# Release of Tenzing film about Everest ascent

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-tenzing-film-about-everest-ascent
> Updated: 2026-09-03T20:16:50.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Apple Studios is producing ‘Tenzing’, a period adventure drama directed by Jennifer Peedom that depicts the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest. The film aims to shift traditional Western-centric narratives by centering on the Tibetan climber Tenzing Norgay, played by Genden Phuntsok, alongside Edmund Hillary, played by Tom Hiddleston. Willem Dafoe stars as expedition leader Colonel John Hunt.

To ensure authenticity, the production filmed in real mountain conditions across Nepal and New Zealand. The film is scheduled for a world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on September 5, followed by a European premiere at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival on September 24. A limited theatrical release is set for October 9, with a global release on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Apple Studios announces “Tenzing” film about Everest ascent

Apple Studios' upcoming film “Tenzing” re-centers the historic Everest ascent on Tibetan climber Tenzing Norgay, starring Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-studios-announces-tenzing-film-about-everest-ascent

### 2026-08-25: Zurich Film Festival to open with ‘Tenzing’ starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe

The Zurich Film Festival will open on September 24 with the European premiere of ‘Tenzing’, starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, depicting the first ascent of Mount Everest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zurich-film-festival-to-open-with-tenzing-starring-tom-hiddleston-and-willem-dafoe

---
Cite as: Release of Tenzing film about Everest ascent. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-tenzing-film-about-everest-ascent