After more than three years of delays and legal proceedings, Alec Baldwin’s Rust has finally made its way to the screen. The film, which has been marred by the tragic on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, will be available for streaming for $14.99 through platforms like Apple and Amazon starting late Thursday. The film will also be shown in select theaters at Laemmle’s locations in Encino and Santa Monica beginning Friday.
The road to this release has been anything but smooth. The shooting on the Rust set on October 21, 2021, claimed the life of Hutchins, who was tragically killed when Baldwin’s prop gun discharged. The incident sparked widespread investigations, lawsuits, and criminal trials, which have heavily impacted both the film’s production and Baldwin’s career. Despite these obstacles, producers of Rust have opted to complete and release the film as a tribute to Hutchins, whose family has been closely involved in the project since her passing.
The Tragic Shooting and Legal Fallout
The incident that overshadowed Rust‘s production took place during a rehearsal when Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop gun, fatally wounding Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing close to Hutchins, was also injured in the shooting, with a bullet lodging in his shoulder. The film was immediately shut down after the tragedy, and investigations began into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Baldwin, along with armorer Hannah Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls, faced criminal charges in the wake of the incident. However, in July 2023, Baldwin was cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges after a judge dismissed the case, citing misconduct by prosecutors and detectives who allegedly withheld evidence. Meanwhile, Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024 and sentenced to 14 months in prison. Halls pled no contest to a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and has since distanced himself from the film industry.
Despite the legal turmoil, Baldwin has continued to maintain his innocence, stating that the incident was an unfortunate accident. He has since filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit against New Mexico, further complicating the ongoing narrative surrounding Rust‘s release.
A Family Affair: Hutchins’ Legacy Lives On Through the Film
The decision to complete and release Rust was partly motivated by insurance settlements that required the film to be distributed. The proceeds from the film will go towards funding the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchins’ husband, Matthew Hutchins, who also became an executive producer on the movie. Hutchins’ family in Ukraine has separately filed their own wrongful death lawsuit, adding to the legal complexity surrounding the film’s release.
One significant change in the production was the hiring of cinematographer Bianca Cline to replace Hutchins. Cline took over as director of photography when production resumed nearly 18 months after Hutchins’ death. The film’s location also changed significantly, moving from rural Kansas to the rugged mountains of Wyoming, adding a fresh visual dimension to the movie.
The Cast and Changes to the Film’s Production
While Baldwin remains the star of Rust, the film has undergone several cast changes in the wake of Hutchins’ death. Notably, actors Jensen Ackles and Swen Temmel, who had been part of the initial production, were not involved in the finished version. The final cast includes Baldwin, Josh Hopkins, Travis Fimmel, and Frances Fisher, with each actor portraying characters who face their own complex challenges within the film’s gritty narrative.
Despite these challenges, the filmmakers have stated that Rust was completed not only as a tribute to Hutchins but also to honor her artistry and vision. The film tells the story of Harland Rust, played by Baldwin, a rough-hewn outlaw who helps his grandson, Lucas, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, escape to Mexico after the boy accidentally kills a rancher. Set in the 1880s, the film combines elements of classic Western tropes with a focus on familial bonds and survival.
A Troubled Production: Safety Concerns and Poor Decisions
Before the tragic incident, Rust had already faced significant problems on set. Crew members had quit in protest over safety concerns, including accidental gun discharges and inadequate housing. These issues, combined with a rushed schedule, contributed to a chaotic atmosphere on set. According to Souza, who spoke to The Guardian, “Bad decision after bad decision was made,” leading to the moment that forever changed the course of the film’s production.
Hutchins’ death not only halted production but also exposed systemic issues related to on-set safety in Hollywood. The tragedy led to increased scrutiny of film industry practices, particularly surrounding the use of firearms on set, and has prompted calls for greater accountability in Hollywood’s safety standards.
Rust’s Path to Release: A Long Road Back
Despite the setbacks, Rust has made it to the screen. The film’s release represents a difficult but necessary closure for the many involved in its making. Baldwin, the producers, and the crew have all worked to finish the project, despite the personal and professional turmoil that has surrounded its production.
The film will be available for streaming starting Thursday for $14.99, and viewers will also have the option to watch it in theaters at Laemmle’s locations. As the film finally reaches audiences, it serves as a painful reminder of the tragedy that occurred on set, but also as a tribute to the memory of Halyna Hutchins, whose life and work continue to inspire.
What’s Next for Alec Baldwin?
As Rust makes its way to the screen, Baldwin’s career remains in the spotlight. While he has faced immense public scrutiny following the shooting, his legal battles are far from over. The actor continues to navigate the complex fallout from the incident, while also attempting to move forward with his career and personal life.
With the film now in the public’s hands, the question remains: Can Rust serve as a redemptive moment for Baldwin, or will it always be overshadowed by the tragedy that occurred during its production? Only time will tell, but for now, Rust has finally completed its long journey to the screen, and its release marks a poignant moment in Hollywood history.