Apple to Premiere 'Tenzing' in Theaters October 9

Apple has announced that "Tenzing," a new film based on the true story of Mount Everest pioneer Tenzing Norgay, will premiere in select theaters on October 9 before debuting on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.



Based on true events, the film tells the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay, portrayed by Genden Phuntsok, a gifted Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), was the first to summit Mount Everest. Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Together, they persuade Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing belongs on the British climbing team, rather than merely serving it.


Where many Western climbers saw Everest as something to be conquered, Tenzing revered Chomolungma as the sacred mother goddess. The story explores the cultural differences, class divisions, and competing ambitions that shaped the historic expedition before ultimately showing how the climb leaves Tenzing and Hillary bound by mutual respect and trust.

"Tenzing" is directed by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedom. Apple describes the film as a story of "greatness that refuses to be diminished — and the love that makes it possible."

The film premieres in select theaters on October 9, 2026, and debuts on Apple TV on October 16, 2026.