Apple's Everest epic 'Tenzing' brings Hiddleston, Dafoe to Nepal
The high-profile shoot for 'Tenzing'—Apple's Everest drama starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe—could boost Nepal's global profile, following films like Doctor Strange and Everest, while highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and natural
A wave of excitement swept through the streets of Kathmandu this week as Hollywood stars Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe were spotted filming in Nepal for 'Tenzing', an upcoming high-profile mountaineering drama backed by Apple.
The film, which tells the story of Sherpa legend Tenzing Norgay, who summited Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, has transformed historic sites like Patan Durbar Square into cinematic sets. Locals and tourists watched in fascination as camera crews worked intermittently from Sunday through Monday, with the actors drawing crowds and setting Nepal’s TikTok sphere alight with selfies and behind-the-scenes clips.
The production team is expected to head to the Everest region in the coming days, though specific locations remain undisclosed. Officials welcomed the film’s presence, saying it will help bring international attention to Nepal’s mountain heritage.
'Tenzing' was recently acquired by Apple, which secured worldwide rights to the film in a deal that sold out of the Cannes film market, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hiddleston stars as New Zealander Edmund Hillary, while Dafoe takes on the role of Colonel John Hunt, the British expedition leader. Casting is currently underway for the title role of Tenzing Norgay.
The film will be directed by Jennifer Peedom, known for her acclaimed documentaries Sherpa and Mountain. Peedom has a long-standing relationship with the Tenzing family and the broader Sherpa community. The screenplay is written by Oscar-nominated Lion writer Luke Davies.
Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are both acclaimed for their versatility. Hiddleston rose to international fame as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Dafoe, a four-time Academy Award nominee, has earned critical acclaim for performances in The Lighthouse, The Florida Project, Platoon, and Spider-Man.
Nepal has long attracted international film productions, especially those set against the backdrop of Everest. Films like Everest (2015) and Marvel's Doctor Strange (2016), which featured scenes shot in Kathmandu, have helped raise the country's global cinematic profile. Observers say projects like 'Tenzing' not only highlight the Sherpa community's pivotal role in mountaineering history but also reinforce Nepal’s status as a destination for adventure tourism and cultural storytelling.
