A new trailer for Rust, the long-anticipated and controversial Western movie starring Alec Baldwin, has been released ahead of its theatrical debut. The film is scheduled to premiere on May 2, 2025, with Falling Forward Films managing its theater distribution and Ascending Media Group overseeing video-on-demand platforms.
The movie centers on Baldwin’s character, Harland Rust, a notorious outlaw who breaks his estranged grandson out of jail in a desperate bid for freedom. Set in 1880s Wyoming, the plot follows Lucas Hollister, a recently orphaned teenager who is sentenced to death after accidentally killing a rancher. Rust intervenes, and the two fugitives embark on a dangerous journey toward Mexico, pursued by relentless U.S. Marshal Wood Helm and a determined bounty hunter known only as Preacher.
The newly released trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s intense, sweeping narrative, featuring Baldwin in a gritty, dramatic role. It teases several high-stakes sequences that highlight the film’s tension and frontier action. The cast also includes Frances Fisher, Josh Hopkins, Travis Fimmel, Patrick Scott McDermott, Devon Werkheiser, Rhys Coiro, Xander Berkeley, Jake Busey, Abraham Benrubi, Travis Hammer, Nick Farnell, Sam Carson, Richard Gunn, and Easton Malcolm.
Rust was written and directed by Joel Souza, from a story developed by Souza and Baldwin. The movie has drawn significant attention, not only for its cast and storyline, but also for the tragic incident that occurred on set in 2021. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot when a live round was discharged from a prop gun held by Baldwin during a rehearsal.
Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the incident, though the case was ultimately dismissed in July after prosecutors failed to provide key evidence. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was also charged and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for her role in the tragedy.
Despite the controversy, production on Rust resumed and was completed. The film’s producers include Baldwin, Matt DelPiano, Grant Hill, Anjul Nigam, Ryan Donnell Smith, Melina Spadone, Ryan Winterstern, and Nathan Klingher. Executive producers include Matthew Hutchins—Halyna Hutchins’ widower—along with Stephen Marinaccio, Allen Cheney, Rachel Robinson-Zetzer, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Stephen Hays, Peter Graham, Carter Boehm, and Richard Gray.
As part of a legal settlement, none of the producers will profit from the movie. Instead, all proceeds will go directly to Hutchins’ husband Matt and their son Andros.
With its blend of redemption, survival, and justice, Rust aims to deliver a powerful cinematic experience—while carrying the weight of a deeply personal and tragic backstory.
