Rust

Rust is a Western film that began filming in 2021. The project was written and directed by Joel Souza. The film stars actor Alec Baldwin as aging outlaw and grandfather Harland Rust. The premise for the film reads:

"In 1880s Kansas, aging outlaw Harland Rust comes out of hiding to rescue his thirteen-year-old grandson Lucas, after he is sentenced to hang for an accidental murder. Now fugitives, the pair have to outrun both Rust's nemesis, U.S. Marshal Wood Helm, and the vicious bounty hunter Fenton 'Preacher' Lang."

Tragedy Occurs On Rust Set

On October 21, 2021, a tragedy occurred on the Rust set. A gun held by the film's starring actor, Alex Baldwin, discharged. It struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, passed through her, and struck director Joel Souza. Souza was hospitalized but Hutchins passed away as a result of the incident. Multiple civil lawsuits were filed against Alec Baldwin and other Rust producers.

Criminal Charges Filed In January 2023

In January 2023, the Santa Fe District Attorney charged Alec Baldwin and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The second charge carried a firearm enhancement that was later dropped after Baldwin's legal team successfully argued that the charges were unconstitutional. In April 2023, charges were dropped against Alec Baldwin without prejudice, as special prosecutors cited that they needed more time to continue their investigation into a possible gun malfunction that may have caused it to misfire without the actor pulling the trigger. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is still being charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. In June 2023, she faced additional charges after special prosecutors alleged that a witness told them that she transferred cocaine to another individual on the day of Hutchins' death. Gutierrez-Reed's legal team has strongly denied these allegations.

Rust Finishes Filming In May 2023

After being fined by the state of New Mexico for numerous safety violations, the production team moved to the Yellow Film Ranch in April 2023. Alec Baldwin returned to filming and posted numerous photos and videos on set. The movie wrapped filming in May 2023, with Bianca Cline serving as the film's new cinematographer. A release date for the film has not been revealed at this time.