‘Tenzing’: Caitríona Balfe Joins Tom Hiddleston & Willem Dafoe In ’50s-Set Mount Everest Peroid Drama At Apple

Documentary filmmaker Jennifer Peedom (“Deeper”) is behind a new scripted Mount Everest sherpa film titled “Tenzing,” that stars Tom Hiddleston (“The Life of Chuck”) and Willem Dafoe (“Poor Things”), as another high-profile actor has joined the film’s cast.

Deadline reports that Irish actress Caitríona Balfe (“The Amateur”) has been tapped for a leading role in the movie at Apple and See-Saw Films, who is likely best known for roles in the romantic time-traveling series “Outlander,” James Mangold‘s “Ford v Ferrari,” Kenneth Branagh‘s autobiographical Dublin-set drama “Belfast,” “The Cut,” and “Money Monster.”

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The period biopic written by Luke Davies (“Lion”) focuses on Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his summit of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside fellow outsider New Zealander Edmund Hillary. Balfe, according to the new reporting, will play Jill Henderson, a friend of Tenzing who helped organize trips up Mount Everest.

Peedom has a unique relationship with the Tenzing family and the Sherpa community thanks to multiple documentaries about mountain climbing, including “Sherpa.”

An official logline for “Tenzing,” as mentioned by Deadline:

Tibetan-born Tenzing Norgay, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, both outsiders on a British Expedition, defied 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 risked everything for one final venture. He had to navigate treacherous politics and perilous weather as he embarked on the most significant climb of his life. Through it all, he did so with humor, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, but also deep reverence and respect for the sacred Mother Goddess of his Mountain, Jomolungma.

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The producing team features Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning at See-Saw, alongside Desray Armstrong, Peedom, Davies, Simon Gillis, David Michôd, and Norbu Tenzing.