Tom Hiddleston cast as Sir Edmund Hillary in new Everest film about Tenzing Norgay

Tom Hiddleston will play renowned New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hilary in the new film about Nepalese-Indian Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Hilary and Norgay went down in history in 1953 when they achieved what was thought impossible, and reached the 8848-m  summit of Mount Everest. The pair were part of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt, to be played by Willem Dafoe.

Who is behind the film?

Academy Award®, Emmy and BAFTA-winning television and film production house See Saw Productions (The King’s Speech, One Life) is producing the film, while Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom will direct a script by Luke Davies (Lion). Peedom has a long-standing interest in Tenzing Norgay, and directed the 2015 documentary about the Sherpas of Nepal, Sherpa. She has a close relationship with the Norgay family and Sherpa community and has their full support in undertaking the project.

Peedom told Deadline magazine:

“I could not be more thrilled to be bringing Tenzing Norgay’s story to the screen,” said Peedom. “I’ve been working towards this film my whole career, and I’m incredibly grateful to Tenzing’s family for entrusting me with it. I am excited to work with See-Saw Films and our amazing cast to bring this story to life. Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are two of the most generous and talented actors in the business, so pairing them with our brilliant Himalayan cast is going to be electric. I have no doubt this film will resonate widely. We all have our own mountains to climb, and this film shows us what human beings are truly capable of.”:

Who will play Tenzing Norgay?

The search is still underway to cast the lead role of Tenzing Norgay. 

When will filming begin?

Filming is due to commence in Spring 2025. The release date will be confirmed at a later date.