The film rights to The Institute, Stephen King’s latest release, have been acquired. Here’s what we know about the adaptation so far:
What’s it about? What’s the plot?
The Institute is about a boy, Luke Ellis, who has mild telekinetic abilities. He is kidnapped and taken to a place called The Institute, where he and a host of other children with telepathic and telekinetic abilities are being held. But Luke is also a child prodigy and is determined to uncover what is going on and find a way out.
See the full review and summary of The Institute from The Bibliofile.
The Institute was released in September 2019.
What format will it be? Will The Institute adaptation be a Movie or a Series?
It’s planned as a limited series.
Who’s behind it?
Fans of Stephen King can rest easy that the Institute adaptation will be in good hands.
David E. Kelley and Jack Bender, both television veterans, will be adapting the book as a limited series on behalf of Spyglass Media Group. Bender will direct, while both will serve as executive producers. Kelley has previously created shows such as Allie McBeal, The Practice, Boston Legal and more recently HBO’s Big Little Lies. Bender has directed episodes of Lost, Alias, The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.
From Lauren Whitney, President of Spyglass: “Having the opportunity to work on a new and brilliant book by Stephen King is an absolute privilege. We are thrilled to collaborate with this dream team, including the incomparable David E. Kelley, and Jack Bender, the architect behind this project, whose extensive directing and executive producing credits speak for themselves. After such a competitive pursuit, we have big plans for The Institute here at Spyglass.”
From author Stephen King: “I’m delighted to be working with Jack and David, the creative team behind Mr. Mercedes. We think alike, and I believe The Institute is going to be a great success.”
What’s the status of The Institute adaptation?
The adaptation is currently in its early stages. The rights have been acquired with Kelley and Bender attached to the project.
Who’s in the cast?
No casting details have been released yet.
When will it be released?
Currently unknown.
Is there a trailer or teaser available?
Not yet! Stay tuned.
The Institute Movie / Series Development Timeline
September 10, 2019 The Institute (novel) is released.
September 10, 2019 The Institute film rights have been acquired, to be adapted into a limited series.
Just got my copy from the library, so excited that this is also being made into a short series.
Where is this going to be filmed? A big shot movie hot spot I imagine?
Just got through reading it. One of my favorite King novels to date!
I can’t wait to watch this!!! I know I will be watching it in some form. I started reading it and really want to see a screen form. It will be interesting
I was less than halfway through the book when I just knew it HAD to be adapted into film somehow! I am a huge fan of the mini-series Kingdom Hospital, and I just know this is going to rate right up there!!
The book was very visual! That’s going to be a difficult task to replay this book on film. I (and about 20k in my circle) are truly looking forward to any upcoming news about the creative genus’s behind this production! You have a challenge on your hands(and head and heart). Please contact me when you can.
I’ve already been thinking about what actors would play the characters. I think glen close should be Mrs sigsby. Samuel l Jackson for the sheriff. Amanda stendlberg for Sha. Dillon minnet 13 reasons why to be Nicky. Malachi Barton for Luke .and I’m thinking James Franco. For Tim
Yes to James Franco! I’m seeing Sunny suljic as Luke and maybe Finn Wolfhard as Nick? Trouble being they’d both be too old by the time this happens. 😊
Casting will make or break this one. The read is solid bit King’s politics shine through. Stow those and stick to your talents.
I am reading the book currently and will be very interested to see the series. I have not yet read a King novel that hasn’t been very good!