Movies

The Institute Stars Explain Why Their Show Isn’t Marvel’s X-Men

BBG News

MGM’s ‘The Institute’ might prompt comparisons to the X-Men from Marvel, as both stories revolve around a band of youths discovering and grappling with their extraordinary abilities, which they must harness for a greater cause.

In this story, Joe Freeman portrays Jim Ellis, a young character with psychic powers, who is abducted and transported to an enigmatic facility run by Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby. Not long after his arrival, he decides he must escape. Ben Barnes joins the cast as Tim Jamieson, a local law enforcement officer who feels compelled to uphold justice, often leading him into questionable situations.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me share my exclusive chat with Joe Freeman and Ben Barnes. We discussed the similarities between their new film, “The Institute,” and Marvel’s beloved franchise, X-Men. It was quite intriguing to hear their perspectives!

Freeman pointed out that the primary distinction he perceived was that “Charles Xavier’s ‘children,’ so to say, were not subjected to torment and mistreatment,” and while watching The Institute, he “didn’t feel the vibe that these characters were becoming superheroes in training.

Barnes emphasized that the psychic and physical manipulation abilities displayed in the story symbolize certain aspects. The actor explained how these “telepathic abilities mirror the way humans interact” and “telekinesis signifies the hidden potentials that we all possess.

In a comprehensive interview (available for reading below), actors Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, and Mary-Louise Parker delve further into the intricacies of their respective characters in the series The Institute.

The Institute starts streaming on MGM+ on July 13, 2025.

X-Men fans should be sure to check out all mutants confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday.

Is The Institute Anything Like Marvel’s X-Men?

“I Think the Main Difference Is Charles Xavier’s Kids, So To Speak, Were Not Tortured and Abused.”

  • TopMob: “Many are going to be quick to compare a story like this to that of, you know, Marvel’s X Men. How would you say that this story is either similar and or different to those beloved characters that people might be trying to compare?”

In a nutshell, Joe Freeman points out that whereas Charles Xavier’s children, figuratively speaking, did not suffer torture and abuse, the vibe he got from watching the show was not one of future superheroes in the making, unlike the X-Men where such a sense was present.

Ben Barnes: At one point, there’s an allusion that might make you wonder if this is like the X-Men universe. You understand that it implies we’re in the same world, where such abilities as these children possess could be possible. This suggests that the telepathic and telekinetic powers they exhibit are genuine, not just superhero fantasy.

What I adore about Stephen King is his thoughtfulness, which for me symbolizes the intuitive nature of human communication. Moreover, his telepathic powers can be seen as a metaphor for our hidden abilities, much like telekinesis, which represent secret strengths that we all possess and could potentially harness to resist oppressive systems. Essentially, much of King’s work revolves around unlocking these inner powers.

  • TopMob: “Both of your characters are basically thrown into the deep end of the pool, in over their heads in different ways. How would you say each of them handles that situation in a distinct way?”

Joe Freeman: In essence, Luke finds himself in a predicament and is determined to escape it as soon as possible – even within minutes of arriving at The Institute. Upon arrival, he quickly engages Kalisha in conversation about their location, who runs the facility, and any information she has regarding it. This urgency is clearly evident in the initial episodes of the series because, indeed, Luke has no desire to be there, and understandably so, as it’s not an ideal place.

Ben Barnes: I believe they differ due to their unique circumstances within the system. Unlike Luke, who is forced into this situation through kidnapping, torture, I perceive Tim as someone who voluntarily strives to be an upright individual and tries his best in the world. He’s a person who has previously confronted injustice but, prior to the story unfolding, he’s already faced its consequences.

First off, he’s quite weighty when we encounter him, and secondly, he seems to be on a quest for tranquility and a means to avoid stressful circumstances. I believe that’s the case. And then, it’s as if he can’t resist the urge. If you consider your pool analogy, it’s like he continually dips his hand in the water and uncovers secrets. He just can’t help himself from meddling and attempting to be a positive influence on the world.

1. When we meet him, he seems heavy.
2. He appears to seek peace and avoid stressful situations.
3. Once encountered, he can’t seem to stop himself from poking around and uncovering secrets.
4. He feels compelled to intervene and act for the greater good.

To put it another way, though their perspectives may seem distinct initially, upon viewing the entire series, it becomes evident that they ultimately arrive at similar conclusions.

Mary-Louise Parker on Bringing Ms. Sigsby to Life In The Institute

“She Really Believes That She’s Working for the Greater Good of Humanity.”

  • TopMob: “Ms. Sigsby is a commanding and ominous leader at The Institute, someone who’s clearly hiding a lot. How did you approach projecting that outward-facing exterior, you know, as someone who does know all the answers and you know is hiding it?”

In Mary-Louise Parker’s perspective, the underlying question is how far one might go to preserve the world, and this is a conviction she firmly holds. Essentially, she feels her actions are for the greater benefit of mankind. What makes her particularly formidable is her unwavering belief that she’s on the right path. Pondering over this thought pattern kept her resolute and fearless.

  • TopMob: “What do you feel you added to Ms. Sigsby that wasn’t necessarily on the page, but through your performance, you brought out into the character?”

Mary-Louise Parker explained that she primarily aims to deliver the work as written by Steven. She expressed her desire to handle the material with humility and avoid any mistakes. She also wanted to create a significant contrast between her character’s professional demeanor and personal life, where her character appears to neglect self-care entirely. This, according to Parker, signifies deep-seated self-loathing and someone who is hurrying through life to avoid introspection.

The full discussion with the cast and filmmakers can be found here:

I highly recommend you delve deeper into TopMob’s interviews found below, especially the intriguing piece about the introduction of a fresh character in the forthcoming Peacemaker season from DC Studios!

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2025-07-08 20:34

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