Another Stephen King novel is being adapted for the small screen with the announcement of an MGM+ miniseries based on King’s The Institute. Released in 2019, the underrated horror book is about a talented 12-year-old boy named Luke who is mysteriously kidnapped and finds himself in an institute surrounded by children just like him. It wouldn’t be a King novel with a strange twist, and Luke’s gifts go far beyond the intellectual and include telekinesis. Returning to King’s debut novel, Carriethe King of Horror has always had a soft spot for stories about strange children.
When it comes to adapted works, TV shows and films based on the works of Stephen King are numerous, and although they vary greatly in quality, they are almost always popular. Even with classic King books like Salem Lot and THIS are continually being made and remade, the prolific writer continues to produce books and short stories that are also worth adapting. The Institute is one of those novels, and while it is certainly one of his lesser-known modern works, it has all the hallmarks of a brilliant King adaptation in the making.
Latest news from the Stephen King Institute
The Stephen King series completes its cast
As the Stephen King adaptation continues to take shape, the latest news reveals that The Institute completed its roster. Joining the likes of Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker, it has now been confirmed (via Deadline) that Brendan Beiser (The boys) joined as a series regular. Furthermore, Mary Walsh (Resident Foreigner) and Jordan Alexander (gossip Girl) will appear in recurring roles. As it stands now, nothing is known about the roles the three newcomers will play, although most of the other roles have already been revealed.
New arrivals include:
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Brendan Beiser (The boys)
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Mary Walsh (Resident Foreigner)
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Jordan Alexandre (gossip Girl)
Stephen King’s Institute is confirmed
The project was launched in 2019
Like most of Stephen King’s works, Hollywood knocked on the door to adapt The Institute as soon as the book hit stores in 2019. Although Jack Bender was hired from the beginning, original producer David E. Kelly has apparently since left. Interestingly, although the project took a long time to finally materialize, it was planned as a miniseries from the beginning. Now MGM+ has officially given the green light to the series and The Institute will open its doors sooner or later.
Stephen King Institute Production Status
Filming begins later in 2024
Although the miniseries has not yet been given a release window, it is assumed that it will air in mid-2025 unless there are unforeseen delays.
After a long development phase, it looks like Stephen King’s film The Institute is ready to enter the next stage of production. According to the announcement of the development of the Stephen King series by MGM+, filming is scheduled to begin in late 2024 and will take place in Nova Scotia, Canada. Although the miniseries has not yet been given a release window, it is assumed that it will air in mid-2025 unless there are unforeseen delays. With the cast still in the definition phase, it is assumed that pre-production work is still underway.
Stephen King’s Institute Cast
Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker were cast
The main role of the series has already been cast and young Joe Freeman will play Luke Ellis, the boy who is trapped in the Institute. Chosen to play the mysterious leader of the eponymous Institute Mrs. TV veteran Mary-Louise Parker will lend her considerable star power and experience to the miniseries. Parker is perhaps best known for her starring role in the cult classic series Weeds on Showtime. Joining Parker is Shadow and Bone alum Ben Barnes, who will play haunted ex-cop Tim Jamiesonthat investigates the Institute.
Joining the two protagonists, Simone Miller (Run the suburbs) will play Kalisha, a sarcastic but friendly intern at the Institute who becomes close friends with Luke. On the opposite side of that, Vampire AcademyJason Diaz will play the sadistic orderly Tony, who takes pleasure in mistreating those held at the Institute. Most of the cast is familiar too, with newcomers like Robert Joy (who plays Hendricks) and Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth) being familiar to longtime viewers.
The cast of The Institute currently includes:
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Actor |
The role of the institute |
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|---|---|---|
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Mary-Louise Parker |
Mrs. |
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Ben Barnes |
Tim Jamieson |
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Joe Freeman |
Lucas Ellis |
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Simone Miller |
Kalisha |
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Jason Diaz |
Tony |
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Fionn Laird |
Nick |
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Hannah Galway |
Wendy |
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Julian Richings |
Stackhouse |
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Roberto Joy |
Hendricks |
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Viggo Hanvelt |
Avery |
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Arlen So |
George |
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Birva Pandya |
Iris |
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Dan Bierne |
Attracted |
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Martin Roach |
Chief Ashworth |
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Jane Lucas |
Maureen |
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Brendan Beiser |
Unknown |
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Mary Walsh |
Unknown |
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Jordan Alexandre |
Unknown |
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The History of the Institute, by Stephen King
A mysterious institute and children with telepathic powers
Never a stranger to the strange and supernatural, Stephen King The Institute Features many trademarks of the author’s most famous works. The story concerns a 12-year-old boy named Luke Ellis who is kidnapped and forced to live in a mysterious institute. where he is surrounded by other young people who possess his telepathic abilities. Meanwhile, tortured Ex-cop Tim Jamieson moves to the neighboring town looking to start a new life, but his past is inextricably linked to Luke’s.and he can’t escape his dark history.