Rust will resume production this January, over a year after it was halted when star Alex Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set.
However, the film will continue in a new location as the old New Mexico set remains closed amid the ongoing investigation into Hutchins’ death.
Production teams are still looking for a new location, but Rust Movie Productions LLC attorney Melina Spadone said California is a possibility, according to Variety.
News of the transfer comes weeks after the production company and Hutchins’ husband, Matthew Hutchins, announced a settlement in which they agreed that production would resume 15 months after the incident.
Halyna was filmed on the film’s set at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe in October 2021. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February, which has now been dropped.
Despite announcing the settlement, the local prosecutor’s office warned that the deal will not affect the criminal investigation into the death, adding, “No one is above the law.”
Baldwin said he didn’t pull the trigger, claiming the blame lay with the stunt handlers and props managers who should have made sure there were no live bullets on the gun. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has not charged anyone.
Production on the film Rust will resume in January, 15 months after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot dead on the set by Alex Baldwin
Rust will be completed on a different location from the original set in New Mexico, which is still on hold pending the filming investigation
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was filming on the film’s set in October 2021 at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February, which has now been dropped
Baldwin announced the return of Rust’s production in a post on his Instagram page, noting that the move was part of a “specific desire to do what’s best for Halyna’s son” after they were shot while filming in New Mexico last year had been.
Baldwin wrote on social media, “Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained a specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son.
“We are grateful to everyone who helped resolve this tragic and painful situation.”
Matthew Hutchins will serve as executive producer during the Western’s revival as he, the producers and Baldwin all agreed that his wife’s death was a “horrific accident”.
The widower added, “We have reached a settlement in our wrongful death case against Rust’s producers, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC, subject to court approval.
“As part of this settlement, our case is dismissed. Filming on Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume in January 2023 with all of the original leads on board.”
He continued, “I have no interest in blaming or blaming[the producers or Mr. Baldwin]. We all believe that Halyna’s death was a horrible accident.
“I’m grateful that the producers and entertainment community came together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
Alec Baldwin talks on the phone in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Fe after being questioned about a shooting on the set of the film Rust
Baldwin is seen in tears after being questioned at the Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 21
Baldwin and Hutchins on the set of Rust last year. He claims he never pulled the trigger
Rust’s director Joel Souza paid tribute to Hutchins’ talent and creativity – saying the decision to continue working on the film for her legacy was “bittersweet”.
Souza added, “All my effort on this film will be dedicated to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to enforce this on their behalf.’
He said he wished he had worked with the cameraman under different circumstances, but continuing the project would help his own healing process.
Spadone said, ‘We are pleased that the parties have come together to resolve this matter which, subject to court approval, represents an important step forward in celebrating Halyna’s life and honoring her work.’
Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust before she died in a prop accident in October 2021
Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin. In an Instagram post announcing the settlement, he expressed his desire to honor Hutchins by completing the film
Following the announcement of the civil settlement, the Office of the Attorney General said, “The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins’ wrongful death case against Rust film producers, including Alec Baldwin, in connection with the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no effect District Attorney Mary Carmack will have Altweis’ ongoing investigation or her final decision on whether to press charges in the case.’
“While civil lawsuits are settled privately and often involve monetary compensation, criminal lawsuits deal only with facts.
“If the facts and evidence warrant a criminal charge under New Mexico law, charges will be filed. Nobody is above the law.’
