Did Alec Baldwin’s movie ‘Rust’ ever come out? What happened to it?

The trial of Hollywood star Alec Baldwin for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’ is underway in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with jury selection and a motions hearing taking place on Tuesday July 9, and opening statements set for the following day Wednesday (July 10).

Accidental shooting suspends ‘Rust’ production

You will most likely be aware by now that the 30 Rock actor is in court after involuntarily killing Hutchins while filming ‘Rust,’ a Western film, in October 2021. The Ukrainian lost her life after being struck in the chest when Baldwin fired a prop gun, which he says he was told was empty but was actually loaded with live ammunition.

Production of the move was obviously suspended indefinitely following the tragedy, with Hutchins’ family settling a wrongful death lawsuit which saw her husband Matthew taking over as executive producer, an unorthodox move but one which was made in an attempt to honour his wife.

Has ‘Rust’ filming finished? When will the movie be released?

Baldwin, who is also a producer and co-wrote the story, as well as a number of other people involved in filming were then charged with various offences related to disregarding the safety of those working on set, just as production was about to resume in January 2023.

In the end, work on the movie started up again on April 20 last year, the same day it was revealed charges against Baldwin had been dropped. However, he would be later be charged for a second time in January 2024, after production had finished. Some of the original crew opted not to return following the tragic incident.

‘Rust’ completed filming in May 2023 and is in post-production, although there has been no recent indication as to when it will be released, either in theatres or otherwise. With Baldwin currently in the midst of a high-profile trial, it would be a surprise to see any new developments in the immediate future, regardless of the outcome.

What is ‘Rust’ about?

‘Rust’ is set in Kansas in the 1880s and centres around the lives of Harland Rust, played by Baldwin, and grandson Lucas Hollister, who become fugitives after the 13-year-old is accused of an accidental killing (yes, really).

The official synopsis for the movie reads:

“Infamous outlaw Harland Rust breaks his estranged grandson Lucas out of prison, after Lucas is convicted to hang for an accidental murder. The two must outrun legendary U.S Marshal Wood Helm and bounty hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang who are hot on their tails. Deeply buried secrets rise from the ashes and an unexpected familial bond begins to form as the mismatched duo tries to survive the merciless American Frontier.”