin Hoetjes in “Tenzing,” premiering in theaters October 9, 2026 and on Apple TV October 16, 2026.
Apple Original Films has unveiled the official trailer for “Tenzing,” a sweeping Everest drama that places legendary Himalayan mountaineer Tenzing Norgay at the heart of one of history’s most celebrated climbing stories. Genden Phuntsok stars as Tenzing, alongside Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary.
Directed by Jennifer Peedom, the film revisits the historic 1953 Everest expedition from a perspective rarely given such prominence on the big screen. While the trailer delivers the scale and danger expected from an Everest story, it also presents the mountain as something deeply spiritual to Tenzing rather than simply a summit waiting to be conquered.
“Tenzing” will arrive in select cinemas on October 9, 2026, before its worldwide premiere on Apple TV on October 16.
Genden Phuntsok takes centre stage as Tenzing Norgay
“Tenzing” is based on the historic journey that culminated on May 29, 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest as members of the British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt.
Rather than treating Tenzing as a supporting figure in the famous ascent, Peedom’s film places his life, ambitions and perspective at the centre of the story.
Genden Phuntsok portrays Tenzing, while Tom Hiddleston plays Hillary. Willem Dafoe appears as expedition leader John Hunt, Caitríona Balfe plays expedition secretary Jill Henderson, and Thinley Lhamo portrays Tenzing’s wife, Dawa.
The story explores more than the physical dangers of climbing the world’s highest mountain. Class, background, ambition and Tenzing’s place within the expedition also shape the drama.
At the same time, his relationship with Everest known to him as Chomolungma adds a spiritual dimension that distinguishes the film from more conventional mountaineering adventures.
‘Tenzing’ trailer puts his perspective first
Jennifer Peedom is no stranger to Himalayan stories. The Australian filmmaker previously directed the acclaimed documentary “Sherpa,” which examined Everest through the experiences of the Sherpa community.
With “Tenzing,” she returns to the Himalayas for a narrative feature that again looks beyond the familiar image of Everest as a place of conquest.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Peedom explained that the film was designed to reflect the mountain’s spiritual significance to Tenzing. The production also drew on first-hand knowledge from Kanchha Sherpa, a member of the original 1953 expedition.
That approach is evident in the trailer.
Alongside dangerous climbing sequences and sweeping Himalayan landscapes are quieter moments focused on Tenzing’s family, identity and determination to be recognised as a climber in his own right rather than simply someone serving Western expedition members.
The result appears to be an Everest drama built as much around Tenzing’s personal journey as the historic climb itself.
‘Tenzing’ has a major Nepal connection
For Nepali audiences, the film carries another major point of interest: a significant part of the production was filmed in Nepal.
Filming took place across Nepal and New Zealand, with real mountain environments used to give the production greater authenticity and scale.
During the Nepal shoot in May 2025, Tom Hiddleston drew attention after appearing in costume while filming scenes around Patan. The area was transformed with period costumes, vehicles and production design to recreate the atmosphere of the 1950s.
Production activity was also connected with locations including Bandipur, Sindhupalchok and Khumjung, while the presence of Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe around Kathmandu generated considerable public attention during filming.
The extensive Nepal connection gives “Tenzing” added significance for local viewers, particularly as the story focuses on one of the most internationally recognised figures associated with Himalayan mountaineering.
When will ‘Tenzing’ be released?
“Tenzing” will open in select cinemas on October 9, 2026.
The film will then make its worldwide streaming debut on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.
Ahead of its commercial release, the movie has also gained international festival visibility, with appearances connected to both Telluride and Toronto.
With Tenzing Norgay’s experience driving the story, an international cast led by Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston, and extensive filming in Nepal, “Tenzing” brings together Hollywood scale and a distinctly Himalayan story.
