MGM+ has introduced a fresh Stephen King horror series, The Institute, marking its return to the author’s work after the cancellation of Chapelwaite, which starred Adrien Brody and ended in 2021. Despite Chapelwaite’s mixed reception with a 60% critic score and 80% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was initially renewed for a second season but was later cancelled by MGM+ around a year after the renewal announcement.
MGM+ has found success in the horror genre with other projects like From but had not adapted Stephen King’s stories since Chapelwaite’s discontinuation. As several new Stephen King shows debut on other platforms, such as IT: Welcome to Derry and Carrie, MGM+’s The Institute adds to the streaming service’s growing horror offerings based on King’s novels.
The Institute Marks MGM+’s First Stephen King Adaptation Since 2021
The Institute premiered as MGM+’s next Stephen King adaptation following Chapelwaite’s end, both based on lesser-known King stories without prior screen adaptations. This approach gives MGM+ a distinctive foothold in bringing unique King horror tales to television.
Chapelwaite was based on King’s 1978 short story Jerusalem’s Lot, a prequel to his 1975 novel Salem’s Lot, which has been adapted several times previously, most recently in the divisive 2024 Salem’s Lot film from HBO Max. Unlike Chapelwaite, The Institute is largely a standalone story, with only a brief mention of the missing population of Jerusalem’s Lot—a detail omitted in the series adaptation.
The Institute focuses on psychic children and teenagers detained in a secretive facility named The Institute, where they undergo brutal experiments while trying to escape. This storyline echoes recurring King themes of psychic abilities and exploitation, as seen in works like Firestarter, Doctor Sleep, and The Dark Tower.
The series, which also features actor Julian Richings who appeared in Chapelwaite, has earned a 72% critic score and 65% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting another solid addition to MGM+’s Stephen King-inspired lineup.
The Unexpected Cancellation of Chapelwaite After One Season
Chapelwaite’s cancellation came as a surprise because the show was originally renewed for a second season by Epix before the streaming service’s rebranding to MGM+. No official explanation was provided for the reversal. The show’s creator, Jason Filardi, confirmed the cancellation in November 2023 via social media:
“I’m afraid Captain Boone’s story ends on that beach of weathered, Maine sand. There will be no season 2. Thank you to all the Chapelwaite fans!” —Jason Filardi, Creator
Speculation suggests that the decision may have involved viewership numbers or budget considerations after MGM’s acquisition by Amazon. Regardless, the Adrien Brody-led series, which had potential in its supernatural drama set in 1850s Maine, concluded abruptly.
Since Chapelwaite’s end, Adrien Brody has not returned to horror, despite his experience in films like Predators, The Village, and Splice. The cancellation represented a missed opportunity for Brody to establish a continued presence in the horror television space.
How The Institute Benefits From Stephen King’s Direct Involvement
The Institute stands in a stronger position compared to Chapelwaite, notably because Stephen King serves as an executive producer, a role he has taken up only occasionally in recent adaptations of his works. King’s producer credits include Lisey’s Story, Castle Rock, Mr. Mercedes, and 11.22.63.
King’s involvement suggests he may have contributed to expanding the story beyond the original novel, which is a single book with a definitive ending. The show’s director, Jack Bender, has previously collaborated with King on Mr. Mercedes and Under the Dome, both garnering multiple seasons, which may bode well for The Institute’s longevity.
Should The Institute achieve success in its initial eight-episode season set to premiere on July 13, 2025, it could pave the way for future King adaptations on MGM+. The streaming service might become a central hub for King’s stories, blending both new and rarely adapted material in its horror portfolio.
Overview of The Institute’s Story and Characters
The Institute centers on a kidnapped psychic prodigy named Luke and Tim Jamieson, a former police officer seeking a fresh start in a nearby town. Their lives intertwine as Luke endures the cruel conditions at the secretive facility known as The Institute, where children with special abilities are held against their will and subjected to harsh experiments.
Mary-Louise Parker stars as Ms. Sigsby, overseeing the facility, while Ben Barnes plays Tim Jamieson. The thriller explores themes of captivity, resilience, and rebellion against an oppressive organization determined to exploit psychic talent.
Recap of Chapelwaite’s Plot and Cast
Chapelwaite was set in the 1850s and followed Captain Charles Boone (Adrien Brody) as he moved his family to their ancestral home in the small town of Preacher’s Corners, Maine. The story delved into dark family secrets, supernatural occurrences, and the haunting of both the Boone family and the community.
The show featured Jennifer Ens as Honor Boone, Emily Hampshire as Rebecca Morgan, and Sirena Gulamgaus as Loa Boone, alongside Brody. Despite the strong cast and unique story, the series was unable to continue beyond its initial season, leaving fans disappointed.
Potential Implications for MGM+ and Stephen King Adaptations
The cancellation of Chapelwaite was a setback for MGM+, but The Institute’s arrival signals renewed commitment to Stephen King’s work on the platform. With King’s direct involvement and the show’s favorable early reviews, The Institute could secure a future beyond its first season and open doors for other King stories to be adapted exclusively for MGM+.
Given the enduring popularity of Stephen King adaptations, MGM+ is positioned to build a robust slate of horror and thriller content, satisfying fans eager for fresh and original takes on the author’s extensive catalog.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Adrien Brody have PTSD?
A. Adrian Brody revealed in a recent interview with New York Magazine that he experiences PTSD due to his role in Roman Polanski’s 2002 film “The Pianist.” His performance in this biographical drama earned him an Oscar for best actor.
