Alec Baldwin and the film’s production company Rust have reached a deal with the family of Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography who was shot dead on set.
Following the deal, filming on Rust will resume in January 2023 – with Mrs. Hutchinsexecutive producer husband Matthew said in a statement.
The cinematographer died after a prop gun held aside Baldwin She was discharged during rehearsals for the western film in New Mexico in October 2021, and her family filed a manslaughter lawsuit against the star and others who worked in the production earlier this year.
Police footage showed Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust before Halyna Hutchins was fatally wounded
Mr. Hutchins said that a settlement has now been reached, subject to court approval, and that as part of the settlement the case would be dismissed.
“Filming on Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all major original actors on board in January 2023,” he said. “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attributions of blame (to the producers or to Mr. Baldwin).
“We all believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s latest work.”
No further details on the deal were released.
Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, said, “During this difficult process, everyone has maintained a specific desire to do what’s best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation “.
Almost a year later, no charges were filed in connection with the shooting.
In a camera interview a few weeks later, Baldwin recalled the moments leading up to the tragedy. He said he was handed the revolver and said “this is a cold gun” – an industrial term that means it was empty or loaded with dummy bullets.
He said the gun accidentally exploded and he didn’t pull the trigger. However, a recent FBI forensic report found the weapon he couldn’t have fired unless he pulled the trigger.
Photo: Sante Fe Police
Director Joel Souza was also injured when the gun exploded, sustaining a shoulder injury.
In a statement released after the deal was announced, he paid tribute to Ms. Hutchins and said he could only return to direct the film with the involvement of her family.
“Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with Halyna knew she was extremely talented, kind, creative and a source of incredibly positive energy,” he said.
“I just wish the world had known her in different circumstances, as surely as it would have been through her fantastic work.
“In my healing efforts, any decision to return to finish directing the film would only make sense to me if it were made with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family.
“While definitely bittersweet, I am delighted that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. Every effort I make in this film will be dedicated to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see all of this in her name. “
Attorney Melina Spadone, of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman on behalf of Rust Movie Productions, said: “We are delighted that the parties have come together to resolve this matter, which, subject to court approval, marks an important step forward in celebrating the Halyna’s life and honoring her work. “
The deal comes after a report found the film’s production company. “he knew firearm safety procedures were not followed on set“and” demonstrated a clear indifference to employee safety “.
Rust Movie Productions was fined $ 136,793 (£ 104,810), the maximum allowed by state law in New Mexico, following a six-month investigation by the state’s Department of Environment.
Baldwin and the producers of Rust also face a case brought by screenplay supervision Mamie Mitchell, though a Los Angeles judge recently ruled that they shouldn’t have to address her core claims of aggression and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
