‘The Institute’ Casts Simone Miller & Jason Diaz In MGM+ Series Based On Stephen King Novel

EXCLUSIVE: Simone Miller ( Run The Burbs ) and Jason Diaz ( Vampire Academy ) have been cast alongside Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Barnes in The Institute, MGM+’s thriller series based on the 2019 Stephen King novel, from director/executive producer Jack Bender ( Lost, Mr. Mercedes ), writer/executive producer Benjamin Cavell ( Justified, The Stand ) and MGM+ Studios.

‘The Institute’: Ben Barnes & Mary-Louise Parker To Star In Series Ordered By MGM+ Based On Stephen King’s Novel

In the eight-episode The Institute , when 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he 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.

Miller plays Kalisha, a sarcastic-but-friendly Institute inmate, who becomes one of Luke’s closest allies.

Diaz plays Tony, the most sadistic of the Institute’s orderlies, who delights in wielding his power over the children.

When The Institute was published in 2019, it was originally acquired by Spyglass for the Mr. Mercedes team of writer/EP David E. Kelley and EP Bender. This is a new incarnation of the project with a new writer and studio.

Erik Palladino Joins 'Godfather Of Harlem" Season 4

Miller most recently heavily recurred on Hulu’s Run The Burbs and was a series regular on Max’s Detention Adventure. She’s repped by Kamera Talent, Vault Entertainment and Bloch Law.

Diaz has held recurring roles on Vampire Academy, The 100, Charme d and The Bold Type . Most recently he booked an episode of CBS’ Tracker. Diaz is repped by The Talent House Canada and David Dean Management.

Rome Flynn Teases Frank Lucas Portrayal In 'Godfather Of Harlem' & First-Look Photo Revealed; Addresses 'Chicago Fire' Exit