Season 2 of The Institute has added a major star from Game of Thrones. Alfie Allen, known for his role in Game of Thrones, is now officially part of the show’s cast.
This announcement follows Stephen King’s confirmation just two days ago. The actor is known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, and for playing the villain in the 2014 film John Wick. He recently appeared in a new project and will be working again with several of his former Game of Thrones co-stars on an upcoming production.
Inspired by Stephen King’s 2019 novel, the story follows a former police officer grappling with a troubled past. He gets caught up in the mysteries surrounding The Institute, a secret facility where children with special powers are held and subjected to dangerous studies and experiments.
The series primarily follows Luke Ellis, played by Joe Freeman, a child held at the Institute who tries to reveal the disturbing secrets hidden within it.
In addition to stars Barnes and Freeman, The Institute features Mary-Louise Parker as the director, Ms. Sigsby. Fionn Laird, Simone Miller, Hannah Galway, Robert Joy, Martin Roach, and Julian Richings also star. The show boasts a strong supporting cast including Dan Beirne, Mary Walsh, Jason Diaz, Brendan Beiser, and Jordan Alexander.
I’m really excited about The Institute! When it came out in July 2025, it got some pretty good reactions from critics. Right now, Rotten Tomatoes shows it’s ‘Fresh’ with a 64% score, based on 25 reviews. Even better, regular viewers seem to love it even more, giving it a 70% rating on the ‘Popcornmeter’ after over 250 votes! I can’t wait for more.
In August 2025, the series originally appeared on MGM+. Stephen King, the author, reacted to the announcement, saying he was excited for viewers to see what new challenges await the characters who escaped from the Institute.
Michael Wright, head of MGM+, shared that The Institute has captivated viewers with its unique stories and strong acting, successfully adapting Stephen King’s distinctive style for television. He expressed excitement about continuing the series for a second season and exploring the mysteries of The Institute even further.
What The Institute Season 2 Will Look Like (If Its Star Has Anything to Say About It)
Following the news that the show will be renewed for a second season, viewers will soon learn its return date. According to Barnes, while the first season tells a complete story, it’s the characters—their backgrounds, connections, and flaws—that make it truly compelling.
According to Barnes, Stephen King’s stories often explore themes of questioning authority, uncovering the truth, and the importance of human connection and friendship. Barnes is particularly fascinated by the relationship between the characters Tim and Luke and believes the show should focus on their future rather than their past.
The Institute is currently available for streaming on MGM+. Season 2 will premiere sometime in 2026.
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2026-02-04 23:36