Even at the age of 71, author Stephen King still pumps out new books at an obscene pace. This week, timed perfectly with the release of the second installment of his ‘It’ film adaptation, King actually released his latest novel, “The Institute.” And since this is the era where everything with the author’s name is a guaranteed hit, it should be no surprise that the rights for the novel have already been snatched up.
According to Variety, “Big Little Lies” writer/producer David E. Kelley and “Game of Thrones” director Jack Bender have teamed up with Spyglass to bring “The Institute” to TV screens. “The Institute” tells the story of a young boy, whose parents were murdered, as he wakes up to find himself in a room that looks just like his own, but without any windows. He then realizes that he’s been kidnapped and placed in The Institute, where he shares space with other kids, who are starting to develop supernatural powers.
“Having the opportunity to work on a new and brilliant book by Stephen King is an absolute privilege,” Spyglass president of television Lauren Whitney said. “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.”
As mentioned, Kelley is probably best known, right now at least, for “Big Little Lies.” But the writer-producer is a legend in TV, creating a number of popular series including “Picket Fences,” “Chicago Hope,” “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal,” “Boston Public,” “Boston Legal,” and “Mr. Mercedes.” The latter of which is another recent King TV adaptation, where he teamed up with ‘Institute’ collaborator Jack Bender.
Bender is probably best known for his long stint as a director and producer on “Lost,” but has also been the man behind the camera for series such as “Game of Thrones,” “The Sopranos,” “The Last Ship,” and “Under the Dome.” That last series is yet another Stephen King adaptation. Seriously, King has his name on so many TV and film projects, it’s absolutely bonkers.
No word on when or where we might see “The institute” pop up on TV screens, but considering King projects are hot right now, it’ll likely be coming sooner rather than later.