Mary-Louise Parker expresses admiration for Stephen King’s writing, even as the atmosphere of the Stephen King sci-fi drama The Institute proves too intense for her personal taste. Speaking about her role in the new series based on King’s 2019 novel, Parker acknowledges the celebrated author’s unique ability to grip and unsettle audiences while highlighting her own aversion to horror.
“I don’t usually watch thrillers or horrors. I’m kind of a baby when it comes to all that stuff, but, I really admire his writing and his craft. And you can see it even in Misery,”
—Mary-Louise Parker, Actress
Parker, renowned for her complex characters, delves into the challenges of starring in a story that blurs the line between science fiction and psychological horror. She sees King’s craftsmanship as both inspiring and intimidating, reflecting on how his narratives consistently surprise and captivate readers and viewers alike.
“He just knows how to take a hold of the audience and just keep them in this place where you almost can’t stop watching. You think you know where it’s gonna go, and then you really don’t. He’s a master.”
—Mary-Louise Parker, Actress
A Closer Look at The Institute and Parker’s Role
The Institute, premiering soon on MGM Plus, centers on Luke, played by Joe Freeman, a young boy who is abducted under mysterious circumstances and held in a secretive facility. Here, children with extraordinary abilities, such as telepathy and telekinesis, are subjected to harrowing experiments by those in power. Parker portrays Julia Sigsby, the enigmatic director of The Institute, a character who personally selects each child and oversees a regime that claims to serve a greater good but demonstrates little compassion for those caught in its system.
Early reactions place the series at the intersection of suspenseful science fiction like X-Men: New Mutants and Stranger Things, energizing Stephen King fans eager for fresh adaptations. Speculation among viewers hints at subtle links between The Institute and King’s other well-known tales, adding an extra layer of intrigue for longtime readers and newcomers alike.
Showrunners describe the dystopian premise as especially resonant today, noting its portrayal of resourceful children who must fight not only to survive but to reclaim agency over their own destinies:
“Children shall inherit the earth, but first they have to save themselves.”
Parker on the Psychological Impact of Horror and Thriller Content
Despite the dark themes explored in The Institute, Parker makes it clear that horror has always unsettled her, stating she tends to avoid such genres. Family life, in contrast, offers her little respite from scary entertainment, with her son and daughter being fans of horror while she finds herself unable to watch.
“I cry at Verizon commercials. I see brutal documentaries and stuff like that, but I have a harder time with actual horror. My son watches horror and my daughter, and and I just have to kinda close [my eyes] when I walk through the room,”
—Mary-Louise Parker, Actress
Learning about the appeal of thrillers for viewers who struggle with anxiety, Parker gains new perspective on why many find controlled suspense comforting. She reflects on an explanation she received, which helped her see how horror can serve as a release for some, channeling stress into a manageable form that ultimately relieves tension.
“But they had explained it to me […] how people with intense anxiety, sometimes thrillers are in a way – there’s some kind of antidote within them because there’s this little controlled period of time where your anxiety is being directed, and you know it’s going to end. So it’s not some kind of free floating thing that’s just kind of tormenting you. I find that really interesting, and then it gives you this kind of release. Because before, I I would never understand why someone with anxiety would wanna to watch content like that, but it actually made sense once I heard that explanation of it.”
—Mary-Louise Parker, Actress
The Institute’s Place in the Broader Stephen King Universe
The Institute joins an extensive lineup of acclaimed King adaptations, with its distinct approach drawing comparisons to everything from Carrie to The Monkey. The show’s creative team works to distinguish this series with its relevant social commentary, while also delivering the sinister atmosphere fans expect from King’s storytelling.
Set for release on July 13 via MGM Plus, The Institute is positioned to engage both veteran King enthusiasts and those new to his signature blend of terror and suspense. Parker’s conflicted feelings exemplify the complex emotions King’s work evokes—admiration for his mastery, coupled with a willingness to look away when horror becomes too real. As anticipation grows, fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how The Institute will add to the enduring legacy of Stephen King sci-fi drama adaptations.
