On March 26, 2025, the first trailer for the much-anticipated western film "Rust" was released, stirring renewed interest in a project that has been marred by tragedy. The film stars Alec Baldwin, who infamously shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming in October 2021, resulting in her death and injuries to director Joel Souza.
Set in the 1880s in Kansas, "Rust" tells the story of Lucas McKalister, portrayed by Patrick Scott McDermott, a young orphan who accidentally kills a ranch owner and is sentenced to hang. Ironically, it's his estranged uncle, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust, played by Baldwin, who rescues him from prison and helps him flee to Mexico. As they escape, they are pursued by U.S. Marshal Wood Helm, played by Josh Hopkins, and a relentless bounty hunter known as the Prophet, portrayed by Travis Fimmel.
The film's release comes after a tumultuous period for Baldwin, who faced charges of involuntary manslaughter following the tragic incident on set. During a rehearsal, Baldwin fired a prop gun that was mistakenly loaded with a live round, leading to Hutchins's death and Souza's injury. In July 2024, the New Mexico court closed the case against Baldwin, citing insufficient evidence to proceed.
In the aftermath of the incident, Baldwin maintained that he did not pull the trigger. However, forensic experts stated that the gun could not have discharged without someone pulling the trigger. The investigation ultimately revealed that the incident was due to negligence on the part of the film's armorer, Hanna Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for the safety of the weapons on set. She was found to have violated safety protocols and was charged, receiving an 18-month prison sentence.
Despite the tragic backdrop, the filmmakers decided to finish "Rust," which had already completed nearly half of its shooting before the incident. Filming resumed in April 2023 in Montana after a year-long hiatus. The film had its world premiere at the Camerimage film festival in Poland in November 2024 and is now set for a limited theatrical release on May 2, 2025.
The trailer, which was released on the film's official YouTube channel, showcases the film's gritty aesthetic and emotional depth. In one poignant scene, Baldwin's character reflects, "Some things in this life can never be taken back," highlighting the film's themes of regret and redemption.
As the release date approaches, the film industry and audiences alike are watching closely. The tragic events surrounding the production have sparked discussions about safety protocols on film sets and the responsibilities of actors and crew members when handling firearms.
With its complex narrative and the real-life implications of the events that transpired during filming, "Rust" is poised to be a significant entry in Baldwin's career and a poignant reminder of the costs of negligence in filmmaking.
The film's cast also includes notable actors such as Frances Fisher, Jake Busey, and others, adding to the film's appeal. As viewers prepare for its release, the story of "Rust" continues to resonate, intertwining art and life in a way that few films ever do.
