Tom Hiddleston Opens Zurich With 'Tenzing' and Takes Golden Eye Award

Tom Hiddleston opened the 22nd Zurich Film Festival on Sept. 24 with the European premiere of “Tenzing” and received a Golden Eye Award on the night, according to Variety. He presented the film as the opening-night title at the Kongresshaus. Willem Dafoe joined him for the launch.

Hiddleston plays New Zealand climber Edmund Hillary in “Tenzing.” Genden Phuntsok plays Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. The Apple TV film, directed by Jennifer Peedom, chronicles the first-ever ascent of Mount Everest.

The cast also includes Dafoe, Caitriona Balfe and Tenzin Jigmey, according to Variety. The Zurich festival had billed Hiddleston as an Opening Night Guest, according to the Zurich Film Festival. Its news page said he would open the festival on Sept. 24 with the European premiere of “Tenzing” alongside Dafoe.

Hiddleston said he has been compelled by Everest for as long as he can remember. He learned to ski in the Swiss and French Alps. That early time in the mountains stayed with him.

The BAFTA-nominated actor first worked with director Joanna Hogg on “Unrelated” and “Archipelago.” He then starred as Loki in “Thor.” He went on to play the character in seven films and across two seasons of “Loki.”

He recalled that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told him “Thor” was not the only film he would be in. Feige wanted him as the villain Loki in an “Avengers” film teaming Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk and Hawkeye. Small part. Big plan.

Hiddleston is set to appear again as Loki in “Avengers: Doomsday,” according to Yahoo. The premiere date for “Avengers: Doomsday” is set for Dec. 18, according to Variety.

For fans, this means two very different Hiddlestons in view at once. One is the god of mischief. The other is a climber on the world’s highest mountain.