'Rust' Finds New Cinematographer After Halyna Hutchins' Passing

Although actor Alec Baldwin and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, production on the set of the troubled Western film is expected to resume.

In fact, on Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter noted that not only will production resume this spring with Alec Baldwin, but the “Rust” set has found a new cinematographer to carry on after Hutchins as well.

On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins will be replaced by Bianca Cline, who has worked on the critically acclaimed “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.” Melina Spadone, a lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, told THR that the scene where Halyna Hutchins was shot has been rewritten but would not go into specifics.

According to Rust Movie Productions, Cline will donate her salary to charity. Matthew Hutchins, the husband of Halyna, has reportedly given Cline his “blessing and support” to go forward in the position. Matthew will also be serving as executive producer on the film, as part of the wrongful death lawsuit that was settled last October.

In a statement, Matthew Hutchins said, “We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed.”

“The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023,” he continued.

“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” Hutchins added. “All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”

Director Joel Souza, who was also struck by the same bullet that killed Halyna Hutchins, also released a long statement honoring the late cinematographer. Souza will return to his role as director when filming resumes.

“Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with Halyna knew her to be exceedingly talented, kind, creative, and a source of incredible positive energy,” Souza said. “I only wish the world had gotten to know her under different circumstances, as it surely would have through her amazing work.”

“In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family,” he continued. “Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”

According to THR, there will be several new roles in the production of the film when it resumes production in California this spring. Some of these new roles include safety officers Gary Jensen and Paul Jordan of Tenet Production Safety and production designer Christine Brandt.

The new film set will reportedly feature “enhanced on-set safety protocols, including safety supervisors and a prohibition against any working weapons or ammunition.”

Actors Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel, and Frances Fisher are also expected to reprise their roles when filming resumes. All original producers are expected to return to the film, as well as stunt coordinator Allan Graf, costume designer Terese Davis, and make-up department head Stacy Lockhart.

At this time, it is unclear whether Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will resume her role as an armorer on the set of the Western film. Both she and Baldwin have been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for Hutchins' death.

The hearing is scheduled for later this month and will also include first assistant David Halls, who pled guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a weapon.