By MICHAEL GINGOLD
The eight-episode show debuts next month.
MGM+ will premiere THE INSTITUTE, based on Stephen King’s 2019 novel, on July 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It was directed by Jack Bender, whose previous King-based credits include MR. MERCEDES and UNDER THE DOME, and scripted by Benjamin Cavell, with that duo and King among the executive producers. The cast and character lineup is: Mary-Louise Parker (Ms. Sigsby), Ben Barnes (Tim Jamieson), Joe Freeman (Luke Ellis), Simone Miller (Kalisha), Fionn Laird (Nick), Hannah Galway (Wendy), veteran genre/character actor Julian Richings (Stackhouse), LAND OF THE DEAD and THE HILLS HAVE EYES’ Robert Joy (Dr. Hendricks) and Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth). The synopsis: “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.”
