The Institute Cast Reflects on Season One Memories as MGM+ Renews Series – INTERVIEW

Behind the scenes of The Institute with Simone, Joe and Fionn.

MGM+ has renewed The Institute for an eight-episode second season following record-breaking viewership for its premiere. MGM+ Studios produces the adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling novel with executive producers King, Jack Bender (Lost, Game of Thrones, Mr. Mercedes, FROM), and Benjamin Cavell (Justified, The Stand).

The series will continue exclusively on MGM+ across the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, with Amazon MGM Studios Distribution handling all other international territories.

Season one starred Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone), Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds), Joe Freeman, Simone Miller (Run the Burbs), Fionn Laird (Under the Banner of Heaven), Jason Diaz, and Jane Luk. Casting for the sophomore season will be announced at a later date.

First-Day Nerves and Last-Day Emotions

In a conversation with Nerdtropolis, cast members Simone Miller, Joe Freeman, and Fionn Laird shared their experiences of stepping onto set for the first time and saying goodbye after months of filming.

“The first day of shooting was nerve-wracking,” Laird recalled, admitting the scope of the production was bigger than anything he had imagined. “I was lucky to get that first day with Joe. We hunkered down together and got the work done, and it set the tone for the rest of the shoot”.

Miller echoed that sentiment. “It’s impossible not to feel the gravity of such a loved story,” she said. Her first day filming Kalisha’s introduction with Freeman was intimidating, but once the cameras rolled, “the rest was just so exciting”.

By the final day, the trio described the atmosphere as bittersweet. “It felt like the last scene of High School Musical 3,” Laird joked. “You’re surrounded by familiar faces you’ve grown to love, and then suddenly you realize you might not see them every day anymore”.

A Cast That Became Family

Off-set, the young actors built lasting friendships. Miller often hosted gatherings where they watched movies together, from cult classics like The Room to favorites like Se7en and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. “I had never seen The Room before, and it was a spiritual experience,” Laird laughed.

Freeman noted that Halifax, where filming took place, also offered plenty of local food spots to explore, but the group mostly preferred cozy movie nights.

Their Earliest Movie Memories

The cast also reflected on the first films they remembered seeing in theaters. Laird cited Pixar’s Ratatouille, which left a lasting impression thanks to its suspenseful scenes. Miller recalled Tangled, which she described as a magical shared experience with her sisters, while Freeman remembered The Lorax.

Choosing Powers from the King Universe

Since the series deals with extraordinary abilities, the cast shared what they would want in real life. Miller leaned toward telepathy, joking that it would enhance her love for people-watching. Laird debated between telekinesis and telepathy but admitted he’d probably just use powers for convenience. Freeman leaned toward telekinesis, too.

Looking Ahead

As MGM+ prepares season two, the cast remains proud of the chemistry and passion that made season one resonate with audiences. “There’s such pride looking around at everybody—not just our cast, but our crew, writers, producers,” Miller reflected. “Everyone came together with a shared passion and made such a great body of work”.

With The Institute now holding the title of best premiere ever on MGM+, the story is far from over.

Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.