After the deadly on-set accident that took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, it seemed like production on Rust would never be finished. In October 2021, Hutchins had been preparing to start filming a scene for the Western when a prop gun held by lead star Alec Baldwin discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. An investigation was launched into the incident, but at this time, no criminal charges have been filed against Baldwin or any other crew members involved with the production.
In February, a wrongful death lawsuit had also been filed against the filmmakers on behalf of the estate of Halyna Hutchins. At the time, Baldwin claimed that he was hoping to get the film finished in honor of Hutchins, but the lawsuit had made that impossible. On Wednesday, Hutchins' widower, Matthew Hutchins, announced that a settlement has been reached. Production is now set to pick back up in January with the full blessing of the estate.
“We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed,” Hutchins said, per Variety.
He added, "I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). 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.”
A separate statement from Baldwin's attorney Luke Nikas also notes, "Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Rust Will Finish Filming
Along with the settlement, Matthew Hutchins will also be joining the project as an executive producer. It's also stated that all of the "original principal players" are all set to return as well. This will include the film's various stars, such as Alec Baldwin and Jensen Ackles, as well as director Joel Souza, who was nearly killed himself by the bullet that killed Halyna Hutchins.
“Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with Halyna knew her to be exceedingly talented, kind, creative, and a source of incredible positive energy," Souza said of Hutchins and resuming work on Rust. "I only wish the world had gotten to know her under different circumstances, as it surely would have through her amazing work.”
The filmmaker added, “In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family. Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”
It's not yet clear when Rust will potentially be released.