Director Joel Souza Regrets Writing 'Rust' Amid Baldwin Fallout

As 'Rust' is released in theaters and on streaming platforms, director Joel Souza has expressed deep regret over ever making the film, citing a series of poor decisions that culminated in the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and his own injury from the same accidental shooting by Alec Baldwin. Souza, who only returned to finish the movie at the urging of Hutchins' family, has clarified he has no ongoing relationship with Baldwin, describing their connection as nonexistent and declining to watch the actor's reality show. The film itself is overshadowed by the incident, with critics and viewers alike unable to separate the work from the tragedy, especially as elements of guilt and irreversible loss echo both in the script and real life. While armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted for her role, charges against Baldwin were dismissed, though he has faced public scrutiny and ongoing legal disputes. The production later resumed in Montana, with Hutchins’ widower serving as a producer, partly fulfilling the wishes of her family. Overall, the film remains inseparable from the events that led to Hutchins’ death, with its release stirring renewed reflection on safety, responsibility, and loss in Hollywood.