Fifty years ago this year, Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie, and American popular fiction was never the same again. In that time, over 60 movies based on King’s work, and almost as many TV series, have come out. Now, we can add another one to that expansive list. MGM+ has announced a series order for The Institute, a drama thriller based on King’s novel from 2019. The series comes from director Jack Bender (Lost) and executive producer and writer Benjamin Cavell (The Stand). Cavell also produced three seasons of Mr. Mercedes, also based on a King novel. The Institute will feature eight episodes, and among the cast are Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker. You can read the official synopsis for The Institute below:
When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.
Ben Barnes plays the character of Tim Jamieson, described as “a disillusioned ex-cop who takes a job as the night knocker in a small town, withdrawing from the world.” Luke’s kidnapping gives him something to care about and believe in again, and he finds a new purpose. Mary Louise Parker’s character is Ms. Sigsby, a “charming but iron-willed director of the Institute and a true believer in its awful mission.” Like any good villain, she thinks she’s the actual hero of the story, and that history will vindicate her actions. Production commences for The Institute in Nova Scotia later this year. The series is scheduled to premiere in the latter half of 2025.