The Ruthless One – The Horrifying Story of Magda Marinko, Paprika Studios’ new three-part docuseries, uses AI-driven illustrative techniques to reconstruct one of the most brutal crimes in recent Hungarian history - an event that continues to fascinate true-crime audiences and linger in Hungary’s collective memory. The series is rooted in contemporary relevance, extending the story beyond the archive and into the present day.

The creators of The Ruthless One not only reopen a much-debated and once-sensational cold case to reveal new information about the infamous 1990s serial homicide - shedding light on unusual circumstances and motives - but also incorporate extensive archival recordings and exclusive, never-before-seen witness testimonies. By using cutting-edge AI-generated illustration sequences instead of traditional live-action reenactments, the filmmakers evoke pivotal moments of the story in a more flexible, visually inventive, and resource-efficient way.

Paprika Studios emphasizes that AI is used here as a creative tool under strict human supervision. The production follows clear internal guidelines for responsible AI use: all AI-generated material is reviewed by the filmmakers; no unlicensed likenesses or individual artistic styles are intentionally replicated; and the technology is used solely to support - never replace - the work of an outstanding team of writers, directors, and editors.

“Magda Marinko’s story is one of the most shocking and puzzling criminal cases in post-communist Hungary. Everyone has heard about it, but few have seen it or examined it with true thoroughness. Our goal was to tell this harrowing story with local sensitivity and to international standards of quality. We not only used exclusive interviews and unseen archival footage, but also relied heavily on the capabilities of AI-generated illustrations to craft a complex, dramatic narrative that is even more immersive for viewers,” said Csaba Tóth, Content Development Executive at Paprika Studios and the series’ Creative Producer.

“This series is a milestone not only in content but also in technology. We are proud to add a new genre—true crime—to the local content landscape. In addition, by incorporating AI-generated illustrative sequences, we are creating a new visual language that is both authentic and captivating, while keeping creative control firmly in human hands. For us, AI is a way to make complex, large-scale reconstructions better, faster, and more accessible for audiences — not a way to replace the people who tell these stories, but to give them an exceptional tool that broadens horizons with a clear path toward the right way of use. We are very grateful to RTL Hungary and Antenna Entertainment CEE, who joined this innovative, pioneering project, believing in our vision from a very early stage,” added Ákos Erdős, CEO of Paprika Studios.

The series will premiere on the RTL+ Premium streaming platform on December 2, with a linear TV premiere to follow on Viasat3 in Q1 2026.