Alec Baldwin was seen leaving his New York City residence after announcing that production for Rust will resume thanks to a settlement between him and the husband of dead cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Following the bombshell announcement on Wednesday morning, the actor was seen getting into a car with his children while wife Hilaria looked on.
He previously stated that the film would continue to be filmed beginning in January, following a private litigation settlement between him and Matthew Hutchins.
He stated on his Instagram page that the decision was motivated by a “particular desire to do what is best for Halyna’s baby” after she was shot and killed while filming in New Mexico last year.
Despite the statement, the local district attorney’s office stated that the agreement would not affect its criminal investigation into the tragedy and noted, “No one is above the law.”
Halyna was filmed on the film set in Bonanza Creek Ranch, Santa Fe, in October 2021. In February, her family filed a wrongful death case, which has now been dismissed.
Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger and blames the stunt handlers and prop managers for failing to guarantee the pistol did not contain live ammunition. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has charged no one.
Baldwin wrote on social media: ‘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 resolving this tragic and painful situation.’
During the revival of the western, Matthew Hutchins will act as executive producer, as he, the producers, and Baldwin all felt his wife’s death was a “terrible accident.”
‘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,’ the widower added.
‘As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed. The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023.’
‘I have no interest in recriminations or attribution of blame,’ he continued (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). We all feel Halyna’s death was a tragic accident.
‘I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.’
Rust director Joel Souza paid respect to Hutchins’ ability and inventiveness, saying that continuing to work on the project for her legacy is ‘bittersweet.’
Souza added: ‘My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.’
He expressed regret for not working with the cinematographer under other circumstances, but he believes that finishing the project would benefit in his personal rehabilitation.
Rust Movie Productions, LLC, through its attorney, Melina Spadone, said: ‘We are pleased the parties came together to resolve this matter, which, subject to court approval, marks an important step forward in celebrating Halyna’s life and honoring her work.’
Only 15 months after the cinematographer was shot on set, filming will commence.
Following the announcement of the civil settlement, the DA’s office said: ‘The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins’ wrongful death case against Rust movie producers, including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no impact on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis’ ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision whether to file criminal charges in the case.’
‘While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts.
‘If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law.’
Baldwin has previously blamed Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the production’s armorer.
He said that the rifle should never have been loaded with live bullets and should only have had blanks.
It’s uncertain if Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will be part of the renewed Rust production next year.
The original lawsuit, filed in February by Hutchins’ family, read: ‘Defendant Baldwin, the Producers, and the Rust Production Companies were aware of firearms safety issues that had occurred on the set of Rust and did not take action to correct the situation and ensure that basic gun safety rules were followed on October 21, 2021.
‘Had defendant Baldwin, the Producers, and the Rust Production Companies taken adequate precautions to ensure firearm safety on the set of Rust or if basic firearm safety rules had been followed on the set of Rust on October 21, 2021, Halyna Hutchins would be alive and well, hugging her husband and nine-year old son.’