Dramatic twist in Baldwin shooting

Author: Editors Desk Source: News Corp Australia Network:

October 5, 2022 at 19:25

Production of Alec Baldwin film Rust – where a crew member was shot dead by the star – will recommence after agreement with the family.

Alec Baldwin and the family of late Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have reached an undisclosed settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit against the actor and others.

Mr Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, announced on Wednesday that the agreement states he will be an executive producer on the Western film and receive a portion of the profits, reported the New York Post’s Page Sixcolumn.

Stream more entertainment news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Actor Alec Baldwin and the other producers of the film Rust have settled with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who died after being hit by a live round that came from a gun Baldwin was holding. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP)

“We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC.

“As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed,” Mr Hutchins said in a statement to website Deadline, adding that production on the movie will resume in January 2023 with the “original principal player”.

“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr Baldwin).

“All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident,” he continued.

Halyna Hutchins died after being hit by a live round on the set. (Photo by Sonia Recchia / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

“I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”

In a statement to Page Six, Baldwin’s lawyer Luke Nikas added, “Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation”.

Director Joel Souza, who will resume heading up the film after being injured himself in an on-set shooting, said involving Mr Hutchins in the production is part of his own “attempts to heal”.

A police image shows Alec Baldwin being processed after the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office / AFP)

“Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started,” Mr Souza added.

“My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”

Ms Hutchins’ family filed their lawsuit against Baldwin, 64, in February.

The scene of the shooting at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. (Photo by Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office / AFP)

With it, the family released eerie re-enactment footage that showed the moment the Oscar nominee allegedly pulled the trigger of what was supposed to have been a prop gun with blank bullets.

Baldwin was accused of firing the single bullet that hit and killed Ms Hutchins, then exited her body and struck Mr Souza in the clavicle, while filming the flick in New Mexico on October 21, 2021.

The 30 Rock star has denied having any responsibility in the death.

This story appeared in the New York Post and is reproduced with permission.