Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' cuts Halyna Hutchins' shooting church scene as producers plan film release
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The sequence in 'Rust' where Alec Baldwin's prop gun tragically discharged real ammunition, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, will be permanently omitted from the final version of the film.
An insider reveals that the final cut of the movie excludes the rehearsal sequence that tragically killed Halyna Hutchins. This scene was completely removed from the Western's script following the horrific accident.
This came to light after Judge Mary Marlow Sommer of the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico in Santa Fe dismissed the actor's accusations with prejudice on Friday, July 12, the third day of the proceedings.
'Rust' film 'did cut the church scene and did some rewriting,' claims source
The Western drama starring Alec Baldwin was being filmed in New Mexico on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin's prop gun, loaded with live ammunition, accidentally discharged, striking director Joel Souza and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Hutchins, 42, succumbed to her injuries, while Souza survived.
According to a source, the script was revised and rewritten when filming of 'Rust' was later resumed, thus that sequence was not included in the final cut, as reported by People.
The insider said, "They did cut the church scene that they were rehearsing for, and did some rewriting. It’s a beautiful film. It looks like a big studio movie."
The rewritten script was released following the permanent dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, 66. This decision came after prosecutors were accused of failing to provide the defense team with all relevant information.
The incident occurred without any footage being recorded because Baldwin was practicing pulling his handgun as the filmmakers set up camera blocking for the scene inside a church.
The actor previously asserted that he was unaware the prop gun contained live rounds and that he did not pull the trigger.
'Rust' movie's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and given a jail sentence; however, her lawyer has stated that they will file a move to dismiss following the unexpected verdict in Baldwin's trial.
'Rust' resumed production in spring 2023 following Halyna Hutchins' death
Although Alec Baldwin is no longer facing criminal charges, he is still the target of several lawsuits, one of which was brought by Hutchins' Ukrainian parents and sister.
Additionally, Hutchins' spouse Matthew Hutchins launched a lawsuit against Baldwin and other 'Rust' producers, which was reportedly resolved in 2022, per Daily Mail.
The film 'Rust' resumed filming in the spring of 2023 with director Souza back in the saddle and Hutchins' widower Matthew joining as an executive producer following a settlement with the producers.
Cinematographer Bianca Cline ('Marcel the Shell with Shoes On') completed Hutchins' work.
Baldwin was pictured in costume as Harland Rust wearing a gray shirt with bloodstained cuffs, gray pants, a black vest buttoned up, high leather boots, and an orange bandana around his neck.
Baldwin shared on Instagram, "It's been a long and difficult road. But we reach the end of the trail today. Congratulations to Joel, Bianca, and the entire cast and crew. It's nothing short of a miracle," as they wrapped up filming the remaining parts of the project in Montana in May 2023.
