‘Rust’ Will Resume Filming This Spring With Alec Baldwin As The Star—Despite Manslaughter Charges

Topline

The western movie Rust will resume filming this spring with Alec Baldwin at its helm, producers announced Wednesday, 16 months after a gun in Baldwin’s hand fired on set, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins—even though Baldwin and the film’s armorer were charged with involuntary manslaughter over Hutchins death last month.

Key Facts

Production will move from New Mexico, where Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are each facing two involuntary manslaughter charges, to Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana, according to a statement from producers, Variety and Deadline reported.

Production of the film was roughly halfway completed when Hutchins was killed, and work was paused immediately so an investigation could begin.

In a statement, the founders of the Yellowstone Film Ranch said they are “honored to play a role in the realization of her vision and to carry forward her inspiring legacy through championing this film,” according to Variety and Deadline.

Director Joel Souza, who was shot in the shoulder during the incident, said in a separate statement “it is a privilege to work with such great partners as we see this through on Halyna’s behalf,” and “completing ‘Rust’ and honoring Halyna means the world to me and our entire production team.”

Souza and the original crew are returning to the production, according to Deadline.

Forbes has reached out to Rust Movie Productions for comment.

Key Background

It was first announced that Rust would resume filming in October, when Baldwin, Gutierrez-Reed, the production company and others settled a wrongful death suit brought against them by Matthew Hutchins, Halyna Hutchins’ widower. Matthew Hutchins was expected to become an executive producer of the movie when it resumed filming, which was initially set to restart in January. “I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work,” Matthew Hutchins said at the time. Last week, several news outlets reported production would resume in the coming months.

Tangent

Assistant director Dave Halls agreed to plead guilty to one charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. Halls, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are set to appear in court Friday. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed have not yet submitted pleas, though Baldwin’s lawyers have said they will fight the changes facing their client, and lawyers for Gutierrez-Reed said she is not guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Earlier this week, the charges for both defendants were downgraded when the state dropped a firearm enhancement that if they were found guilty, could have mandated they spend a mandatory five years in prison. Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin are facing up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Further Reading

‘Rust’ Shooting: Alec Baldwin’s Charges Downgraded, Lessening Possible Prison Time (Forbes)

Alec Baldwin Moves To Disqualify Special Prosecutor In ‘Rust’ Case For Serving As State Lawmaker (Forbes)