Tom Hiddleston is set to portray legendary New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary in the upcoming biopic “Tenzing.” The film will also feature Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, the British Army officer who led the historic expedition that culminated in the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.
Adding to the cast, Irish actress Caitríona Balfe has been announced to play the role of Jill Henderson, who served as the secretary of the Himalayan Club and was a close ally of Tenzing Norgay, instrumental in coordinating expeditions to the summit. Furthermore, Nepali actor Thinley Lhamo will participate in the film in a role yet to be disclosed.
As the production gears up, the crucial casting for the titular character of Tenzing Norgay remains unconfirmed. There are indications that the role may have already been filled, with an official announcement anticipated soon.
The rights to depict this gripping climbing narrative were acquired by Apple Studios during an auction at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. The film is being produced by See-Saw Films, known for their work on the Oscar-winning “The King’s Speech” and the acclaimed New Zealand series “Top Of The Lake.”
Australian director Jennifer Peedom, recognized for her documentaries “Sherpa” and “Miracle on Everest,” will helm the project. She has a notable connection to the Norgay family, enhancing the film’s authenticity. The screenplay, penned by Luke Davies, who received an Oscar nomination for “Lion,” adds further promise to the project.
Production is expected to begin soon in the Everest region, with filming locations including Jomsom, Bandipur, Sindhupalchok, and Khumjung in Solukhumbu, lasting for approximately one month.
Nepal has increasingly become a sought-after location for high-profile international films, as evidenced by the backdrop in movies like “Everest” (2015) and “Doctor Strange” (2016), which have raised the country’s cinematic profile globally.
This upcoming film is highly anticipated, not just for its star-studded cast, but also for its potential to shine a light on the remarkable story of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s legendary achievement.