Adaptations of Stephen King’s books never disappoint, and MGM+ is plotting another one. They ordered a TV version of King’s 2019 thriller The Institute, with Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker in the lead roles.
This series centers on the aftermath of the mysterious kidnapping of a 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who’s taken to a facility full of children with unusual abilities, who all got there the same way he did.
Barnes (Westworld) joined the cast as Tim Jamieson, a disillusioned ex-cop, whose decision to lead a peaceful and quiet life is interrupted by Luke’s disappearance. Emmy winner Parker (Weeds) will play The Institute’s iron-willed director Ms. Sigsby, who’s certain that history will come to see her as a hero because she truly believes in its sinister mission.
Michael Wright, head of MGM+, said they’re thrilled to get another opportunity to work with Stephen King on another worthy addition to their 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,” said Wright in a statement.
