THE INSTITUTE: MGM+ Orders Stephen King Adaptation

MGM+ has ordered THE INSTITUTE, an adaptation of the Stephen King novel by the same name, to series.

In the show, “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.”

The series comes from writer/executive producer Benjamin Cavell (who developed an adaptation of King’s THE STAND for Paramount+) and director/executive producer Jack Bender (who EPed/directed the adaptation of MR. MERCEDES). Ben Barnes has signed on to play Tim Jamieson, “a disillusioned ex-cop who takes a job as the night knocker in a small town, withdrawing from the world until Luke’s plight reignites him and gives him something to believe in.” Mary-Louise Parker has signed on to play Ms. Sigsby, “the charming but iron-willed director of the Institute and a true believer in its awful mission. She’s certain history will come to see her as a hero.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with Stephen King,” aid Michael Wright, head of MGM+, in a statement. “And THE INSTITUTE, based on his critically acclaimed novel, is an exciting addition to the MGM+ original series slate. There is no creative team I would trust more to bring the book to life than Jack and Ben, whose creative vision and love of Mr. King’s voice, will bring this thought-provoking and gut-wrenching story to life, in the engaging, cinematic, and thrilling style MGM+ viewers expect.”

“I’m delighted and excited at the prospect of INSTITUTE, with its high-intensity suspense, being filmed as a series,” said King. “The combination of Jack Bender and Ben Cavell guarantees that the results will be terrific.”

Added Bender: “I’m thrilled that Stephen King has entrusted me with another of his brilliant novels and continuing the extraordinary creative relationship with Michael Wright and MGM+. Working alongside Ben Cavell and a team of exceptional writers, to tell the story of these uniquely gifted children, will ensure a suspenseful and engrossing series.”

“It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt Stephen King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings,” Cavell said. “Also, the opportunity to work with Jack Bender, who has directed some of my all-time favorite television, is truly a dream come true. I couldn’t be more grateful to Michael Wright and MGM for putting this team together.”

Production on the eight-episode first season will take place in Nova Scotia later this year.

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