On October 21, 2021, “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was struck and killed by a live bullet on the set of a Western film. Production was paused up until earlier this year, as both the film’s star, Alec Baldwin, and producers, faced wave after wave of civil suits.
Baldwin and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were also charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January. The charges against Baldwin were dropped shortly before filming began in April as the two new special prosecutors appointed by the Santa Fe District Attorney continue to investigate the incident.
The charges have been dropped against Gutierrez-Reed, although her preliminary hearing has been postponed to August. First assistant director David Halls signed a plea agreement for the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon and is facing probation. Regardless, given the drama that has been swirling around the movie due to its troubled production, producers are trying to be “realistic” about its future at the Cannes market and its performance at the box office.
‘Rust’ Producers Wanted To Finish The Alec Baldwin Feature To Honor Halyna Hutchins’ Legacy
According to producer Ryan Donnell Smith of Thomasville Pictures (via The Hollywood Reporter), the decision to bring “Rust” into the Cannes marketplace was a direct result of a conversation with Halyna’s widower, Matthew Hutchins. Matthew had filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin last February; it was settled last October. As part of the settlement, he was named as an executive producer of the film.
“That was led by Matthew Hutchins’ decision, what he felt was appropriate,” Smith said told THR in Cannes. “Is it the right thing to move forward? Our team felt, ‘How could we not finish this in honor of Halyna’s legacy?’” He also noted that producers have removed the scene in the church where Baldwin’s weapon went off. The bullet killed Hutchins and hospitalized director Joel Souza, who returned to finish up the film at the Yellowstone Film Ranch Montana.
Smith said that restarting production on the film was “surreal, but extremely special” and noted that the “attitude” on set was “joyful, honoring, and respectful” of the late cinematographer. Halyna Hutchins was replaced with cinematographer Bianca Cline, who is best known for her work on “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.” It is reported that Cline has the “blessing and support” of Matthew Hutchins and will donate her salary to charity.
Smith declined to answer questions about the possibility of Baldwin facing charges yet again as law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident in New Mexico. When considering how buyers may be wary of purchasing a film where its star may yet be facing criminal charges, Smith admitted, “This is an unprecedented film in regards to the circumstances. We’re trying to keep realistic expectations, but shepherd this in the best way we can.”
Working Weapons and Live Ammunition Were Banned As Production Resumed In Montana
Alec Baldwin and “Rust” producers are still facing multiple civil suits, including one that was filed by Hutchins’ parents and sister in February. They were not included in the initial lawsuit that Matthew Hutchins filed against filmmakers in February 2022. Their suit not only names Rust Movie Productions, but also names El Dorado Pictures, Thomasville Pictures, Brittany House Pictures, Short Porch Pictures, Gutierrez-Reed, Halls, props master Sarah Zachry and ammunition supplier Seth Kenney, alleging battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and loss of consortium.
When production resumed in Montana last month, new safety protocols were put in place to prevent any further workplace accidents. Most of the cast and crew returned to work on the film, along with safety officers Gary Jensen and Paul Jordan of Tenet Production Safety. Although live ammunition had always been banned on the film set, the production team took things a step further to also ban working weapons on the film set.
Earlier this week, Alec Baldwin revealed that he had shaved his beard and completed filming his scenes on “Rust.” Despite initial reports that “Supernatural” star Jensen Ackles would return to the project, he was replaced by actor Josh Hopkins due to a reporter scheduling conflict.
Although “Rust” has not signed with a domestic sales agent, Goodfellas, the company formerly known as Wild Bunch International, will be handling the film’s international sales. Although the film’s original seller was the Highland Film Group, Smith said, “We felt for the international market it was appropriate to go with a European-based company.” says Smith.
“We’re excited to be where we are with the Rust project,” Smith added. “It took a lot to get to principal photography. We’ve thought a lot about how it can best be put into the market to honor Halyna’s legacy.”
