Caitriona Balfe Joins Cast of Tenzing Biopic with Tom Hiddleston

LOS ANGELES, CA – Caitriona Balfe, known for her role as Claire Fraser in the Starz series Outlander, will star in the upcoming biopic Tenzing, which chronicles the life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. This project marks Balfe’s first significant film role since completing her time on Outlander later this year.

Balfe will portray Jill Henderson, a key figure who aided Tenzing in organizing expeditions up Mount Everest. The film, which also stars Tom Hiddleston as Mount Everest expedition leader Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, focuses on the historic 1953 ascent of the world’s highest peak.

An official synopsis reveals that both Tenzing Norgay and Hillary faced numerous challenges during their climb, defying significant odds to reach the summit. After six prior attempts, Tenzing took one last risk, navigating treacherous political landscapes and harsh weather conditions to achieve what many deemed impossible.

Director Jennifer Peedom, acclaimed for her documentaries, stated she has dedicated her career to making this film. She expressed excitement about working with Hiddleston and Dafoe, describing the combination as “electric.” Peedom also indicated her belief that Tenzing’s story would resonate with audiences, emphasizing the universal challenges people face.

Coming from the Oscar-winning production company See-Saw Films, known for The King’s Speech, the screenplay is being crafted by Oscar-nominee Luke Davies, who is known for his work on Lion. Balfe’s fans can anticipate a stirring retelling of Tenzing’s remarkable journey steeped in both peril and inspiration.