MGM+ has released the official trailer for its new series adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Institute, which is set to premiere on July 13. The highly anticipated project, which features the Stephen King The Institute official series trailer release, brings a chilling blend of science fiction and horror to audiences eager for new King adaptations.
Notable Cast and Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
Produced and directed by Jack Bender, known for his work on FROM, the series offers a strong cast including Joe Freeman as the gifted teen protagonist Luke Ellis. Ben Barnes, recognized from Shadow and Bone, takes on the role of Tim Jamieson, while Mary-Louise Parker, Simone Miller, Jason Diaz, Hannah Galway, and Julian Richings round out the cast. Executive producers on the project include King himself, Bender, Benjamin Cavell, Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, and Ed Redlich.
The Story: Extraordinary Children, Secret Experiments
The series adapts King’s 2019 novel, centering on teenager Luke Ellis, whose life is upended when he is abducted and wakes up inside a mysterious facility called The Institute. Inside, he encounters other children who arrived in similar fashion, each possessing unusual powers. As Luke navigates his new environment and forms connections with fellow inmates, the sinister intentions behind the facility become apparent.
“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.”
—Stephen King, Author
Tim Jamieson, played by Barnes, seeks a fresh start in a neighboring community, but his quiet existence is set to intersect with that of Luke Ellis, hinting at a major narrative collision.
First Glimpse at The Institute and Its Villains
The newly released trailer gives viewers an unsettling introduction to the facility, where the character Luke meets other children and the formidable Ms. Sigsby, played by Parker. In the preview, Ms. Sigsby tells Luke he is contributing to a greater cause, as he is subjected to medical experiments designed to trigger his extraordinary abilities. The atmosphere is tense, emphasizing the dangers faced by children exhibiting supernatural talents—a familiar motif in many of King’s stories.
Part of a Wave of King Adaptations
The Institute joins a growing roster of upcoming Stephen King projects, including The Running Man, The Life of Chuck, Carrie, The Long Walk, and Welcome to Derry, the It prequel series produced by Max. With this steady stream of adaptations, King fans have much to look forward to as his work continues to find new audiences on screen.
What to Expect Ahead of the July Premiere
Anticipation is building as MGM+ prepares to debut The Institute on July 13. The official trailer, now available, sets the stage for a suspenseful and unsettling new chapter in televised horror, expanding the legacy of Stephen King’s stories for a contemporary audience and cementing MGM+ as a destination for genre fans.
