On Wednesday, actor Alec Baldwin announced that he and the producers of his film ‘Rust’ have reached a settlement with the estate of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died after being shot on set nearly one year ago. On Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was holding a prop gun, which was believed to be empty or “cold” when it discharged, hitting Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Souza survived the shooting.
As part of the settlement agreement, Hutchins’ husband Matthew Hutchins will become executive producer of ‘Rust’ when it resumes filming again in January. Matthew Hutchins had filed a wrongful death case against Baldwin and the movie. Hutchins said, according to Deadline.com: “We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of ‘Rust,’ including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed.”
Baldwin made his own statement on Instagram: “Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
Michael Hutchins said the movie will continue with its original cast and hopes it will be a fitting tribute to his wife: “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). All of us 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 final work.”
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