Just as manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have been dropped, production on Rust has resumed. The crew has also added safety officers in an attempt to ensure no such tragedy ever happens again.
Production on Rust immediately halted in New Mexico after Hutchins’ death in October 2021. The death turned into finger pointing as well, with Baldwin himself filing lawsuits against armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and assistant director David Halls, while the recently dropped lawsuit against Baldwin tried to pin the blame on the actor and Gutierrez-Reed, who is still facing charges.
Ahead of Rust continuing production after 18 months, director Joel Souza, who was also injured during the accident, paid tribute to Hutchinson. “Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team is joining former cast and crew to complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. The beauty of Montana surpasses words, and the warm hospitality and kindness extended by everyone I’ve met has been both humbling and inspiring. It is a privilege to work alongside such great partners as we see this through on Halyna’s behalf.”
An attorney for Rust Movie Productions added to this while also touching on the safety protocols in place. “The production will continue to utilize union crew members and will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition. Live ammunition is—and always was—prohibited on set. Each and every one of us is wholeheartedly dedicated to realizing Halyna’s vision and paying tribute to her artistry.”
Whether Rust proves to be a hit or not with critics and audiences, it will always be marred by the killing of Halyna Hutchins, even more so considering the plot involves an accidental death. The film will almost certainly be devoted to her memory.
The official synopsis for Rust: “A 13-year-old boy, left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, is taken on a violent, harrowing journey to old Mexico by his long estranged grandfather after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher.”
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