Tenzing (2026): cast, story, release date and box office

Tenzing (2026) is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Nepalese-Indian Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's 1953 ascent of Mount Everest with New Zealand climber Edmund Hillary. Directed by Jennifer Peedom and written by Luke Davies, the film is an international co-production based on a historic mountain-climbing achievement.

The story follows Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, as he partners with Edmund Hillary to climb Mount Everest in 1953. It portrays the challenges of high-altitude climbing, the preparation, and the physical and emotional toll on both climbers. The film emphasizes the collaboration between the Sherpa and the Western climber, highlighting the role of local guides in high-altitude expeditions. The narrative unfolds through a realistic, grounded lens, focusing on the human elements of preparation, risk, and perseverance.

Cast and characters:

• Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay
• Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary
• Willem Dafoe as John Hunt, Baron Hunt
• Caitríona Balfe in a supporting role

Release date: The global debut of the film took place on September 4, 2026, at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival. The global debut of the film took place on September 4, 2026, at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival.

Box office: No box office figures are available in the sources.

Where to watch: The film is available on Apple TV. Availability varies by country.

Behind the scenes: The film was originally set up at Netflix and Higher Ground Productions in 2021. Apple TV+ secured the global distribution rights during a bidding contest at the Marché du Film in May 2024. It is produced by See-Saw Films, with co-production by Desray Armstrong, Jennifer Peedom, and Luke Davies, and Pravesh Sahni as co-producer. Rakesh Singh line produces for Itop Film Productions. Norbu Tenzing, the firstborn of Tenzing Norgay, is co-producing the project with Simon Gillis and David Michôd. The film's music is composed by Rebekka Karijord. It received positive reviews from critics, with a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 51 reviews and an average score of 7.3/10. Metacritic assigned it a score of 67 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Tenzing won the 49th Mill Valley Film Festival overall audience award on October 12, 2026.

The film is a biographical drama with a runtime of 126 minutes and an MPA rating of PG. It was distributed by Apple Original Films.

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Where to watch

Tenzing is in US theaters now. It is listed for streaming on Apple TV. Availability changes and differs by country, so check the service before you subscribe. The film box at the top of this guide links to every streaming, rental and purchase option.