The movie Rust, which saw the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on its set, is moving forward with principal filming this spring in Montana, United States. Alec Baldwin is set to resume the lead role amid ongoing industry conversations about safety and accountability on set.
Filming will transition from Santa Fe County, New Mexico, where the fatal incident occurred, to the Yellowstone Film Ranch studios in Montana. That relocation is confirmed by producers of Rust in a press briefing compiled for Hollywood media. The plan marks a shift in location and a continuation of production work after a period of pause and reflection.
Earlier announcements indicated that filming would restart in 2023, but specifics regarding timing, venue, and cast members had not been finalized. The new update provides a clearer picture of the next chapter for the project and the people involved in bringing it back to life on screen.
“The entire Rust production team demonstrated extraordinary dedication and passion in honoring Halyna Hutchins’s artistic vision,” the Yellowstone Film Ranch founders stated in a joint message. Their commitment underscores the project’s goal to treat the tragedy with respect while continuing the story that audiences have followed.
Baldwin, who recently appeared in public for the first time following controversy surrounding the case, remains cast in the central role as the film presses ahead. The project’s trajectory reflects a broader conversation about gun safety protocols and on-set responsibility in the film industry.
The decision not to bring back the gunsmith and head of safety protocols, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, came as prosecutors pursued accusations related to the incident. Her absence from the production is part of a wider casting and crew reshuffle as the team reconstitutes its approach to safety and performance.
In recent updates, Joel Souza was confirmed to return as director, with Bianca Cline stepping in as the cinematographer for this second phase of filming. Cline, known for her work on recent independent features, will collaborate with the core team to preserve the visual continuity that fans expect while adapting to the new production plan.
Souza expressed gratitude for the steadfast fellowship shown by the Yellowstone Ranch founders, noting that their ongoing support has been meaningful to him and the broader crew as they honor Halyna Hutchins’s legacy. The sentiment echoes through the entire production crew as they navigate the complexities of continuing a project after tragedy.
The producers also confirmed that Halyna Hutchins’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, will serve as an executive producer for this next phase, with an eye toward documenting the cinematographer’s life and the journey of the film’s development. The collaboration aims to provide a respectful, insightful perspective on the events that shaped the project from its inception.
Yellowstone Film Ranch opened its doors in 2020 and has since hosted a variety of western-themed projects. Recent productions in the area include films that explore frontier life and historical settings, cultivating Montana’s growing reputation as a destination for film and television production. The studio’s facilities and the surrounding landscape offer a compelling backdrop for ambitious storytelling, attracting crews from across the country.
Montana, like New Mexico, promotes film and TV projects through generous incentives designed to attract production activity. Financial programs typically cover a substantial portion of production costs, with credits ranging from a notable portion of the budget to very competitive rates, depending on the project and location. These incentives help studios and independent teams realize creative ambitions while supporting local economies and employment opportunities in the region.