Rust is Finally Coming, After Years of Controversy | popgeeks.com
Rust, the long-delayed Western film starring Alec Baldwin, is finally set for release after years of uncertainty caused by a tragic on-set accident. Many believed the project would either be permanently shelved or become lost media.
The fatal incident occurred on October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal when Baldwin discharged a firearm containing a live round, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The tragedy led to widespread scrutiny of on-set firearm safety and raised concerns about how real weapons are handled in the film industry.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer responsible for handling firearms on set, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. A jury found that she displayed reckless disregard for safety, resulting in her sentencing of 18 months in prison—the maximum penalty for the charge.
The accident was compared to the 1993 tragedy on the set of The Crow, where actor Brandon Lee was fatally shot due to mishandled prop ammunition. In response to Rust, many productions implemented stricter firearm safety protocols. Some, including Dwayne Johnson, announced they would no longer use real guns on set, opting for rubber props and CGI effects instead.
Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter on January 19, 2023, putting his career and personal life at serious risk. As a father of eight children, the possibility of jail time could have had devastating consequences for his family. However, the charges were dropped in April of that year, allowing Rust to resume production on April 20, 2023. As part of a legal settlement with Hutchins’ family, a portion of the film’s earnings will be allocated to them. Additionally, her husband, Matthew Hutchins, was named an executive producer on the project.
Now, after years of speculation, the official trailer for Rust has been released, offering a look at its intense storyline. The film follows Lucas (Patrick Scott McDermott), a young boy who accidentally kills a cruel rancher and is sentenced to death. His grandfather, Harland Rust (Alec Baldwin), a seasoned outlaw, refuses to let him hang and stages a daring prison break. Together, they flee toward the Mexican border in search of a fresh start, but they are relentlessly pursued by U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter known as “Preacher” (Travis Fimmel).
Actor Jensen Ackles had initially filmed scenes for Rust but ultimately chose to leave the project following the on-set tragedy.
The decision to release Rust remains controversial. Some believe that, given the circumstances, the film should never be shown to the public. Others argue that its release will provide financial support to Hutchins’ family, who are entitled to a share of the film’s profits under the settlement.
Baldwin, who has maintained that he was not responsible for loading the live round, completed filming reportedly without financial compensation, stating that he wanted to honor Hutchins’ memory.
With a scheduled release date of May 2, 2025, Rust is expected to reignite debate. While some viewers anticipate seeing the final film, others feel it should have been abandoned out of respect. No matter where audiences stand, its release will once again bring Hollywood’s firearm safety practices into the spotlight.
