The first official trailer for the highly anticipated film "Rust," starring Alec Baldwin, has now been released. This movie, set to premiere in theaters on May 2, 2025, carries a somber backdrop due to a tragic incident during its production. On October 22, 2021, a prop gun used by Baldwin accidentally discharged, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza. The incident occurred when Baldwin was demonstrating how he would draw his weapon from its holster, pointing it at the camera where Hutchins and Souza were positioned.
The prop gun, mistakenly believed to be a "cold gun" without live ammunition, was prepared by armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Subsequent legal proceedings saw charges against Baldwin dropped in April 2023, while Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Additionally, first assistant director David Halls, responsible for verifying the gun's safety, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and received a six-month probation sentence.
"Rust" is set in 1880s Kansas and follows the story of Lucas McCalister (played by Patrick Scott McDermott), a young orphan who, after accidentally killing a rancher, is sentenced to hang. His life takes a dramatic turn when his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust (portrayed by Alec Baldwin), rescues him from jail. The duo embarks on a perilous journey towards Mexico, evading the relentless pursuit of U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter known as 'Preacher' (Travis Fimmel).
The film made its debut at Poland's Camerimage Festival in November 2024, where it paid tribute to Halyna Hutchins during the credits. Although Baldwin did not attend the event, director Joel Souza was present and spoke about Hutchins, emphasizing her love for the festival and her passion for filmmaking. "We are here in a place that she loved so much, probably second only to being on set," Souza remarked. "I want to thank you all for coming and for taking a few hours out of your day to come celebrate my friend and to celebrate her art and her talent. She really was something."
You can view the trailer for "Rust" right here, and experience the gripping narrative and homage to a beloved cinematographer.
