The Story of the First Everest Ascent: Trailer Released for Drama ‘Tenzing’ Starring Tom Hiddleston

Apple Original Films has released the official trailer for the historical drama “Tenzing”, which centers on the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in May 1953. The film opens in limited theatrical release on October 9, with its digital premiere on Apple TV+ set for October 16, 2026.

Spiritual Perspective on Chomolungma and Equal Status for the Sherpa

The film’s plot chronicles the British Himalayan expedition led by Colonel John Hunt, which culminated on May 29, 1953, in the historic summit reach by Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary.

Unlike classic Western accounts, the movie shifts its focus to Tenzing himself, played by actor Genden Phuntsok. According to the synopsis on Apple TV Press, the drama centers on asserting his right to be recognized as a full pioneer rather than a hired guide.

The narrative contrasts two opposing views of the mountain: the athletic drive of the British to conquer the elements and the traditional beliefs of the Sherpas, who revere Chomolungma as a sacred abode of the gods requiring spiritual humility.

Star-Studded Cast and Eyewitness Accounts

Tom Hiddleston (“Loki”) plays Edmund Hillary, Willem Dafoe portrays expedition leader John Hunt, and Caitríona Balfe (“Outlander”) plays expedition secretary Jill Henderson. The climber’s wife, Dawa, is played by actress Thinley Lhamo.

The film is directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, known for her acclaimed documentaries “Sherpa” and “Mountain”. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director revealed that conversations with Kancha Sherpa — the last surviving member of the 1953 expedition, who passed away in 2025 — served as a key source of detail for screenwriter Luke Davies.

According to Apple TV, the biopic has a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Early screenings have already taken place at the Telluride and Toronto film festivals, where critics praised the film for its authentic high-altitude filmmaking and respect for Nepalese indigenous culture.