The Hollywood film Rust is ready to resume production after an 18-month hiatus owing to the untimely death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, according to the news agency AFP. “The production will continue to use union crew members and will prohibit the use of working weapons and any form of ammunition,” Melina Spadone, attorney for Rust Movie Productions, told the news agency. On set, live ammunition is – and has always been – prohibited.” Baldwin fired a bullet on the Bonanza City, New Mexico set of the film on October 21, 2021, striking Hutchins and writer-director Joel Souza. Hutchins did not survive his injuries, unlike Souza.
Baldwin has maintained that he had no idea the rifle was loaded.
A judge hearing over the wrongful death case filed by Baldwin and others involved in the fatal film set shooting recently opted to keep the contents of the proposed settlement deal private.
The incident generated a debate about the correct methods for handling firearms in the entertainment industry, as well as the hazards associated and how to mitigate them. Several film organizations have proposed solutions to avoid similar catastrophes in the future. Some supporters have urged stricter standards, while others have advocated for a complete ban on the use of real guns on sets.
Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher, and Jensen Ackles also star in Rust. Hutchins’ widower Matthew Hutchins, is an executive producer. Meanwhile, Baldwin and the film’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are still charged with voluntary manslaughter and face a $5,000 fine and 18 years in prison.
