Tom Hiddleston Willem Dafoe Tenzing

Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe Tapped to Star in Mount Everest Thriller Tenzing

Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are starring in a new Mount Everest-based thriller titled Tenzing.

Per Variety, Apple Original Films has acquired Tenzing, a new thriller movie about Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s journey to the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.

Hiddleston will play Hillary in the film, while Dafoe is expected to star as expedition leader Colonel John Hunt. Further casting is currently underway.

What is Tenzing about?

“Tibetan-born Tenzing Norgay, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, both outsiders on a British Expedition, defied insurmountable odds to achieve what was once thought impossible, reaching the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest,” the synopsis reads. “After six previous attempts, Tenzing risked everything for one final venture. He had to navigate treacherous politics and perilous weather as he embarked on the most significant climb of his life. Through it all, he did so with humor, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, but also deep reverence and respect for the sacred Mother Goddess of his Mountain, Chomolungma.”

Tenzing is directed by Jennifer Peedom, who has previously helmed documentaries such as 2008’s Solo, 2008’s Miracle on Everest, 2015’s Sherpa, 2017’s Mountain, 2018’s Mountain Quest, and 2021’s River.

The screenplay for Tenzing was written by Luke Davies. Davies and Peedom are also producing the film alongside Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, and Desray Armstrong. Simon Gillis, David Michôd, and Norbu Tenzing serve as executive producers.

Hiddleston is best known for playing Marvel’s Loki, as he hasn’t appeared in a live-action feature film project outside of the MCU since 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. He’s attached to star in Mike Flanagan’s upcoming Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck. 

Dafoe, meanwhile, recently starred in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things. He’ll soon be seen in Lanthimos’ next movie, Kinds of Kindness, which releases in June 2024, along with the upcoming sequel to Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice.

Tenzing does not yet have a release date from Apple Original Films.

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