Rust director declines Baldwin reality show offer and expresses regret about writing the film.
In a recent interview, “Rust” director Joel Souza disclosed that he has not viewed Alec Baldwin’s reality television series, “The Baldwins.” The show, which premiered on February 23 and airs on TLC, chronicles the daily lives of Baldwin, his wife Hilaria, and their seven children in New York City. Souza’s absence from the viewing was marked humorously, as he remarked that he was preoccupied with other activities that evening.
The interview took place against the backdrop of a tragic incident that occurred in October 2021 during the filming of “Rust” in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin discharged a firearm that was supposed to contain blanks but tragically resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured Souza. The incident raised serious concerns regarding safety protocols on film sets.
Baldwin faced charges of involuntary manslaughter following the incident; however, these charges were dismissed in July 2024 amid allegations that the prosecution had improperly withheld evidence during the trial. Following the incident, Baldwin and the production team reached a settlement with Hutchins’ family. Additionally, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison, further highlighting the severe implications of the accident.
Despite the continuing fallout from this incident, the production and release of “Rust” progressed at the request of Hutchins’ family, who expressed a desire for the film to be completed and released in honor of her legacy. The movie, now set for release on May 2, will feature cinematographer Bianca Cline and will be available for a limited theatrical run, as well as for digital purchase and rental on the same day.
Reflecting on the events surrounding the film, Souza remarked on the series of unfortunate decisions that led to the tragedy, underscoring the profound impact of those choices. This case has not only drawn attention to the need for stringent safety measures in the film industry but also raised broader questions about the implications of creative decisions in the face of human error and tragedy. As the release date approaches, audiences and industry professionals alike are left to contemplate the complexities and consequences of this highly publicized incident.
