Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe to Star in Biopic "Tenzing"

Oscar-winning indie banner See-Saw Film is lining up a biopic of Tenzing Norgay, the legendary Nepalese-Indian mountaineer who summited Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, becoming one of the first men to stand on the top of the world.

A search is currently underway to cast the lead role of Tenzing Norgay who will star alongside Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as the English expedition leader, Colonel John Hunt.

“Tenzing” is being introduced to buyers at Cannes with Rocket Science launching sales. UTA Independent Film Group and See-Saw’s Cross City Films are co-repping the U.S. 

It comes from acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Peedom who has the exclusive rights to tell Tenzing’s story via his family and has a close relationship with the Sherpa community. 

Peedom is known for her gripping, intimate portraits against epic cinematic landscapes, including the internationally renowned feature documentaries “Solo,” “Sherpa” and “Mountain.” 

The pic is written by Academy Award-nominated Luke Davies (“Lion,” “Beautiful Boy”) and produced by Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning for See-Saw Films, alongside Jennifer Peedom and Davies. Executive producers are Simon Gillis, David Michôd, and Norbu Tenzing.

Tibetan-born Norgay alongside New Zealand mountaineer Hillary, both outsiders on a British Expedition, defy insurmountable odds to achieve what was once thought impossible, reaching the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. 

After six previous attempts, Tenzing risks everything for one final venture. He must navigate treacherous politics and perilous weather as he embarks on the most significant climb of his life. Through it all, he does so with humor, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, but also deep reverence and respect for the sacred Mother Goddess of his Mountain, Chomolungma.

 “Jen is somebody who has earned the respect of our people, understands the community, and is deeply immersed in our culture. She’s a great human being and someone that we trust, and she has had a lifelong interest in the story of my father Tenzing Norgay,". Norbu Tenzing, son of Tenzing Norgay, said. "I am delighted that she has taken on this project and can’t wait for the world to see who my father was."