Following the trial of Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed for their affiliation with the Rust feature shooting that resulted in cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ death, the Western film is now available to audiences. The accident, a product of believing Baldwin’s prop gun was not full of ammunition when it was, resulted in the tragic passing of the cinematographer. The feature was ultimately released on May 2nd, although there was initial speculation that the project would never be completed. 

Actor Josh Hopkins, who portrayed Wood Helm in the film, sat down with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns to speak more about why the cast and crew went back to the feature after the tragedy had taken place. He explained that,

“The family requested that we come back and finish this because they wanted the world to see Halyna’s art and her incredible work. I speak for myself, but I’m pretty sure I can speak for them; I don’t think anyone would have come back to finish this movie without their blessing. Her husband asked me to come back and finish this. Everybody knows about the tragedy, but now they get to see what she was doing and what a beautiful artist she was. I think it’s important that people know that nobody would have come back and done this without the blessing of her family.” 

The original incident happened on October 21, 2021; Hutchins was 42 years old when it took place. During the incidental discharge, director Joel Souza sustained injuries, leading to criminal charges against various members of the Rust cast and crew. Ending the production entirely should have been the clear choice, but Hopkin’s explanation gives reason enough to why they did not.

The release of Rust was to show the audience what a wonderful person and artist Halyna Hutchins was and to bring awareness to the importance of banning prop guns from sets. At the least, this release is showing Hutchins’ family the true extent of her talent.