The embattled movie “Rust” will resume production this week as Alec Baldwin continues to battle the legal fallout from the on-set shooting of Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
Principal photography for the film will begin Thursday at Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana, a spokesperson for Rust Movie Productions told CNN on Tuesday.
Production on the independent Western came to an abrupt and tragic halt on Oct. 21, 2021, when star and producer Baldwin fired a prop gun that fatally struck cinematographer Hutchins, 42, at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.
Director Joel Souza was also wounded.
Baldwin, 65, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the incident and is expected to return to his lead role after pleading not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges earlier this year.
Both the Emmy winner and on-set armorer Hannah Guttierez-Reed initially faced up to five years in prison, which was reduced to 18 months after the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office dropped the gun enhancement charges against them.
Last week, Baldwin also sought to toss out a recent lawsuit by Hutchins’ parents and sister.
Halyna Hutchins was gunned down on the set of “Rust” in 2021. VIA REUTERS
Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Santa Fe County Sheriff
The film was originally being shot at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. APHe previously reached an undisclosed settlement with the cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins.
As part of the agreement, Matthew will be an executive producer on the finished film.
Souza is also expected to return to the project, CNN reported.
Earlier this month, Baldwin was approved to skip the preliminary hearing in the New Mexico case, which begins on May 3.
The father of eight is also staring down a lawsuit from three “Rust” crew members seeking damages for the trauma they endured after witnessing Hutchins’ death.
Hutchins (center) was killed when Baldwin fired a loaded prop gun. mrjoshhopkins/Instagram
Principal photography will now take place in Montana. Yellowstone Film Ranch/MEGA
Baldwin has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the incident. Alec Baldwin/InstagramNews that “Rust” will return to production comes shortly after assistant director David Halls was sentenced to six months’ probation for failing to check for live bullets in Baldwin’s prop gun at Bonanza Ranch.
Halls pleaded no contest to a charge of petty misdemeanor negligent use of a deadly weapon, and will also be expected to take a firearms safety course, pay a $500 fine, and complete 24 hours of community service.
