The upcoming MGM+ series The Institute, based on Stephen King’s 2019 novel, has released a new trailer that delves into the eerie world of a secretive facility where children with extraordinary abilities are subjected to unsettling experiments. The series is set to premiere on July 13, 2025, with two episodes airing at 9 PM ET/PT.

In the eight-episode series, 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis (played by Joe Freeman) is kidnapped and taken to a mysterious institution that houses other children with telekinetic and telepathic powers. There, they are subjected to invasive procedures under the watchful eye of the facility’s director, Ms. Sigsby (Mary-Louise Parker). Meanwhile, former police officer Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes) arrives in a nearby town seeking a fresh start, only to find his path intertwined with Luke’s as the story unfolds.

The trailer offers a glimpse into the stark, brutalist architecture of the Institute and hints at the dark experiments conducted within its walls. Ms. Sigsby, in a chilling line, tells Luke, “You’re not kids, not here. There’s no bedtime, there’s no chores. But here, if you break a rule, there’s grown-up consequences.” This sets the tone for a suspenseful narrative where the children must navigate their powers and the sinister motives of their captors.

Director Jack Bender and writer Benjamin Cavell, both of whom have previously worked on Stephen King adaptations, bring their expertise to this project. Bender, known for his work on Lost and Mr. Mercedes, serves as the series’ director and executive producer, while Cavell, who penned The Stand and Justified, serves as writer and executive producer. Stephen King also joins the project as an executive producer, ensuring that the adaptation stays true to the essence of his novel.

The series has garnered attention for its modern take on King’s work, focusing on themes of isolation, power, and resistance. With a talented cast and a compelling storyline, The Institute promises to be a gripping addition to the growing list of Stephen King adaptations.

Fans can catch the premiere of The Institute on MGM+ on July 13, 2025, with new episodes airing weekly.