The Instituterecently premiered on MGM+, and the new take on Stephen King’s novel of the same name has been making waves in the horror community. Starring Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson,The Instituteis full of sinister secrets and mysteries that the audience gets to unravel alongside the characters, making for a fun show to sink your teeth into this summer.
Stephen King’sThe Institutehas plenty of great follow-ups for fans of the author, but there are also projects featuring the cast ofThe Institutethat are worth checking out. Ben Barnes has been a part of many iconic movies and TV shows, but one of his more recent roles is one that fans ofThe Institutewill love watching in this fantasy series.
If You Love Ben Barnes In The Institute, Watch Shadow And Bone On Netflix Next
As one of Netflix’s best and most underrated original fantasy TV shows,Shadow and Bonedeserves a lot more recognition for a reason. While there are plenty of aspects of the series that warrant our attention, Barnes’s work as the Darkling, the mysterious yet intriguing foil to the protagonist, Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), will catch the eye of audiences who have watchedThe Institute.
Though Barnes is an amazing part of the show,Shadow and Boneis afantastic female-led fantasy series, and watching Alina grow as a character is a satisfying aspect of the project. With a vivid world based on the book series by Leigh Bardugo,Shadow and Boneis packed with magic, action, and just the right amount of romance.
How Ben Barnes' Performance In Shadow And Bone Compares To The Stephen King Show
LikeShadow and Bone, there are some fantastical elements inThe Institute, but Barnes’s work as Tim is rooted in a story that’s closer to reality. Additionally, the secrets he keeps inThe Instituteare a touch darker than those inShadow and Bone, even if the fantasy series takes full advantage of Barnes’s ability to bring the Darkling to life, as he thrives in literary adaptations like these.
As the Darkling, Barnes walks the line between sinister and seductive, as all the best fictional bad boys do. Of course, the Darkling is a little too villainous to be considered a “bad boy,” but there’s no question that Alina is drawn to him and the allure of his power. Audiences will likely find themselves being just as compelled by him while watchingShadow and Bone.
Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)
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Despite Shadow And Bone’s Cancellation, Ben Barnes' Character Gets A Proper Ending
Though the novel series has three books and a spinoff duology,Shadow and Bonecame to an end after season 2, despite being one of Netflix’s best recent fantasy shows.Netflix cancelingShadow and Boneis still disappointing, but even though the ending of the series is a little disappointing, the Darkling gets a proper goodbye, even if it’s a little bittersweet for viewers.
Barnes' character is one of the only people in the series whose arc comes full circle inShadow and Bone. Fans of the actor can rest assured that throughoutShadow and Bone, Barnes embodies every part of the Darkling and brings many of the best scenes from the books to life alongside Li, as the pair have fantastic chemistry.
The Institute
Cast
A kidnapped prodigy with special abilities, Luke, ends up at The Institute, while Tim, a former cop, seeks a new life in a nearby town. Their fates are inevitably linked.
Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series set in a world divided by a barrier of darkness. Released on July 01, 2025, it follows a young soldier who discovers a unique power that could reunite her country amid a backdrop of scheming forces, including thugs, thieves, and assassins.
