Stephen King’s Returning Sci-Fi Series Will Be “Torture” For Its Characters, Teases Star

2 weeks ago 10

Jason Diaz in front of a projection screen in The Institute season 1 finale

Published Mar 10, 2026, 10:23 AM EDT

Stephen King's returning sci-fi TV show is going to be "torture" for its characters.

In an interview with ScreenRant's Ash Crossan on the Saturn Awards red carpet, Freeman, who plays Luke Ellis, explained that shooting for The Institute season 2 is currently underway. While the actor didn't give anything away, he did tease the prospect of more dramatic tension for the characters, alongside plenty of "running" and "torture" they'll be experiencing together:

More Institute so far. We are shooting season 2 at the moment. We will see you soon with that. [You can expect] running, drama and a bit more torture. Not watching it, not torture watching it. [Chuckles] Torture is what we go through.

The Institute season 1 ended similarly to the novel, with the children escaping the titular location, but not without some desperate sacrifices in the end. However, where the show differs is in the details. The series' focus on action means some elements of the book, like the identity of the Man on the Phone, have yet to be explored in the show's universe.

This lays the groundwork for how season 2 will play out, especially after the revelation that this is one of many locations around the country experimenting on powerful children. Although the stories for the next season remain unclear, it will likely have something to do with these other locations. This may even involve Luke leading the charge in freeing more kids.

The fact season 2 is currently filming is a good sign the show may return sooner than expected. Season 1 filmed from August to November 2024 before being released in July 2025. Although there's no exact timeline regarding season 2's production, the Stephen King TV show has already been confirmed for 2026, signaling it's fairly far along.

As for Freeman's hints about the series' return, it appears the escapees are not out of danger yet. Since the program is still alive and well, as are figures like Ms. Sigsby, there are still plenty of powerful forces at play that could continue to upend their efforts moving forward. What their new story will be and how it'll impact them, though, remains to be seen.

Luckily, it sounds like The Institute season 2 is going to have a fitting story for its characters, even as they go through dark times. It's unclear if they'll be on the run or trying to help others at different locations. But, given how big a spectacle the season 1 finale was, ever-growing intensity seems like a defining factor in how the series plays out from here.