Phil Roberts 
MGM+ has provided a first look at Jack Bender’s live-action adaptation of Stephen King’s The Institute, which will stream in July.
MGM+ has released the first look at Jack Bender’s live-action adaptation of The Institute. This 8-episode series is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel. It follows the story of Luke Ellis, an exceptionally gifted teenager who is kidnapped. He is taken to an institute that studies young individuals with extraordinary abilities. The series features newcomer Joe Freeman (son of Martin Freeman), alongside Mary-Louise Parker and the dependable Ben Barnes. Parker portrays the enigmatic Ms. Sigsby, the head of The Institute. Meanwhile, Barnes plays Tim Jamieson, a troubled former police officer turned Night Knocker who uncovers the mystery.
The series has been developed for MGM+ by legendary director Jack Bender, who has contributed to Lost, Game of Thrones, and The Sopranos. Stephen King serves as an executive producer, with writer Benjamin Cavell handling the screenplay. Check out the series key art below.
SYNOPSIS
From executive producers Stephen King and Jack Bender (FROM), “The Institute” follows the story of teen genius Luke Ellis (Freeman), who is kidnapped and 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.
CAST & CREW
Starring: Mary-Louise Parker (Ms. Sigsby), Ben Barnes (Tim Jamieson), Joe Freeman (Luke Ellis), Simone Miller (Kalisha), Fionn Laird (Nick), Hannah Galway (Wendy), Julian Richings (Stackhouse), Robert Joy (Dr. Hendricks), Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth)
Executive Produced by: Stephen King, Jack Bender, Benjamin Cavell, Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, Ed Redlich
Directed by: Jack Bender
Teleplay by: Benjamin Cavell
ABOUT MGM+
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, current movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM, Emmy-winning Godfather of Harlem, the Western adventure Billy the Kid, suspense thriller Emperor of Ocean Park, crime drama Hotel Cocaine, and upcoming sci-fi drama Earth Abides and horror thriller The Institute, along with limited series A Spy Among Friends and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, Belgravia and War of the Worlds. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons, as well as the anticipated docuseries Hollywood Black and The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood. Premium movies are also available, including Challengers, IF, Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, The Beekeeper, The Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls.
RELEASE
This series looks exceptional, and is a shoo-in to shoot straight to the top of our summer watchlist. Jack Bender’s unique vision ensures that The Institute is an immersive television event, one worthy of staying home for. That, coupled with the screenwriting talents of Benjamin Cavell, known for his work on Homeland and The Stand, makes the series a standout with all the hallmarks of an instant classic.
But can this dream team successfully capture the atmosphere of Stephen King’s masterwork? That remains to be seen. However, with the beloved author as an executive producer, the series seems likely to be the most accurate adaptation of his source material ever brought to film, which is an exciting prospect. Watch out for our extensive coverage of the show.
The Institute premieres on the 13th July on MGM+.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
