Actor Alec Baldwin releases statement after settlement of… Rust lawsuit with the estate of Halyna Hutchins and the announcement that there is also filming. On October 21, 2021, Rust cameraman Hutchins was accidentally shot and killed by a prop gun fired by Baldwin during a scene rehearsal. The film’s writer and director, Joel Souza, was also shot in the shoulder by the same bullet after it passed through Hutchins. After an investigation, the prop gun was unknowingly loaded with live ammunition prior to the fatal shooting and not thoroughly checked by the film’s main armor before rehearsal.
After the tragedy, Rust‘s production was indefinitely halted when the investigation began and lawsuits were filed against several involved parties. In February, Hutchins’ estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin, the other producers, the gunsmith and propmaster of Rust. The state of New Mexico has also imposed fines on the Rust producers a maximum amount of $139,793 for lack of security on set.
Per Deadlinethe lawsuit from Hutchins estate is settled with Baldwin and Rust productions. Halyna’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, has announced the settlement and dismissal of their case in a statement. He also revealed that Rust‘s production will continue in January 2023 with him as an executive producer, adding: “I have no interest in accusing or assigning blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin. We all believe that 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 last work.Baldwin had also taken to Instagram to announce the settlement of the case.
Souza also released a statement remembering Halyna and justifying his reason for returning to Rust. Read what the director said below.
“Those of us lucky enough to spend time with Halyna knew she was extremely talented, kind, creative and a source of incredible positive energy. I only wish the world had known her under different circumstances, because it In my own efforts to heal, any decision to return to direct the film would only make sense to me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family.Although certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together we will now complete what Halyna and I have begun. All my efforts for this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to do this on her behalf to establish.”
Does Baldwin’s Rust movie even need to be completed?
It’s been almost a year since the tragedy, and for many, emotions have yet to subside. During that time, the Hutchins family and Rust filmmakers have managed to come to an agreement about the horrific accident that occurred due to their lengthy lawsuit. Baldwin, Souza and Matthew Hutchins seem to agree that completing the film could be a tribute to Halyna and the work she’s already put into production. Whether such an act will be successful in their intent is up for debate.
With productions that suffered major tragedies on set, including: The crow and Twilight Zone: the movie, the lives lost will always be linked to the film’s legacy. Despite the filmmakers’ best intentions to pay tribute to the people who died, the informed public will likely have Halyna’s death in mind rather than enjoying the film. If the film is not successful, both critically and financially, then the audience can discuss the purpose of completing the film. When Baldwin Returns to Rust in January, all eyes will be on the production with the hope that the film will be finished, but more importantly, that he will respect the memory of Halyna Hutchins.
Source: Term, Alec Baldwin/Instagram
