The first official trailer for the highly anticipated film "Rust" has been released, marking a significant moment for the project that was marred by tragedy during its production. Starring Alec Baldwin, the movie faced a devastating incident when a prop gun, handled by Baldwin, accidentally discharged, resulting in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza on October 22, 2021.
"Rust" is slated for a theatrical release on May 2, 2025. You can view the trailer [ttpp] here [ttpp]. The film's official synopsis provides a glimpse into its narrative:
"In 1880s Kansas, recently orphaned Lucas McCalister (Patrick Scott McDermott) accidentally kills a rancher and is sentenced to hang," the synopsis reads. "In a twist of fate, his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust (Academy Award nominee Alec Baldwin), breaks him out of jail and takes him on the run toward Mexico. As they flee across the unforgiving wilderness, the fugitive pair must outrun the determined U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter named 'Preacher' (Travis Fimmel)."
The incident that led to Hutchins' death occurred when Baldwin was demonstrating how he would draw his prop weapon from its holster, pointing it at the camera where Hutchins and Souza were positioned. The gun, mistakenly believed to be a "cold gun" with no live rounds, discharged unexpectedly.
In the aftermath, charges against Baldwin were dropped in April 2023. However, Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, responsible for preparing the gun, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. First assistant director David Halls, tasked with ensuring the gun was safe, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and received six months of probation.
"Rust" made its debut at Poland's Camerimage Festival in November 2024, where it paid tribute to Hutchins during the credits. Although Baldwin was not present, Souza attended and spoke about Hutchins, saying, "We are here in a place that she loved so much, probably second only to being on set. 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."
