The highly anticipated trailer for Rust, starring Alec Baldwin, has officially dropped. This Western film was marred by tragedy during production when Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop firearm, resulting in cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death and injuring director Joel Souza.
Scheduled for theatrical release on May 2, 2025, Rust's trailer has now been unveiled. The official synopsis describes:
"In 1880s Kansas, orphaned teenager Lucas McCalister (Patrick Scott McDermott) faces execution after accidentally killing a rancher," reads the synopsis. "His fate takes an unexpected turn when his estranged grandfather, infamous outlaw Harland Rust (Oscar-nominee Alec Baldwin), engineers a jailbreak. Together they embark on a dangerous journey toward Mexico.
"Pursued by relentless U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and deadly bounty hunter 'Preacher' (Travis Fimmel), the grandfather and grandson must survive the harsh frontier wilderness."
The tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin discharged what should have been an unloaded prop gun during rehearsal. Director Souza later explained Baldwin was demonstrating a gun-drawing technique aimed toward the camera, where he and Hutchins were positioned.
Though the weapon should have contained no live ammunition, a loaded round fatally struck Hutchins. Legal proceedings concluded with Rust's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed receiving an 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter in 2024.
First assistant director David Halls received six months' probation after pleading no contest to negligent weapon handling charges.
Following its November 2024 premiere at Poland's Camerimage Festival, Rust pays tribute to Hutchins in its credits. Souza honored his late colleague during the premiere.
"We're gathered in a place she dearly loved, second only to being on set," Souza reflected. "Thank you for joining us to celebrate my friend's extraordinary talent and artistic vision. She was truly remarkable."
