Joel Souza says getting back on 'Rust' set was 'unnerving' for Alec Baldwin after cinematographer's death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Rust' director Joel Souza reflected on the challenges of resuming production following the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.

Hutchins, 42, was killed in an incident where a prop gun discharged during a rehearsal.

The film premiered at the 2024 Camerimage Festival in Poland on November 20. Souza, 51, who was also injured in the incident, spoke about the experience of returning to the set after such a devastating event.

Halyna Hutchins' death leaves lasting impact on 'Rust' crew

Halyna Hutchins died after a prop gun held by Alec Baldwin discharged while he rehearsed a scene on October 21, 2021.

Baldwin, 66, has maintained that he did not pull the trigger and was unaware the gun contained live ammunition.

He faced an involuntary manslaughter charge in January 2023, but the case was dropped on July 12 after his defense team argued that prosecutors withheld crucial evidence.

Souza shared how the production team approached the resumed filming in April 2023.

“The second time around, when we came back to production, we had this amazing armorer. We worked only with fake guns and everything was so profoundly inert. They were basically paperweights, incapable of doing anything,” Souza told The Hollywood Reporter.

Alec Baldwin's reaction on returning to 'Rust' set

Joel Souza noted the emotional toll on Alec Baldwin as they resumed filming.

When asked about Baldwin’s thoughts on the incident and working without a real gun, Souza said it unnerved him.

“I’m sure we had conversations about it. I can’t remember the substance of them. But I have zero doubt that it was an unnerving thing for him to do and a large moment for him," Souza told the publication.

The director also acknowledged Baldwin's challenges in continuing his role in the film.

“It was tough for him, you know. I think he was going through all of his own stuff the whole time. I can only imagine how difficult that was. But we got through it,” Souza said.

Halyna Hutchins' family raises concerns ahead of 'Rust' premiere

Ahead of the film’s premiere, Halyna Hutchins’ mother, Olga Solovey, issued a statement through attorney Gloria Allred.

She criticized Baldwin, alleging he had not contacted the family in Ukraine to take responsibility for Hutchins' death as per People.

Solovey also announced she would not attend the premiere. Baldwin did not attend the premiere in Poland either.

Responding to the controversy surrounding the film, Souza said, “If people don’t want to watch this movie, for any reason, they certainly don’t need to and there’s no hard feelings from me.”