Rust director Joel Souza recently expressed his regret on finishing the controversial Western film and slammed star Alec Baldwin's reality series.
The film has been one of the controversial projects for the last few years due to the 2021 fatal accident where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed with a live round from a prop revolver that Baldwin used while on set.
It led to lawsuits and investigations by law enforcement. However, a decision was also made to resume production and finish the project while honoring Hutchins' memory.
Joel Souza Admits He Regrets Making Rust
In an interview with The Guardian, Souza admitted that he has regretted making Rust and explained why they decided to finish the film despite the fatal accident.
"[Hutchins’ family] wanted it completed. I’d been repelled by the thought of going back, but [then] it started to appeal. And I couldn’t live with the idea of someone else doing it," he said.
"Talk about the butterfly effect — I wish I never wrote the damn movie. You think about the chain of events that started that morning [of the shooting]. Bad decision after bad decision was made."
After years of being in limbo, Rust is now set to have a limited theatrical release in North American theaters starting this weekend.
Prop armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter as a result of the investigation into the fatal accident. She is serving an 18-month sentence. Baldwin was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter as well, but it was eventually dismissed.
Joel Souza Slams Alec Baldwin's New Reality Series
Regarding Souza's current relationship with Baldwin in the aftermath of the accident, he said, "We’re not friends. We’re not enemies. There’s no relationship."
When asked whether he has seen the actor's new reality series, The Baldwins, which has been slammed by critics and audiences, Souza revealed that he has not seen it and gave a blunt response.
"I think I was busy hitting myself in the face with a frying pan that night [it aired]," he said.
Souza also shared what kind of support system he received when he resumed work on the film.
"I was a mess going in and a mess coming out. The crew carried me through. My family carried me through. Emotionally, I was all over the map," he admitted.
What do you think of Souza's remarks? Let us know in the comments!
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