Stephen King novel optioned by Spyglass

The TV division of US content company Spyglass Media Group has optioned Stephen King’s latest novel for a limited series.

Stephen King
(photo: Pinguino Kolb)

Released this month, The Institute is a horror story that follows a boy who is kidnapped by intruders who murder his parents, before waking up the next morning in ‘The Institute’ – in a room that looks just like his own but has no window. Outside his door are other doors, behind which are other kids suffering the same fate.

David E Kelly (Big Little Lies) is attached to adapt and executive produce the limited series, with Jack Bender (Lost) serving as director and exec producer.

The pair have already worked together on Mr Mercedes, a series adaptation of King’s trilogy of books focusing on retired detective Bill Hodges. Mr Mercedes premiered on DirecTV-owned Audience Network in 2017 and entered its third season on Tuesday.

Bender is also exec producing HBO’s adaptation of King’s 2018 novel The Outsider and was the exec producer of CBS’ series adaptation of King’s 2009 novel Under the Dome.

The Institute is the first TV acquisition for Spyglass, which has also struck a multi-year first-look deal with Bender to develop future projects for the prodco.

“Having the opportunity to work on a new and brilliant book by Stephen King is an absolute privilege,” said Lauren Whitney, who joined Spyglass as president of television earlier this year.