Caitriona Balfe Climbs Everest: New Role After Outlander Finale

Caitriona Balfe, celebrated for her role in "Outlander," is set to star alongside two Marvel actors in a new movie. The film recounts the incredible true story of the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

This new role comes as fans eagerly anticipate the eighth and final season of "Outlander," the popular Starz series where Balfe plays Claire Fraser. Since the show's debut in 2014, based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, Balfe has become synonymous with her character, Claire. However, she has also showcased her talent in films such as "Ford v Ferrari," "Belfast," and the Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance."

According to Deadline, Balfe will appear in Apple Original Films' "Tenzing," a movie centered on the true story of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese mountaineer. The film depicts his historic ascent of Mount Everest with New Zealander Edmund Hillary. Balfe will portray Jill Henderson, a friend of Tenzing who plays a crucial role in organizing the Everest expeditions.

The Cast and Crew of Tenzing

Marvel alumni Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are already on board for "Tenzing." Hiddleston will portray Edmund Hillary, while Dafoe takes on the role of Colonel John Hunt. The film is being directed by Jennifer Peedom, renowned for her 2015 documentary, "Sherpa."

What This Means for Caitriona Balfe

With filming complete on the final season of "Outlander," "Tenzing" represents one of Balfe's first projects following the end of the series that has largely defined her career. Jill Henderson, as a close friend of Tenzing and the organizer of the Mount Everest expeditions, is a significant character. However, the film will primarily on Tenzing and Hillary's journey.

While Balfe's role may not be as central as Claire in "Outlander," she will still be a vital part of the story. Jennifer Peedom's experience from her documentary "Sherpa" and her familiarity with the Sherpa community will be invaluable to Balfe's portrayal of Henderson. The real-life Henderson was responsible for organizing Sherpa teams for the expeditions, which will be an important element of Tenzing and Hillary's ascent. Henderson offers Balfe a different type of role compared to Claire, which will help her transition into the next phase of her career after "Outlander."

Balfe's Post-Outlander Career

Balfe has been essential to the success of "Outlander," bringing compassion, vulnerability, and courage to the character of Claire. Her performance as Tavra in "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" also showed her versatility. Her role in "Tenzing" is intriguing, and while "Outlander" may be the role she is best known for, she is expected to continue to excel in "Tenzing" and future projects.