When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he 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.
Parker will play Ms. Sigsby, the charming but iron-willed director of The Institute and a true believer in its awful mission. She's certain history will come to see her as a hero.
Benjamin Cavell developed the drama based on the novel by Stephen King. The showrunner and author will executive produce with director Jack Bender. MGM+ Studios will produce.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with Stephen King," said Michael Wright, Head of MGM+. "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."
"It is my great honor to have another chance to adapt Stephen King, who has been generous and collaborative beyond my wildest imaginings," added Cavell. "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."
