The latest Stephen King adaptation to hit our small screens comes in the form of The Institute, which recently had it’s world premiere at SXSW London. Based on one of his latest novels published in 2019, the series follows a group of young adults with TP (telepathic) and TK (telekinetic) abilities trapped in a sinister programme, think Stranger Things crossed with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
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.
The film stars 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) and Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth).
The series premieres on MGM+ on Sunday 13 July 2025.
Watch the trailer below:
