Billy Baldwin Stands by ‘Rust’ Premiere Following Tragic Passing of Halyna Hutchins

In a heartfelt reception ahead of the much-anticipated premiere of the film “Rust,” actor Billy Baldwin has publicly expressed his support for his brother Alec Baldwin. Convincing news outlets of the film’s intended message, Billy asserted that the premiere is not as contentious as many might presume. This came during an encounter with reporters outside a recent event in Los Angeles—the “Americans With No Address” premiere—where Billy took a moment to explain his stance on the film continuing forward despite the tragic events that unfolded on set.

The film “Rust” has been at the forefront of conversations since the unfortunate incident involving the late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was struck fatally by a gunshot on set in 2021. However, Billy emphasized that Alec and the creative team behind “Rust” are moving ahead with the premiere in a way that honors Halyna’s memory. “Honestly, I believe this decision comes from a place of honoring Halyna and respecting her family’s wishes,” he stated, reinforcing the sentiment that the grieving family wishes to see Halyna’s work recognized and completed.

Interestingly, while Billy Baldwin voiced his support, he mentioned that he himself wouldn’t be attending the premiere as he has prior commitments to a film festival in Siena, Italy, where he will showcase a movie alongside famed actors Michael Madsen and Judd Nelson.

The “Rust” film is set to debut with a red carpet premiere at Poland’s esteemed Camerimage International Film Festival in November, an occasion that has begun to garner attention and opinions from the public and industry alike. Festival director Marek Zydowicz defended the decision to feature “Rust” at this festival, noting that it held significant importance for Halyna, who originally hails from Ukraine. This festival was especially relevant as it had previously honored her memory with moments of silence and discussions focused on safety on set.

As the festival approaches, many fans and followers of the Baldwin brothers are left wondering if Alec, who tragically held the gun that led to Halyna’s death, will attend the premiere. For now, there is no confirmation of his participation.

In sum, amidst a backdrop of sorrow and reflection, the “Rust” premiere serves as a platform not just for a film but as a space for remembering Halyna Hutchins’ contributions to cinema. Billy Baldwin’s words amplify the sentiment that art continues to connect with audiences beyond its creation, providing solace and remembrance in the wake of loss.