'Rust' producer clarifies comment about Alec Baldwin film being completed after Halyna Hutchins’ death
'Rust' began filming on Oct. 6 and was paused after the death of Hutchins on Oct. 21
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Rust" producer Anjul Nigam is clarifying an earlier comment, in which Nigam said the film would be "completed" despite the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
"My statement that I was confident the film could be completed was just my optimism, and not an actual plan," Nigam told Fox News Digital on Monday. "Many of those who were involved hope to honor Halyna by completing her last work, but at this point it is just hope."
Nigam had spoken about the project during the Cannes Film Festival while discussing another movie he and Alec Baldwin are working on together.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"'Rust' is obviously a horrific tragedy," Nigam said (via The Hollywood Reporter).
‘RUST’ SHOOTING INVESTIGATION: EVERYTHING TO KNOW
Alec Baldwin
"The investigation will hopefully be resolved soon and will unveil what happened. Obviously, there will be people out there who will have negative perspectives, but we’re confident about continuing to make quality movies."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We’re confident we’ll be able to complete the movie," he added.
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Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of "Rust." ( Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP)
Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of "Rust" while filming an insert scene for the western on Oct. 21. The cinematographer was directing Baldwin on how to aim the revolver for a close-up shot when the gun fired.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Baldwin claimed he pulled the hammer of the gun as far back as he could and released it, but never pulled the trigger of the gun. Baldwin admitted in interviews with authorities and during a televised interview that he was not aware there was a live round inside the revolver when he pointed it at Hutchins.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department's investigation is ongoing. The sheriff's department is awaiting results from the FBI which would shed light on how the gun could have been fired, whether that was just pulling back the hammer – which hits the firing pin – just pulling the trigger or both.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Halyna Hutchins is survived by her husband Matthew and their 9-year-old son. ( Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP)
"Guns don't just go off," Sheriff Adan Mendoza previously told Fox News Digital. "So whatever needs to happen to manipulate the firearm, he did that and it was in his hands."
A representative for Hutchins' family did not have a comment when reached by Fox News Digital.