Stephen King’s ‘The Institute’ Reveals Why Heroes Are Older and Its Link to ‘The Shining’

Five years after Stephen King‘s novel ‘The Institute’ hit the shelves, MGM+ is bringing the story to life in an eight-episode series.

The adaptation, previously attached to David Kelley, has now been taken over by Jack Bender and Benjamin Cavell, both known for their work on ‘Mr. Mercedes’.

Variety reports that during Content London, the trio unveiled a trailer that gives us our first haunting glimpse of the brutalist-style building that houses children with extraordinary abilities.

In ‘The Institute’, newcomer Joe Freeman takes on the lead role of Luke Ellis, an 18-year-old playing a character originally depicted as much younger in the book.

The cast also includes notable names like Mary-Louise Parker, Ben Barnes, and Simone Miller among others.

The decision to cast older actors was explained by Bender, who emphasized the need to mitigate the intensity of the children’s experiences on screen to avoid a portrayal that felt overly cruel.

The plot centers around Luke, who after being kidnapped, finds himself in a sinister facility alongside other children, all abducted for their unique powers, reminiscent of ‘the Shine’ from King’s ‘The Shining’.

Cavell highlighted that, unlike typical stories with external saviors, these kids will rely on their own cunning and capabilities to escape their captors.

MGM+’s head Michael Wright mentioned that the series would be released weekly, promising that this format would turn watching the show into a scheduled event. He also hinted at discussions for a potential second season already underway.

The chilling trailer revealed at the event featured Mary-Louise Parker’s character, Ms. Sigsby, who manipulates the children into believing they are doing noble work, all while subjecting them to harsh treatment.

Scenes flashed across the screen showing the young characters enduring hardships, with Parker’s character sternly reminding them of the ‘grown-up consequences’ for any missteps.

This gripping new series is set to premiere in 2025, offering a fresh adaptation of King’s thrilling narrative and a deep dive into a dark world where children with incredible powers fight back against their oppressors.

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