There are dozens of films about Mount Everest and the brave people that have attempted to summit the mountain. Like all micro-genres of films, some are good, some are bad, and some are just…whatever. Well, why not add another film to the variety of films about the famous peak, as filmmaker Doug Liman and actor Ewan McGregor are ready to give present yet another story about Everest.
According to HanWay Films, Doug Liman is set to direct “Everest,” a new film about the true story of one man’s attempt to climb Everest and tackle the impossible. In 1921, just after the first World War, George Mallory (Ewan McGregor) is tasked with the challenge to scale Mount Everest. Mallory finds himself going up against his rival, George Finch, in a test to see who is going to reach the summit first. In addition to McGregor, Mark Strong and Sam Heughan are joining the cast as Arthur Hinks and George Finch, respectively.
“We are thrilled to be working with HanWay Films in telling this important and timeless story,” said producer Jennifer Klein. “Bringing ‘Everest’ to screen is more relevant now than ever. In this period of uncertainty, a story of true determination, passion, and positivity can help remind us of what we can overcome.”
HanWay Films’ Gabrielle Stewart added, “Liman and McGregor are passionate adventurers both in life and filmmaking, and this film asks one of the great unresolved questions of the Everest story: was Mallory the first to make it to the top 30 years before Hillary? It would not surprise me if in the wake of this film, and as we approach the centenary of Mallory’s life-taking climb, this great mystery would lead us to one of great discovery.”
Liman is probably best known for his films “The Bourne Identity,” “Edge of Tomorrow,” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” His most recent film is the YA thriller, “Chaos Walking.” He’s also currently attached to direct a new space-set action film starring none other than Tom Cruise.
There’s no release date set for “Everest,” but filming is expected to begin in early 2022.
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
1921. Everest remains the very last great unconquered challenge on earth. Many have sacrificed their sanity and often their lives in the attempt to reach its fabled summit. George Mallory (McGregor) is picked by the arrogant Arthur Hinks (Strong) of the Royal Geographic Society to scale the impossible. Following the First World War, the fading British empire is desperate for a restorative victory, but for Mallory and his rival, the eccentric Aussie George Finch (Heughan), the challenge of Everest has nothing to do with patriotism, instead it is a singular test of self. Climbing without oxygen, to heights not even planes can reach, Mallory‘s successive attempts to make the summit sees a challenge become an all-consuming obsession. It leads him to abandon his beloved wife and three children for months on end, give up his job, and push his body to the limits of human endurance. Everest becomes a very real monster for Mallory, his 45-degree climb to the peak is an inhuman mix of vertigo and nerve-shredding tension, requiring all of his fearlessness and audacity. It takes everything from him for reasons he can barely articulate: because it’s grander than him, it’s the last empty part of the map, and as he simply puts it – ‘because it’s there’.
