Not long after it was announced that production on the ill-fated Rust would resume next year, it has been revealed that filming will move from New Mexico to another state for reasons both emotional and legal. The announcement comes almost one year to the day cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed on set.
As reported by Deadline, one insider on the Rust production stated, “It’s emotionally difficult for the crew and the cast to return to the same place.” Although not confirmed, it appears that production on Rust could be shifting to California, with one possible location being Palm Springs, more than 700 miles from Bonanza City, New Mexico, where the shooting occurred.
It has also been reported that production on Rust may legally have to avoid New Mexico, with sources citing the “hurdles and debts would need to be cleared”, in addition to an approximately $136,000 fine related to “violation of workplace safety procedures” and various individuals still not receiving due payments.
Production on Rust infamously halted after the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2022, just two week into filming. The tragedy was officially declared an accident over the summer, with the case being dismissed earlier this month. Halyna Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, stated that he is ready to move on from the incident, saying, “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame [to the producers or Mr. Baldwin].”
The filmmakers have been adamant about completing Rust. In another statement, Matthew Hutchins–who will serve as an executive producer on Rust–said he is “grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
What do you think? Should Rust continue production so the movie can be finished? Or will its release only be bogged down by the controversy surrounding Halyna Hutchins’ death?