Apple TV sets the theatrical release date for its Everest epic starring Tom Hiddleston. The upcoming film will be released in select theaters before dropping on the streamer.
Apple TV and Tom Hiddleston’s Tenzing to get a theatrical release
Apple TV’s Tom Hiddleston-starrer Tenzing is slated to have a limited release on October 9, 2026. The film follows other Apple TV productions that have been screened in select theaters, such as F1, Killers of the Flower Moon, and The Tragedy of Macbeth, and more. This is in line with Apple’s plan to secure theatrical runs to enhance award eligibility and subscriber acquisition.
The official synopsis of Tenzing reads, “Based on true events, Tenzing chronicles the little-known story of Tenzing Norgay, a gifted Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, was the first to summit Mount Everest. Encouraged by his wife Dawa, Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson. Together, they persuade Colonel John Hunt that Tenzing belongs on the British climbing team, rather than merely serving it. Where Western climbers see Everest as something to be conquered, Tenzing reveres Chomolungma as the sacred mother goddess. What follows is an ascent defined as much by the tensions between backgrounds, classes, and competing ambitions as by the perils of the mountain itself. But high above the world, empire, rank, and aspiration fall away, leaving two outsiders bound by mutual respect and trust — and for Tenzing, the fulfillment of both a lifelong dream and a spiritual calling. Tenzing is a story of greatness that refuses to be diminished — and the love that makes it possible.”
Genden Phuntsok (Meido) will play the titular character, while Tom Hiddleston (Loki) will play Edmund Hillary. Thinley Lhamo (Shambhala) plays Dawa, with Caitríona Balfe (Belfast) and Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man) rounding the core cast as Jill Henderson and Colonel John Hunt. The film is directed by Jennifer Peedom, an Australian filmmaker best known for her documentaries Sherpa, Mountain, and River.
Tenzing was originally supposed to be produced by Netflix and Higher Ground Productions. Apple TV+ later acquired the rights to the project, including worldwide distribution, after a bidding war at the Cannes Market in May 2024.
The film is produced by Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning for See-Saw Films. India Take One Productions and Stranger Than Fiction Films are also attached to the project as producers. Norbu Tenzing, the eldest son of Tenzing Norgay, is also associated as an executive producer. Principal photography began in Nepal (Kathmandu and the Everest region) in May 2025, and filming was wrapped on August 7, 2025, in New Zealand. Spectrum Films is handling Tenzing’s post-production duties in Australia.
Tenzing will be streaming on Apple TV shortly after its theatrical release, from October 16, 2026.
Originally reported by Arvind Rao on ComingSoon.net.
