'Rust' Adds Safety Officers On Set As Alec Baldwin Resumes Filming 

The Western film "Rust" finally resumed production this week at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana.

The film had paused production following the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. Production resumed on the same day that the state of New Mexico officially dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin.

Actor Alec Baldwin is returning to continue filming his scenes for the Western film. Although most of the cast and crew are returning, the production is adding several new faces to protect the cast and crew. Deadline reported that the new crew members include Safety Officers Gary Jensen and Paul Jordan (Tenet Production Safety), EP/LP Stephen Marinaccio (Jack Ryan), and Production Designer Christine Brandt (Card Counter).

Director Joel Souza is returning to direct the film as well. Souza had been standing directly behind Hutchins and was hospitalized as a result of the incident. In a statement, Souza said, “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," he continued. "It is a privilege to work alongside such great partners as we see this through on Halyna’s behalf.”

Melina Spadone, attorney for Rust Movie Productions, said in today's press release that she expects production to wrap at the end of May. “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," she said. "Each and every one of us is wholeheartedly dedicated to realizing Halyna’s vision and paying tribute to her artistry.”

Souza is directing the script that he wrote himself based on a story that he came up with in collaboration with Baldwin. The synopsis reads: “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.”

The role of Lucas Hollister is now being played by Patrick Scott McDermott of "Chicago Med" and "South Side" fame. Actors Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel, and Frances Fisher were also expected to reprise their roles. 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.

Cinematographer Bianca Cline from the critically acclaimed "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" will be completing the work that Halyna Hutchins began. Cline will reportedly 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 at the time, 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. At that time, they were scouting locations in California, before production was later moved to Montana and postponed as they finalized final details.

“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.”

However, the civil suit filed by Hutchins’ mother Olga Solovey, her father Anatolii Androsovych, and sister Svetlana Zemko, continued. Lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents the family, said that her clients "remain hopeful" despite the dismissed charges.

“Mr. Baldwin may pretend that he is not responsible for pulling the trigger and ejecting a live bullet which ended Halyna’s life," she said in a statement. "He can run to Montana and pretend that he is just an actor in a wild west movie but, in real life, he cannot escape from the fact that he had a major role in a tragedy which had real-life consequences.”