Rust is back on track with production having resumed at a new location on Thursday. In October 2021, the film had been in production in New Mexico when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in an on-set accident after a live round wound up in the prop gun Alec Baldwin was given for a scene. Filming has moved to Montana for the remainder of the production, and it's been noted that there won't be any "working weapons" or live ammunition on the set.
"It will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition," Rust Movie Productions attorney Melina Spadone said, via BBC. "Live ammunition is - and always was - prohibited on set."
It has also been revealed that Bianca Cline (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, American Horror Story) will serve as cinematographer for the shoot moving forward. In honor of Hutchins, Cline is only coming in to "complete Halyna's vision for the film" and will be donating her salary to charity. Director Joel Souza, who had been injured with the same live round that killed Hutchins, is also back in the director's chair.
"Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started," Souza previously said. "My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna's legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf."
Rust Resumes Filming
In relation to the accident that resulted in Hutchins' death, Baldwin was one of three people charged criminally. Assistant director Dave Halls was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon, and after taking a plea deal, he was sentenced to six months of probation. Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were also charged with involuntary manslaughter, though both plan to fight the charges in court.
Baldwin previously settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Hutchins' widower, Matthew Hutchins, who has since joined Rust as an executive producer. A separate civil lawsuit was filed by Hutchins' family against Baldwin and the producers.
"I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin)," a statement by Matthew Hutchins announced when the former suit was settled. "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.”
It's not yet clear when Rust will be released. Along with Baldwin, the movie's cast also includes Jensen Ackles, Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher, and Devon Werkheiser.