Rust Trailer Features Alec Baldwin as Outlaw Amid Past Controversy

The trailer for "Rust" has dropped, giving audiences their first glimpse of Alec Baldwin as Harland Rust, a "notorious outlaw," in the Western film that has been shadowed by tragedy. This marks the first footage of the film since the devastating on-set incident in 2021, where a gun held by Baldwin discharged, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Set in 1880s Wyoming, the movie follows orphan Lucas McCalister, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, who "accidentally kills a rancher" and is sentenced to hang. Baldwin’s character, Rust, takes on the role of the orphan’s estranged grandfather, breaking him out of jail and embarking on a daring escape to Mexico.

The duo’s journey across harsh terrain is anything but peaceful, as they are pursued by U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a merciless bounty hunter dubbed "Preacher" (Travis Fimmel). Talk about a wild ride—literally.

In an interesting twist, a press release confirmed that the original producers of "Rust" will not profit from the film. Instead, Hutchins' family, including her son Andros, will benefit financially. This settlement decision feels like the industry’s way of acknowledging the gravity of the tragedy and ensuring justice in a small, but meaningful, way.

The tragic shooting occurred on October 21, 2021, at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, shaking Hollywood and sparking debates about on-set safety standards. Baldwin has consistently denied pulling the trigger, stating in interviews that the gun discharged after he released its hammer. He described the moment as "unthinkable" and "gut-wrenching."

Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film's armorer, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Baldwin’s own legal troubles, however, took a different turn. In July, a Santa Fe judge dismissed Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case with prejudice, meaning the charge cannot be refiled. Baldwin reportedly broke down in tears during the courtroom proceedings, an emotional moment that highlighted the weight of the ordeal.

The judge, Mary Marlowe Sommer, criticized the state’s handling of the case, pointing out what she described as "intentional and deliberate" withholding of information. "If this conduct does not rise to the level of bad faith, it certainly comes so near to bad faith as to show signs of scorching prejudice," Sommer said.

Despite the controversy, "Rust" is set to hit theaters on May 2. Whether audiences will fully separate the art from the real-life tragedy remains to be seen. One thing's for sure—the release is bound to reignite conversations about safety in the entertainment industry.