The long-awaited Rust, an indie Western starring Alec Baldwin, is set for a limited theatrical release on May 2, 2025, following a tragic on-set incident in 2021 that took the life of director of photography Halyna Hutchins. The first footage from the film, which was recently released, showcases Baldwin in the role of Harland Rust, a notorious outlaw in 1880s Kansas.
The teaser, which features intense gunfights and high-stakes action, introduces Baldwin’s character, Harland Rust, delivering a poignant line: “Some things in this life you can’t get back, I reckon.” This line sets the tone for the film, which follows the story of Lucas McCalister (Patrick Scott McDermott), a young orphan who inadvertently kills a rancher and is sentenced to hang.
In a twist of fate, Rust breaks McCalister out of jail, and the pair embark on a dangerous journey toward Mexico. Along the way, they are pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal named Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter known as “Preacher,” played by Travis Fimmel. The trailer offers a glimpse of the high-intensity action that marks the film, with Baldwin’s character at the center of a deadly chase.
The film, produced by Falling Forward Films, will also be available on Video On Demand (VOD) through Ascending Media Group. The release comes after a tumultuous period for Rust, which has been marked by the tragic death of Hutchins in October 2021, following a fatal prop gun incident on set.
The Tragic Incident on Set
The film’s production was thrown into the spotlight after Baldwin discharged a prop firearm on October 21, 2021, during a rehearsal at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. The gun, which was supposed to contain a blank round, instead had a live round, resulting in the tragic death of Hutchins and the wounding of director Joel Souza.
The incident prompted a wide-ranging investigation, with Baldwin at the center of the controversy. Baldwin maintained that he did not pull the trigger of the firearm, and that the weapon discharged unintentionally. His statement sparked intense scrutiny and debate, leading to high-profile legal proceedings.
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In the wake of the incident, charges were filed against Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, who was responsible for the weapons on set. The legal case and the subsequent trials captured widespread media attention, overshadowing the film’s production.
However, in April 2023, Baldwin’s charges of involuntary manslaughter were officially dropped, a move that was welcomed by the actor’s legal team. Baldwin has consistently maintained his innocence, and the dropped charges were seen as a significant development in the case.
A New Chapter for Rust
Despite the tragic events surrounding its production, Rust is now moving forward with its planned release. The film’s producers and cast have expressed their determination to finish the project and honor the memory of Hutchins, who had a promising career ahead of her. Her death sent shockwaves through the film industry, leading to renewed discussions about safety protocols on sets involving firearms and special effects.
The new trailer, which marks the first time Baldwin has appeared in promotional material for the film, provides a glimpse of the action-packed Western that has been years in the making. Baldwin’s portrayal of Harland Rust, a grizzled and morally complex outlaw, is central to the narrative, and the teaser hints at a tense and emotional journey for both him and McCalister, the young man he decides to help.
The film’s themes of redemption, loss, and survival are underscored by its gritty setting in 1880s Kansas, with dusty streets, lawless towns, and fast-draw shootouts. As Rust and McCalister face off against Helm and Preacher, their journey unfolds as much more than a simple chase, delving into the emotional cost of their actions and choices.
Industry Reactions and Support
While Rust’s troubled history is impossible to ignore, the film’s release signals a return to normalcy for the project and its cast. The film industry has offered various forms of support for Hutchins’ family, and many in Hollywood have expressed their commitment to ensuring that such an incident is never repeated.
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Director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the shooting, has continued his work in the industry, reflecting on the life-altering experience and vowing to continue creating art in Hutchins’ honor. Baldwin, who was deeply affected by the incident, has also made public statements about his desire to move forward with Rust and ensure that Hutchins’ legacy is preserved.
“I’m looking forward to showing this film to the world,” Baldwin said in a recent statement. “It’s a story of redemption and resilience, and it’s a reminder that some things in life, once lost, can never be recovered. But we move forward.”
A Turning Point for Baldwin
For Baldwin, the release of Rust marks both a professional and personal turning point. While his involvement in the film was overshadowed by the tragic incident, the dropping of charges and the film’s eventual release signal a new chapter for the actor.
Baldwin’s career has spanned decades, with iconic roles in films such as The Hunt for Red October, Glengarry Glen Ross, and 30 Rock. However, the Rust incident has cast a long shadow over his legacy, with many still grappling with the tragedy that unfolded on set. As the film prepares for release, Baldwin’s role as Harland Rust is an opportunity for the actor to regain his footing and show audiences that he can still captivate with his performances.
The film’s commercial release will be a major moment for Baldwin, the surviving members of the Rust crew, and the wider film industry, which has been focused on improving safety protocols in the wake of the tragedy. Hutchins’ death sparked a reevaluation of on-set gun safety, with many urging for greater accountability and transparency in film productions.
As Rust prepares for its limited theatrical release on May 2, the film remains a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. Baldwin’s portrayal of Harland Rust, alongside the dramatic and suspenseful plot, offers a new chapter for a project that has been marred by sorrow.
For Baldwin and the Rust crew, the film represents a chance to honor Halyna Hutchins and move forward with a story of redemption and survival. While the incident that occurred on set will always be a part of the film’s history, the completion and release of Rust signals the beginning of a new chapter—one that Baldwin hopes will remind audiences of the power of storytelling and the importance of moving forward.
As the industry reflects on the lessons learned from the tragic event, Rust stands as a testament to both the challenges and the resilience of those involved. The film is set to hit theaters and VOD in May, and it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to Baldwin’s return to the screen in a role that is undeniably linked to the events of 2021.
