In June 2024, MGM+ announced their adaptation of Stephen King’s (It, The Shining) bestselling novel The Institute to television, according to mxdwn. The cast list for the series has received updates, with Jason Diaz (The 100, Charmed) and Simon Miller (Studly Vegan, Gossip Girl) joining the team via Deadline.
In an eight-episode debut, The Institute will dive into the life of 12-year-old Luke Ellis, a young genius who is kidnapped to stay at a strange facility, as per Deadline. At the mysterious institute, Luke finds himself surrounded by other children with extraordinary abilities, all trying to seek answers. While Luke navigates this new world, his path crosses Tim Jamieson, “disillusioned ex-cop” who finds himself vying for Luke’s freedom via mxdwn.
According to mxdwn, Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone, The Punisher) will star as Tim Jamieson. Joining Barnes is Mary-Louise Parker (RED, Weeds) in the role of Ms. Sigby, borderline dictator of the institute.
Diaz will be playing Tony, “the most sadistic of the Institute’s orderlies, who delights in wielding his power over the children,” according to Deadline. Miller will star as Kalisha, a close ally to Luke and an Institute inmate.
The series will be directed and executive produced by Jack Bender (Mr. Mercedes, Lost), reports mxdwn. Writer and executive producer Benjamin Cavell (SEAL Team, Justified) has written the script.
King expressed his enthusiasm for the adaptation, saying, “I’m delighted and excited at the prospect of ‘The Institute,’ with its high-intensity suspense, being filmed as a series. The combination of Jack Bender and Ben Cavell guarantees the results will be terrific,” as per mxdwn.
Bender and Cavell reciprocated their excitement. Bender commented, “Working alongside Ben Cavell and a team of exceptional writers to tell the story of these uniquely gifted children will ensure a suspenseful and engaging series” via mxdwn. Cavell similarly shared, “It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings.”
While The Institute is still in early production, mxdwn reports that filming is scheduled to begin in late 2024 in Nova Scotia.