First Look at Stephen King's Thriller Series THE INSTITUTE From MGM+
MGM+ recently previewed its upcoming series adaptation of Stephen King’s The Institute at Content London, and they’ve released a first look image, which you can see above.
In The Institute, “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 (Barnes) 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’ Tim Jamieson is “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 will 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.”
According to Variety, the trailer gave “a first look at the Institute itself, a cement, brutalist-style building where kids with telekinetic powers are taken after being mysteriously abducted.
“Luke, played by newcomer Joe Freeman, is seen meeting the fellow children in the Institute as well as villain Ms. Sigsby for the first time, who encourages him that he is doing something good for the world as he is hooked up to machines and made to move objects.”
Parker says in the trailer: “You’re not kids, not here. There’s no bedtime, there’s no chores. But here, if you break a rule, there’s grown-up consequences.” There are clips flashing of the children being abused and tortured.
The Institute is being developed by Jack Bender (Lost, Mr. Mercedes), who will produce and direct, and Benjamin Cavell (Justified, The Stand) who will write and produce.
King previously said in a statement: “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 that the results will be terrific.”
Michael Wright, head of MGM+ added: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with Stephen King. 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.”
Bender said: “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.”
Cavell added: “It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt Stephen King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings.
“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.”
The series will consist of eight episodes, and production in set to begin Nova Scotia later this year.