Original-Cin Q&A: Rust Co-Stars Discuss the Notorious Film and the Positives that Prevail

By Bonnie Laufer

Despite the tragedy surrounding its making, the Western Rust has been completed and is coming to a theatre near you in limited release across Canada beginning May 9.

It is all but impossible to discuss the film without noting its sad origin story. On October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was injured on the film’s set when a live round was discharged from a revolver that actor Alec Baldwin was using as a prop.

Josh Hopkins (centre) in a scene from Rust.

Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting, but the case was dismissed in July 2024 after a judge determined that some of the evidence had been mishandled. In March 2024, the movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter; she received an 18-month sentence.

Rust premiered in Poland last year. Director Souza, speaking in the documentary about the movie’s completion, says he hopes others get to “appreciate” Hutchins’ work.

Set in 1880s Wyoming, recently orphaned Lucas Hollister (Patrick Scott McDermott) accidentally kills a rancher and is sentenced to hang. In a twist of fate, his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust (Baldwin) breaks him out of jail and takes him on the run toward Mexico.

As they flee across the unforgiving wilderness, the fugitive pair must outrun the determined U.S. Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins) and a ruthless bounty hunter named Preacher (Travis Fimmel). Original-Cin spoke with Hopkins and McDermott about what it was like to shoot the film, and honouring Hutchins’ memory. Be sure to read our review of Rust here.

ORIGINAL-CIN: Patrick, it’s hard to believe that this is your first feature film. You are in almost every frame, and it was not an easy role. How did you find your way into relating to Lucas?

PATRICK SCOTT MCDERMOTT: I grew up with two parents and three older siblings helping to raise me. So, it was a bit of a challenge, because Lucas has this authority and independence to him that I didn't really think I had. But I talked a lot with [director] Joel Souza about what he was looking for. We met before we started filming, and he really helped me flesh out the character and go through specific beats of this guy. Also working alongside the likes of Josh Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, and Frances Fisher was invaluable. They all helped me so much and were all so great to work with.

JOSH HOPKINS: I just said that to him before we started this interview. I honestly couldn’t believe it was his first film. Patrick brought so much to the role, especially being thrown into a character that was so complex and deep and then acting opposite Alec Baldwin, who is a legend and has such gravitas, it was a joy to watch. I cannot believe what an incredible job he did.

O-C: Josh, we can’t talk about this film without mentioning the tragedy that occurred on set and the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. You had been working on the film in a different role but ended up taking over as Sheriff Wood Helm when Jensen Eckles dropped out of the project. It was clearly very important for you to continue onwards but from what I understand, you would only do so with the blessing of Halyna’s husband and family.

JH: After the tragedy, I was at home and they called and said, ‘We're going to try and finish this movie, and it's with the blessing of her family and her husband who had been made the producer. The family wants it finished because they wanted the world to see Halyna’s incredible work.’ She was a passionate artist and loved filmmaking. Her dream was to do a Western, and the family wanted her work seen so I said, ‘Of course, I believe you, but I'm not going anywhere until I hear it from her husband.’ So, they put me on a Zoom call with Matt Hutchins, and he asked me to come back. He asked all of us to do that. Once I heard that, it was an honour to finish once we had the family's blessing.

O-C: Patrick, being a city kid, how did you prepare to be out in the wild west? Was there a boot camp?

PSM: The second I flew to Montana, it was kind of like we were actually in a Western. We were based in the middle of nowhere with mountains surrounding us and it felt very isolating. I had a week of horse training where the stunt doubles and the stunt team helped me ride horses. I don't do all of the horseback riding in the movie. I credit my stunt double Macy for that. But I did do a fair amount and I was very fun. I enjoyed that.

O-C: Did you have a horse that you connected with?

PSM: Yeah, my horse's name was Boone. He was a little stinker (laughs).

O-C: Josh, how about for you? You looked very natural on that horse.

JH: I'm from Kentucky, so I've been riding my whole life. I'm pretty adept, so I enjoyed it, and I was ready to go. I'm a horseman so it was an easy transition.

O-C: Patrick, what was it like to work alongside Alec Baldwin? You’re practically in every scene together. Did you learn a lot from him?

PSM: This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having done a lot of TV work and live theatre, making this film was incredible. Alec was such a gracious guy who gave me guidance and taught me so many things about working on a film. He was so easy to work with. We had a lot of intense scenes, so he put me at ease and tried to make it as fun as possible when we weren’t shooting. He would tell me stories from movies he'd done. I know that it wasn’t easy for him to finish this film, but he was dedicated. Alec is a very funny guy. He has lots of stories. To be sitting next to him making a movie with him and him telling me all these things about his life was surreal.

O-C: Josh, earlier we spoke about you continuing with the film. Can you discuss your reflections on the strength and resilience of the cast and the crew and everybody who had started with the film from day one who came back to finish it?

JH: You know, it was obviously difficult emotionally, but there was a sense of real responsibility. We all had to come back and absolutely do the best job we could do to honour Halyna and her work and come through for her family. They wanted it finished, and we wanted it to be done as well as possible. I’ve really got to credit the writer-director Joel Souza. He went through a lot, and he came back and finished this film. He worked so hard to keep every frame he could of Halyna’s work in this movie and I think he did a brilliant job.