MGM+ Orders Stephen King Novel Adaptation

MGM+ has ordered The Institute, a drama thriller based on the best-selling Stephen King novel.

Jack Bender (Lost, Mr. Mercedes, From) is attached to executive produce and direct, while Benjamin Cavell (Justified, The Stand) will executive produce and write. MGM+ Studios is producing the eight-parter.

The Institute will star Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone, The Punisher, Westworld) and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, Angels in America). Production will take place in Nova Scotia later this year.

Michael Wright, head of MGM+, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with Stephen King. And The Institute, based on his critically acclaimed novel, is an exciting addition to the MGM+ original series slate. There is no creative team I would trust more to bring the book to life than Jack and Ben, whose creative vision and love of Mr. King’s voice will bring this thought-provoking and gut-wrenching story to life in the engaging, cinematic and thrilling style MGM+ viewers expect.”

“I’m delighted and excited at the prospect of The Institute, with its high-intensity suspense, being filmed as a series,” said King. “The combination of Jack Bender and Ben Cavell guarantees that the results will be terrific.”

Bender added: “I’m thrilled that Stephen King has entrusted me with another of his brilliant novels and continuing the extraordinary creative relationship with Michael Wright and MGM+. Working alongside Ben Cavell and a team of exceptional writers to tell the story of these uniquely gifted children will ensure a suspenseful and engrossing series.”

Cavell said, “It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt Stephen King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings. Also, the opportunity to work with Jack Bender, who has directed some of my all-time favorite television, is truly a dream come true. I couldn’t be more grateful to Michael Wright and MGM for putting this team together.”