Tom Hiddleston's Everest Basecamp Trek

Tom Hiddleston trekked to Everest Basecamp with Genden Phuntsok to follow Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary's footsteps.

Learning to Navigate Crevasses

Tom Hiddleston learned to navigate crevasses, climb ice walls, and boulders during the trek to Everest Basecamp.

Genden Phuntsok's High-Altitude Experience

Genden Phuntsok, who grew up on the Tibetan Plateau, had high-altitude experience but no prior climbing skills for the role.

Willem Dafoe Overcomes Height Fear

Willem Dafoe overcame his fear of heights to film the 1953 Everest expedition led by Colonel John Hunt.

Real Crevasse Climbing Scene

Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok actually climbed out of a crevasse during filming of 'Tenzing' on Everest's basecamp trek.

“We did it for real. It really happened to Hillary and it really happened to me.”

The Crevasse Incident

Tom Hiddleston fell into a crevasse during filming, and Genden Phuntsok helped him climb out using a rope.

“When I pulled Tom up at the edge of the crevasse, the relationship became like real brothers.”

Sherpa Culture and Training

Tom Hiddleston met Sherpas including Phurba Tashi, who has summited Everest 21 times, during the trek to Everest Basecamp.

Climbing Skills for the Role

Tom Hiddleston learned ice climbing, cutting steps, and rope management for his role as Edmund Hillary.

The Real Crevasse Experience

Tom Hiddleston fell into a crevasse during filming, and Genden Phuntsok helped him climb out using a rope.

“We did it for real. It really happened to Hillary and it really happened to me.”

Willem Dafoe's Height Challenge

Willem Dafoe overcame his fear of heights by focusing on what was in front of him during the Lhotse Face sequence.

Climbing as Self-Discovery

Willem Dafoe learned about his body's limits and mental resilience through the physical demands of filming on Everest.

Avalanche Witness

Willem Dafoe witnessed an avalanche while filming on Everest's basecamp, describing its force and impact.

“Needless to say, you’ve got to see one to believe it.”

The Real Crevasse Climbing Scene

Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok actually climbed out of a crevasse during filming of 'Tenzing' on Everest's basecamp trek.

“We did it for real. It really happened to Hillary and it really happened to me.”

The Bonding Experience

Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston formed a strong bond during the real crevasse rescue scene.

“When I pulled Tom up at the edge of the crevasse, the relationship became like real brothers.”

The Real Everest Experience

Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok saw Everest for the first time during the trek to Everest Basecamp.

“We saw Everest together for the first time, at the same time.”

The Real Crevasse Climbing Scene

Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok actually climbed out of a crevasse during filming of 'Tenzing' on Everest's basecamp trek.

“We did it for real. It really happened to Hillary and it really happened to me.”