Mount Everest has produced one of the most famous stories in mountaineering history. Now, a new film is asking audiences to look beyond the summit — and toward the man whose contribution helped make that historic achievement possible.

Apple Original Films has released the official trailer for Tenzing, a new drama based on the true story of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s historic first ascent of Mount Everest. The film stars Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing, with Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe as expedition leader Colonel John Hunt.

Set against the breathtaking but dangerous landscape of the Himalayas, Tenzing takes audiences back to the 1950s and the expedition that ultimately saw Tenzing and Hillary become the first climbers to reach the summit of Everest.

But the film’s focus is deliberately different from the traditional version of the story.

Rather than presenting the expedition simply as a legendary achievement, Tenzing explores the personal struggles, cultural differences and tensions surrounding the climb. Tenzing was a gifted Himalayan climber whose experience and knowledge of the mountain were crucial to the expedition, yet the historical narrative has often placed greater emphasis on Hillary.

The trailer promises to put Tenzing at the center of his own story.

His journey is also deeply connected to his relationship with his wife, Dawa, played by Thinley Lhamo. Her encouragement becomes an important source of strength as Tenzing fights for his place on the British climbing team.

He also finds an unexpected ally in Jill Henderson, portrayed by Caitríona Balfe. Together, they work to convince Colonel Hunt that Tenzing should be recognized as a climber and expedition member rather than simply serving the British team.

That conflict reflects a much larger divide.

For some Western climbers, Everest represents an extraordinary challenge waiting to be conquered. For Tenzing, the mountain — known to him as Chomolungma — carries a profound spiritual significance. The film uses that contrast to explore different ways of understanding the same mountain and the meaning of reaching its summit.

Yet as the expedition moves higher, those divisions begin to fade.

The official synopsis describes Tenzing and Hillary as two outsiders who ultimately develop mutual respect and trust. Their partnership becomes the emotional center of a story shaped by ambition, identity, class and the lingering influence of empire.

Behind the camera is Jennifer Peedom, the award-winning filmmaker known for her work documenting mountaineering and extreme environments. The screenplay is written by Luke Davies, with Peedom and Davies developing the story together.

The casting also gives the film considerable international appeal. Alongside Phuntsok, Hiddleston and Dafoe, the movie features Balfe, Lhamo and Tenzin Dalha.

Tenzing will arrive in select theaters on October 9, 2026, before its global premiere on Apple TV on October 16.

The summit may be the part of the story history remembers most clearly.

But this film wants audiences to remember the man who helped make it possible.

Source: Various sources.