Upcoming Stephen King Adaptation Is a Perfect 'Stranger Things' Replacement
The Institute's journey to the small screen has been a long one, but the wait is almost over – the project is scheduled for release in 2025. Here's why Stranger Things fans won't want to miss it.
The fifth season of Stranger Things, the most anticipated TV finale of the decade, is finally hitting screens in 2025. This means we will soon have to say our last goodbyes to Hawkins, the Upside Down, Mike, and Eleven.
But don't worry, we won't be sad for long. The premiere of the Stephen King adaptation, The Institute, is also scheduled for 2025 and promises to be a darker and more serious replacement for Stranger Things.
What Is 'The Institute' About?
Luke Ellis has an extraordinary IQ and is also telekinetic. At age 12, he plans to enroll in two prestigious universities, and his future is full of bright prospects.
One night, however, strangers in black suits come to his house with their own plans for him. Luke finds himself in the Institute against his will. It is a prison in the middle of a dense forest where children without superpowers are gathered.
Stephen King Went Back to His Roots with 'The Institute'
While reading The Institute, you might think that Stephen King wrote his own version of Stranger Things. However, it's important to remember that it was the Duffer Brothers' series that was inspired by King's work.
It would be more accurate to say that King decided to revisit his roots and dust off old plots. The Institute is an entirely original story with some parallels to the popular Netflix series.
'The Institute' Is a Gripping Psychological Thriller
Without resorting to blood and gore, King manages to immerse readers in genuine horror. And that fear stems from the perception of a distorted world order.
In the world of The Institute, adults can hurt children with complete impunity and without remorse. Children are allowed to smoke and drink alcohol, and even encouraged to do so.
Such violations of basic and self-evident rules frighten the most, creating an oppressive and depressive atmosphere in the novel.
'The Institute' Creators & Cast
Jack Bender, the producer and director of one of King's best series, Mr. Mercedes, directed The Institute. King himself joined the project as an executive producer.
The cast of The Institute includes Joe Freeman, Ben Barnes, Simone Miller, Mary-Louise Parker, Brendan Beiser, Julian Richings and Jordan Alexander.
Jack Bender Explained Why the Characters Are Older in the Adaptation
In King's original novel, Luke is 12 years old. For the show, however, he and several other characters were made older. Bender, who had previously worked with King on Mr. Mercedes, explained why that decision was made:
“We were very aware of not wanting this to be as awful as it can be, what these kids go through. We didn't want it to be a sadistic experience. There's a fine line and, god knows, as storytellers we didn't want to go there.”
'The Institute' Release Date & Number of Episodes
Rumors of a miniseries based on The Institute began circulating five years ago, but actual production didn't begin until the summer of 2024.
The eight-episode series is scheduled to air on MGM+ by the end of 2025.
