Fifty years ago this year, Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie, and American popular fiction was never the same again. In that time, there have been more than 60 films based on King's work and nearly as many television series. Now, we can add another one to that long list. MGM+ has announced a series order for The Institutea dramatic thriller based on King's novel of 2019. The series comes from director Jack Bender (Lost) and executive producer and writer Benjamin Cavell (The support). Cavell also produced three seasons of Mr Mercedesalso based on a novel by King. The Institute will have eight episodes, and the cast includes Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker. You can read the official synopsis The Institute low:
When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he wakes up in The Institute, a facility full of children who got there the same way he did, and who have unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former cop 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 Tim Jamieson, described as “a disillusioned ex-cop who takes a job as a night knocker in a small town, withdrawing from the world.” Luke's kidnapping gives her something to care about and believe in again, and she finds a new purpose. Mary Louise Parker's character is Mrs. Sigsby, a “charming but iron-willed headmistress of the Institute and a true believer in her horrific mission.” Like any good villain, he believes he is the real hero of the story, and that story will vindicate his actions. Production begins for The Institute in Nova Scotia later this year. The series is scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2025.
