A new Stephen King adaptation, The Institute is being developed for MGM+, adapted from King's 2019 book of the same name. It's the latest in a long and ever-growing line of Stephen King adaptations, and not the only one to be released this year. Max's It - Welcome to Derry is also set for a 2025 release date, and The Monkey was released in theaters back in February.

According to MGM+, The Institute series will be released on July 13, 2025, at 9 PM ET. The first season will consist of eight episodes, and with that release coming just over a month away, audiences should expect a trailer soon. Plot and production details, anew poster for season 1, as well as fresh images of cast like Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Mary-Louise Parker, and more can be seen below:

From executive producers Stephen King and Jack Bender (FROM), “The Institute” follows the story of teen genius Luke Ellis (Freeman), who is kidnapped and 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.

Starring: Mary-Louise Parker (Ms. Sigsby), Ben Barnes (Tim Jamieson), Joe Freeman (Luke Ellis), Simone Miller (Kalisha), Fionn Laird (Nick), Hannah Galway (Wendy), Julian Richings (Stackhouse), Robert Joy (Dr. Hendricks), Martin Roach (Chief Ashworth)

Executive Produced by: Stephen King, Jack Bender, Benjamin Cavell, Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, Ed Redlich

Directed by: Jack Bender

Teleplay by: Benjamin Cavell

What The First Look At The Institute Means

The Institute Looks Like The Perfect From Follow-Up

While horror fans wait for From season 4, which begins filming this month and will likely have a 2026 release date, The Institute looks like an exciting follow-up on MGM+. Jack Bender is an American director and producer who's recently worked as an executive producer on all three seasons of From. He also produced Lost, the HBO Stephen King adaptation The Outsider, and has directed episodes of numerous shows, from Game of Thrones to The Sopranos. He's bringing his elite, veteran talent to four episodes of The Institute's premiere season.

MGM+ isn't the biggest name in streaming, but the classic movie studio and the backing of new owners in Amazon are behind it. From has already proven to be a hit, and The Institute also has the Stephen King element going for it. For fans of From and of King's books, this show looks like it's going to be a must-watch. The images also establish a vibe and aesthetic akin to Stranger Things.

Our Take On The Institute

MGM+'s Stephen King Adaptation Could Be A Hit

Stephen King adaptations tend to vary on a scale from The Shawshank Redemption to The Dark Tower, so I'm never one to get my hopes up too much. That said, MGM+ looks like it's put the time and effort into this production in an attempt to capture some of the magic of titles like From and Stranger Things. With a solid cast and talented filmmakers working on the series, most of The Institute's success is going to come down to the writing. I'm excited to give this one a try next month.

Source: MGM+