The first official trailer for “Rust,” the highly anticipated Western film starring Alec Baldwin, has finally been released, offering audiences a first look at the movie that has been shrouded in controversy since a tragic on-set accident in 2021. The film, set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, has faced numerous legal and ethical challenges, making its journey to the screen a complex and closely watched one.
“Rust” is set in the 1880s in Kansas and follows the story of orphan Lucas McCalister, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, who is sentenced to hang after accidentally killing a rancher. In a twist of fate, his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust, portrayed by Alec Baldwin, breaks him out of jail and takes him on a perilous journey toward Mexico. As they flee across the unforgiving wilderness, the fugitive pair must evade a determined U.S. Marshal, Wood Helm, played by Josh Hopkins, and a ruthless bounty hunter named “Preacher,” portrayed by Travis Fimmel.
The film’s production was forever marked by the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021. Baldwin, who was holding the prop gun during a rehearsal, accidentally discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The incident led to a series of legal battles, with Baldwin being charged with involuntary manslaughter, a case that was ultimately dismissed in July 2024 due to the prosecution’s failure to turn over evidence. However, armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who loaded the prop gun, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. First assistant director David Halls, whose responsibility included ensuring the gun was empty, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and received six months of probation.
Despite the legal challenges and emotional turmoil, “Rust” premiered at Poland’s Camerimage Festival in November 2024. Director Souza and cinematographer Bianca Cline, who took over after Hutchins’ death, attended the event. Baldwin, however, was not invited. In a poignant moment, Souza honored Hutchins during the festival, stating, “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 celebrate my friend and her art and her talent. She really was something.”
Interestingly, Baldwin revealed in an interview with Variety that he has no intention of watching the final cut of “Rust,” citing the profound impact the tragedy has had on his personal life. “This is obviously the most difficult thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life,” Baldwin said. “Beyond the victims themselves, the thing that most pains me is what it did to my wife. My wife has been very, very traumatized from this.”
As part of a settlement with Hutchins’ widow, Matt Hutchins, Baldwin and director Souza agreed to complete the film with Matt Hutchins as an executive producer. Any proceeds from the film’s sale will be donated to a fund for Hutchins’ son. This decision reflects a commitment to honoring Hutchins’ memory while also addressing the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the film’s production.
The release of the trailer marks a significant milestone for “Rust,” providing audiences with a glimpse into the film’s narrative and visual style. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the cast and crew, who have navigated legal, ethical, and emotional obstacles to bring the story to the screen. The film’s journey underscores the complexities of the entertainment industry, where creative endeavors can be deeply intertwined with real-world consequences.
As “Rust” prepares for its theatrical release, it remains to be seen how audiences will receive the film. The tragic circumstances surrounding its production have undoubtedly influenced public perception, but the film’s narrative and the performances of its cast may ultimately shape its legacy. For now, the trailer offers a tantalizing preview of what promises to be a compelling and emotionally charged Western.
