Alfie Allen, best known as Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones, takes on a disturbing new role in the upcoming Paramount+ series Girl Taken. He plays Rick Hansen, a beloved local teacher in a small English town who is secretly the man abducting and holding a teenage girl captive. The psychological drama’s first trailer has been released, showing Allen in a terrifying light.
The six-part series, which will be available globally on Paramount+ on January 8, 2026, is based on Hollie Overton’s novel Baby Doll. It follows the story of twin sisters Lily and Abby. Their lives are shattered when 17-year-old Lily is taken from their quiet rural town. After years of abuse, Lily escapes her captor, but soon learns that returning to a normal life presents its own immense challenges.
Alfie Allen’s Sinister Role as Rick Hansen
In Girl Taken, Alfie Allen steps away from the tortured soul of Theon Greyjoy to portray a character of pure manipulation. Rick Hansen is not a monster who lives on the edge of society; he is embedded within it. He is a trusted teacher, a friendly face in the community, and someone the victim’s family knows well. This makes his crime and his double life all the more disturbing.
The recently released trailer provides a glimpse into Allen’s performance. In it, Rick is seen actively participating in the search for the missing Lily, presenting a concerned front to the public and the desperate family. Behind closed doors, the character reveals his true nature. In one chilling moment from the trailer, he strokes the face of Lily, who is chained to a bed, and calls her “Baby doll”. Another line has him telling his prisoner, “This is going to be good… You’re going to learn to be good”. The role requires Allen to master the duality of a predator hiding in plain sight, a challenge that moves him into new dramatic territory.
The Plot: Survival Beyond the Captivity
Girl Taken sets itself apart by focusing on the aftermath of the crime. The story is less about the mystery of “who did it” and more about the lasting impact of trauma. The official description states that after Lily escapes, “the world she longed to return to has moved on without her”.
The central struggle becomes the attempt by Lily, her twin sister Abby, and their mother Eve to rebuild their family and their lives. They must deal with the psychological damage, the changed relationships, and the terrifying reality that Rick is still free. He remains a threat, determined to control the story and avoid being caught. The series is described as a “raw and emotionally charged” exploration of trauma, resilience, and the difficult path to reclaiming one’s life.
Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount+’s Deputy Chief Content Officer, said: “Girl Taken is the kind of thrilling, emotionally rich storytelling we’re proud to champion on Paramount+ UK & Ireland. With a brilliant creative team and a gripping narrative at its heart, this series is set to be a standout addition to our original drama slate”.
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Main Cast and Key Production Details
The series brings together a strong cast led by Allen. Jill Halfpenny plays Eve, the twins’ mother, who battles grief and pressure while fighting for her family. The roles of the twin sisters, Lily and Abby, are played by real-life sisters Tallulah Evans and Delphi Evans, which adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
The supporting cast includes Vikash Bhai as Detective Sergeant Tommy Shah, Niamh Walsh as Rick’s wife Zoe Hansen, and Levi Brown as Lily’s boyfriend from before her abduction.
Girl Taken is produced by Clapperboard Studios for Paramount+. The series was adapted for television by a writing team including David Turpin, Suzanne Cowie, and Nessah Muthy, with Laura Way and Bindu de Stoppani directing. All six episodes of the series will be released on the same day, January 8, 2026, for Paramount+ subscribers around the world.
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