Producers: ‘Rust’ to resume filming with new crew

LOS ANGELES — Rust Productions, the company behind the Western on which Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, on Tuesday said the film will restart production in the spring with some of the original crew returning.

The production said crew members — including director Joel Souza — would be rejoining. “Rust’s” stunt coordinator, costume designer, makeup and hair department heads are also coming back.

The producers said they will add two safety officers, bar any use of weapons or ammunition and use union crew members. Baldwin, who faces involuntary manslaughter charges from the incident, intends to return in his acting role and as a producer. Baldwin has denied wrongdoing.

“My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud,” Souza said in a statement.

The attempt to restart filming follows a deal the producers reached in October to settle a wrongful-death suit filed on behalf of Hutchins’ widow Matthew and son Andros. But the agreement has not yet been approved by a New Mexico court, and the criminal prosecution since launched against Baldwin could stymie his planned return to the movie.

Filming was previously announced for January with Matthew Hutchins as an executive producer and all the principal players rejoining. Hutchins is also supporting the making of a documentary by director Rachel Mason and producer Julee Metz about the rising star cinematographer and the completion of the film.

“My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud.” —JOEL SOUZA, DIRECTOR