'Tenzing': A biopic on first Everest climbers in the works
Oscar-winning production company See-Saw Films is gearing up for its new project, Tenzing, a biographical film about Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his historic 1953 ascent of Mount Everest with New Zealand's Edmund Hillary. According to Deadline, the movie will feature BAFTA-nominated actor Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary and Oscar laureate Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, the English expedition leader. The search for an actor to portray Norgay is currently ongoing.
Jennifer Peedom to direct 'Tenzing'
Jennifer Peedom, known for her close ties with the Sherpa community, is set to direct Tenzing. She has been granted exclusive rights by Norgay's family to narrate his story on screen. The script for the film is penned by Oscar-nominated writer Luke Davies. Producers Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning from See-Saw Films will be working alongside Peedom and Davies on this project. Simon Gillis, David Michôd, and Norbu Tenzing are serving as executive producers.
'Tenzing' to showcase historic Everest summit
Tenzing will recount the extraordinary journey of Tibetan-born Norgay and New Zealand mountaineer Hillary, who were both outsiders in a British Expedition. The duo defied overwhelming odds to accomplish what was once deemed impossible - reaching the summit of Mount Everest. After six unsuccessful attempts, Norgay risked everything for one final venture, navigating treacherous politics and hazardous weather on his most significant climb.
'Tenzing' expected to create buzz at Cannes Market
The film Tenzing is anticipated to be a hot project at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. International sales will be handled by Rocket Science in partnership with Cross City Films, See-Saw's in-house sales arm. UTA Independent Film Group and Cross City Films are co-representing the US sale. Filming for Tenzing is scheduled to commence in Spring 2025.
Director and producers expressed excitement for 'Tenzing'
Peedom expressed her thrill about the project, stating, "I could not be more thrilled to be bringing Tenzing Norgay's story to the screen." She praised her cast, including Hiddleston and Dafoe, predicting their pairing with the Himalayan cast will be "electric." Producers Sherman and Canning echoed Peedom's enthusiasm, expressing excitement about embarking on this "exhilarating ascent" under Peedom's direction.
