Outlander star Caitriona Balfe has already lined up her next project after completing work on the acclaimed Starz series
After bidding farewell to her beloved character Claire Fraser in Outlander, Caitriona Balfe has swiftly moved on to her next venture.
The Irish star, who has graced our screens alongside Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser in the Starz hit series for a decade, is set to appear in the final season yet to be broadcast.
Following the completion of Outlander’s eighth season last year, Balfe has already made waves with her role in the Hollywood thriller The Amateur, featuring Rami Malek, which premiered in cinemas the previous month.
Balfe’s latest role will see her join the ensemble of Apple Original Films’ Tenzing, a biopic chronicling the life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, famed for his historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
Jennifer Peedom, known for her documentary Sherpa, which also delves into the same topic, directs the film. Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe are set to play New Zealand explorer Edmund Hillary and English expedition leader Colonel John Hunt, respectively, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
In Tenzing, Balfe takes on the role of Jill Henderson, a friend of Tenzing who played a pivotal role in organising expeditions to Mount Everest.
Deadline provides a glimpse into the film’s narrative: “Tibetan born Tenzing Norgay, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, both outsiders on a British Expedition, defied insurmountable odds to achieve what was once thought impossible, reaching the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.
“After six previous attempts, Tenzing risked everything for one final venture. He had to navigate treacherous politics and perilous weather as he embarked on the most significant climb of his life.
“Through it all, he did so with humour, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, but also deep reverence and respect for the sacred Mother Goddess of his Mountain, Jomolungma.”
The film is being produced by the Oscar-winning See-Saw Films, celebrated for The King’s Speech, while the script is in the hands of Oscar nominee Luke Davies, known for Lion.
Balfe’s fans from Outlander eager to delve into her other big-screen performances can recall her Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated role in Kenneth Branagh’s esteemed period drama Belfast.
Her career also includes roles opposite Christian Bale in the film Le Mans ’66 (Ford v Ferrari), Orlando Bloom in The Cut and sharing the screen with George Clooney and Julia Roberts in Money Monster.
Following the gripping seventh season finale of Outlander this past January, enthusiasts eagerly await the final chapter.
The last season will draw from Diana Gabaldon’s eighth novel, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, as well as elements of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
Gabaldon has recently announced that her blockbuster series will culminate with the tenth book, named A Blessing for a Warrior Going Out.