Clearly, entertainment industry creators thoroughly enjoy Stephen King’s books. Another of his works is set for adaptation, and some pretty cool names are already attached to the project. King’s book The Institute, released in 2019, will be heading to our TV screens in an eight-episode series starring Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone) and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds).
We’re avid readers here at Fangirlish, and we love good thrillers. We have read a few of Kings’ books. But we will be honest: we have not read The Institute yet. After learning that Barnes and Parker are attached, we’ve hit one click to order a copy. In case you didn’t know, we love Barnes and Parker, so this duo working together is exciting.
According to Deadline, The Institute is about a 12-year-old genius named Luke Ellis. After being kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did and who all possess 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.
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. This premise already sounds interesting. And we think it gives a Stranger Things vibe, too. We’re fans of that series, so The Institute is right up our alley. Not only that, but Barnes and Parker are both talented actors, so seeing them bring these characters to life is something we’re looking forward to. We don’t know who plays Luke yet, but that announcement can’t be too far away. MGM+, who is bringing The Institute to life onscreen, has brought one of King’s books to life before with the series adaptation of Chapelwaite, so it’s clear that King likes their work.
No release date for The Institute has been announced but filming is set to begin later this year in Nova Scotia. Jack Bender will direct and executive produce, with Benjamin Cavell writing and producing as well. You can be sure we’ll be keeping tabs on everything that comes out about this project to update you.
