Alec Baldwin to restart production on Rust after bombshell settlement news!

Santa Fe, New Mexico - Alec Baldwin has reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Halyna Hutchins, who was tragically killed on the set of the movie Rust in 2021.

Alec Baldwin speaks at the RFK Ripple Of Hope Gala in December 2021.
Alec Baldwin speaks at the RFK Ripple Of Hope Gala in December 2021.  © Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The lawsuit was filed in February against Baldwin, Rust's production companies, producers, and other crew members involved with the film. The family alleged that the production team's failure to adhere to basic gun safety protocols led to Hutchins' tragic death.

Per Deadline, Production of the film will resume in January of next year. The original cast members are all set to return.

Baldwin shared the news on Instagram, writing: "Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna's son," the actor wrote.

Angel Reese sends message to No. 1 NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams
Angel Reese Angel Reese sends message to No. 1 NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams

It was reported in September that Baldwin could face criminal charges over the shooting. A letter from the Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies revealed requests for $635,000 for the prosecution of as many as four individuals with criminal and homicide charges related to the shooting, with Baldwin among the potential defendants.

The star's lawyer criticized the report, saying that the District Attorney had not made any official decisions about who would be charged. The Santa Fe Sheriff's Office has not yet charged anyone for the incident.

Hutchins' husband made executive producer

The set of the movie Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The set of the movie Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  © Patrick T. FALLON / AFP

Following the settlement, the Halyna Hutchins' husband, Matthew, has been made an executive producer on Rust and will receive a portion of its profits.

"I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin)," Hutchins said. "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."

Rust director Joel Souza also expressed his gratitude for the settlement. "In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family," Souza said.

"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," Souza said.

Cover photo: Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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