A forensic investigation has challenged Alec Baldwin’s statement that he never pulled the trigger during the fatal incident on the set of Rust in 2021, deepening the controversy around the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. This development comes as the film’s recent release, long marred by tragedy and debate, ended in disappointment at the box office, amplifying public scrutiny around Baldwin, the case, and the production itself.
Claims Denied by Baldwin Meet Contradictory Forensic Findings
In the period following Halyna Hutchins’ death, Alec Baldwin gave a high-profile interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. During the emotionally charged discussion, Baldwin insisted that he did not intend to discharge the prop gun and denied pulling its trigger, despite admitting deep regret for Hutchins’ passing. He emphasized that he could not live with himself if he were directly responsible for the tragedy, and he publicly expressed his sorrow towards the victim’s family.
However, these statements ran counter to the subsequent findings of a forensic examination. The New York Times reported that firearms expert Lucien C. Haag, brought in to analyze the weapon involved in the incident, offered conclusive input on the necessary forces required to discharge the gun. Haag’s report concluded that the trigger had to be physically pulled or pushed to allow the firearm’s hammer to fall. As Haag wrote,
“Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver.”
—Lucien C. Haag, Forensics Expert
Despite the forensic evidence pointing to a clear mechanical requirement for pulling the trigger, charges against Alec Baldwin were dismissed in 2024. The legal decision, issued by New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, followed her ruling that the prosecution had failed to share essential evidence with Baldwin’s defense, leading to the case’s closure with prejudice.
Rust’s Release Overshadowed by Tragedy and Rejection
While legal matters unfolded, Rust’s journey toward release continued in the shadow of Hutchins’ death. Production, driven by Baldwin’s personal investment in the western, resumed amidst widespread controversy and heightened scrutiny. As a gesture to Hutchins’ memory, her widower Matthew Hutchins was appointed as an executive producer, and stronger safety measures were added to the set. Even so, the decision to complete and release Rust was met with heavy criticism and division within the industry and among audiences.
Some viewed the film’s return as a way to honor Halyna Hutchins’ work, while others saw it as an unwelcome attempt to move past her death. Ultimately, the movie debuted to a muted box office response in 2024, with The Wrap reporting that issues of controversy and the dual launch on video-on-demand platforms hindered its commercial results. The film’s opening earnings amounted to just $25,000 against an $8 million production budget, reflecting the extent of its commercial failure.
The narrative once intended as a passion project for Baldwin became inseparable from the events of the on-set tragedy. The untimely death of Halyna Hutchins, the ensuing investigation, the forensic revelations, and contentious court proceedings have all but ensured that Rust, the individuals involved—including cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, Alec Baldwin, forensic examiner Lucien C. Haag, and Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer—and the incident itself will have a lasting impact on conversations about safety and accountability in film production.
Rust is currently available for rental on Apple TV in the USA, but its legacy is far more defined by the events off-screen than those within the film itself.
