Alec Baldwin and the producers for Rust have reached a settlement with the estate of Halyna Hutchins, who was accidentally shot on set in October 2021, Deadline reports.
As part of the settlement, the late cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, will executive produce the movie, which is set to resume production in January 2023 with the original cast.
On February 15, Hutchins’ family had filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Hutchins was shot by the film’s star, Alec Baldwin, who discharged a prop gun after being informed by assistant director David Halls that the weapon was “cold.”
Alec Baldwin
“We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed,” said Matthew Hutchins.
“The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023.”
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” he continued, “All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
‘Rust’ Movie Productions Reaches Settlement With Halyna Hutchins Estate https://t.co/QZSCqdOfp3
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 5, 2022
Baldwin took to Instagram to say: “We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Joel Souza, Rust’s director, who was also injured in the incident, said: “Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with Halyna knew her to be exceedingly talented, kind, creative, and a source of incredible positive energy. I only wish the world had gotten to know her under different circumstances, as it surely would have through her amazing work. In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family. Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.” #
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has yet to charge anyone over the death, though a report by authorities found ‘gross negligence of gun safety’ on the Rust set.
