Warner Bros. Discovery Brings Stephen Kings The Institute to HBO Max in Europe

Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the highly anticipated thriller series "The Institute," based on the 2019 Stephen King novel, for its streaming platform HBO Max in Europe. The eight-part series, which is executive produced by Stephen King and directed and exec produced by Jack Bender, will premiere in Portugal and the Nordics on July 14, and in France and Belgium on July 17. The story follows the tale of teen genius Luke Ellis (played by Joe Freeman), who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all possess unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson (played by Ben Barnes) has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last. The series also stars Mary-Louise Parker, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, and Martin Roach. "The Institute" is a perfect example of how Warner Bros. Discovery is strengthening Max with content that complements its standout lineup across HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios, and Local Originals," said Ragnhild Thorbech, SVP of programming and acquisitions at Max. Executive producers on the project include writer Benjamin Cavell ("Justified," "The Stand"), Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, and Ed Redlich. Earlier this month, Warner Bros. Discovery announced its plan to divide the company into two publicly-traded entities, one devoted to streaming and content production and one devoted to traditional television. This move is part of the company's ongoing effort to expand its global reach and offer a diverse range of content to its audiences. For more information on "The Institute" and other upcoming projects from Warner Bros. Discovery, be sure to follow Variety on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and updates.