Actor Eric Hicks chatted about starring in the new film “Girl Taken” on Lifetime.
The synopsis is: After she blames her mother for a break-up, a teen girl runs away and hitches a ride with a family friend, only to be abducted by him. Now she must fight to survive as her mother fights to find her.
How was your experience in “Girl Taken”?
Intense in the best way. “Girl Taken” demanded a lot emotionally, and that’s exactly the kind of project I live for. We dove headfirst into some pretty dark psychological territory, but the cast and crew created a space where it felt safe to explore that.
It’s not every day you get to play a character who walks the line between charm and control, and who can justify some pretty twisted choices to himself.
What did you like most about your character?
What I loved, and what scared me a little, was how human he is. Perry’s not some cartoon villain. He believes his actions are necessary, even noble at times. That’s what makes him dangerous.
I’m fascinated by characters who can rationalize manipulation as protection or control as love. Playing Perry meant stepping into a mind that’s both seductive and deeply flawed, which made every scene a psychological chess match.
What was it like working with Erica Durance?
Erica brings this incredible groundedness to the set. She’s generous as a scene partner, completely present, and she’s got that rare ability to carry both strength and vulnerability at once.
We had some emotionally charged scenes, and her instincts elevated everything. It felt like playing high-level tennis with someone who keeps you on your toes and makes you better.
What do your plans for the future include?
Storytelling that challenges me. I’m drawn to roles that explore the gray areas of human behavior, the characters who make you question your own assumptions.
On a more practical note, I’m developing some original content that leans into psychological thriller and spiritual sci-fi.
Ideally, I’d love to direct one day. The long game is to keep deepening my craft while carving out space for stories that matter.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, technology and streaming have cracked open the industry; more voices, more platforms, more access.
That’s exciting. On the other hand, there’s a pressure to constantly perform off-screen too. Social media can blur the lines between the work and the persona.
I try to stay rooted in the craft, use the tools when they help, and ignore the noise when they don’t. At the end of the day, I still believe a compelling performance speaks louder than an algorithm.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Get obsessed with the why, not the spotlight. Learn human behavior. Study psychology. Listen more than you speak. Take classes, yes, but also live a life worth drawing from. And be patient.
This industry can tempt you with shortcuts, but truth has no fast track. Build your foundation on craft, integrity, humility and curiosity. The rest will follow.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success, to me, is alignment. When your outer work reflects your inner truth. It’s less about applause and more about resonance. Did you move someone? Did you create something honest?
But more than that, I think real success is learning to accept life as it is. Not just the wins, but the setbacks, the silences, the detours.
There’s a kind of freedom in realizing that the journey is the thing, not the destination.
If you can stay curious, stay open, and find meaning in both the highs and the lows, you’re already successful. For me, embracing that mindset is the real work and the real reward.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Girl Taken”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Don’t assume you know what safety looks like. “Girl Taken” peels back the layers of a relationship that looks picture-perfect on the outside but is rotting underneath.
It’s a cautionary tale about control masquerading as love and how easy it is to mistake one for the other when emotions are involved.
If it sparks even one person to reevaluate the dynamics in their own life, or someone else’s, it’s done its job.
To learn more about Eric Hicks, follow him on Instagram.
