Exciting news is brewing in the world of cinema: Hollywood stars Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are in Kathmandu, Nepal, to begin work on the highly anticipated biographical drama Tenzing.
Insiders suggest they’re gearing up to bring Tenzing Norgay Sherpa extraordinary story to life.
Jennifer Peedom is at the helm, with spring 2025 marked as the start of principal photography, and Kathmandu, rich in mountaineering history, is the perfect backdrop.
Here’s what we know so far.
The Insider Scoop
According to our source in India, Tom Hiddleston, who’ll play Sir Edmund Hillary, and Willem Dafoe, cast as Colonel John Hunt, are in Kathmandu to kick off pre‑production and possibly even some early filming.
This fits the spring 2025 timeline that the team announced.
While the production hasn’t made a formal announcement yet, word is that Tenzing is moving full steam ahead in Nepal.
Suggested Read: Wentworth Miller Spouse: Girlfriend, Engaged, Boyfriend, Now
About the Film: Tenzing
Tenzing celebrates Tenzing Norgay, the Nepalese‑Indian Sherpa who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, became one of the first people to summit Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.
The filmmakers aim to spotlight his remarkable journey, honor his cultural heritage, and highlight the vital role Sherpas play in mountaineering, stories that often get glossed over.
See‑Saw Films is producing, with support from Apple Original Films, promising both breathtaking visuals and a narrative with real heart.
The Cast
- Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary: Best known as Loki in the Marvel universe, Hiddleston will portray the determined explorer who forged an iconic partnership with Norgay.
- Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt: The Oscar‑nominated actor (seen in Platoon and Poor Things) takes on the role of the expedition leader whose strategy made the historic ascent possible.
- Tenzing Norgay: Casting for the legendary Sherpa is still under wraps, with the production committed to finding someone who can truly embody his spirit.
Casting for Tenzing Norgay
One intriguing possibility floating around is Tenzing Norgay Trainor, the actor and grandson of the climber, known for his work in Disney’s Liv and Maddie and Netflix’s Abominable.
His personal connection could bring an extra layer of authenticity, though the filmmakers have yet to confirm any names.
Suggested Read: Hosea Chanchez & Tika Sumpter Married? Age, Net Worth
The Director
Jennifer Peedom, an Australian filmmaker who earned the Sherpa community’s trust through her documentaries Sherpa (2015) and Mountain (2017), is directing.
With a screenplay by Luke Davies (Lion), you can expect an approach that’s both respectful and deeply moving.
Suggested Read: Who Is Steelo Brim? Bio, Age, Wife, Son, Net Worth
Why Kathmandu?
Kathmandu isn’t just a convenient shooting spot; it’s the heart of this story.
Roughly 160 kilometers from Everest Base Camp, its bustling markets, ancient temples like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath, and easy access to the Himalayas make it ideal for scenes depicting Norgay’s early life and the expedition’s final preparations.
If our intel is right, the cast and crew are already in full swing.
Suggested Read: Timothée Chalamet: Girlfriend In 2025
Hollywood’s History with Nepal
Nepal’s cinematic appeal isn’t new: Doctor Strange (2016) highlighted its mystical temples and winding streets, while Everest (2015) captured the raw power of the mountain itself.
With Tenzing, audiences worldwide will likely get another breathtaking glimpse of the Himalayas, and perhaps plan their own journeys there.
Read: Linda Ronstadt Wiki, Age, Bio, Husband, Now
Production Details
Filming is slated to span both Nepal and New Zealand, with Kathmandu as the central hub.
Producers Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning, known for their attention to detail, are overseeing the project, and Norbu Tenzing, the climber’s son, is on board as an executive producer to ensure cultural alignment.
While our source hints at significant activity already underway, the team seems determined to keep specifics close to the vest, perhaps to avoid crowds during filming.
