Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna – The Documentary Exploring the ‘Rust’ set Tragedy

A powerful new documentary film is set to shed light on one of Hollywood’s most tragic on-set incidents. Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna offers an in-depth look at the fateful day that shocked the film industry, revealing the events that led to the fatal shooting and its lasting impact. With firsthand accounts from those who were there, this documentary aims to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.

The recently released trailer gives a chilling glimpse into the behind-the-scenes chaos and the emotional fallout that followed. Featuring never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, it promises to be a gripping and emotional retelling of what really happened. As the documentary’s premiere approaches, anticipation is growing over the revelations it will bring.

From the accident’s aftermath to its effect on Hollywood’s safety standards, this documentary dives deep into a story that changed the industry forever. Whether you followed the case closely or are just now learning about it, there’s so much to uncover. Stay tuned as we keep updating with the latest details on this eye-opening documentary.

Release date & Where to Watch

Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna is set to premiere on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.

What is Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna About?

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ life and legacy take center stage in Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, a documentary that delves into her career, tragic death, and the aftermath. 

Hutchins was fatally shot on October 21, 2021, when a prop gun held by Alec Baldwin discharged on the set of Rust, wounding director Joel Souza. The incident sparked a media firestorm, legal battles, and years of scrutiny that often overshadowed Hutchins’ story.

Directed by her friend Rachel Mason, the film offers an intimate look at Hutchins’s final days and the devastating impact of her loss on those who knew her. Featuring public court records, behind-the-scenes footage from Rust, and exclusive access to Hutchins’s personal archives, the documentary seeks to reclaim her narrative. 

Mason emphasizes this, stating, “Our film aims to keep her at the center, while offering a portrait of the experience of those with whom she spent her final 12 days, which hopefully, through their efforts, offers the world a very much unfinished portrait of Halyna.” (via Movie Maker)

Beyond recounting the events of that tragic day, the documentary explores two fundamental questions: How could this have happened? and How do we make sense of it? By weaving together firsthand accounts and emotional testimonies, Last Take presents a deeply personal perspective on an industry-shaking tragedy—one that left lasting scars but also a determination to honor Hutchins’ unfinished legacy.

Who’s Featured in Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna?

It features interviews with key figures involved in the Rust production, including director Joel Souza and cinematographer Bianca Cline. 

Is There a Trailer for Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna?

The trailer for Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna offers a poignant glimpse into the tragic incident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Through intimate interviews and on-set footage, the documentary seeks to unravel the events leading up to the fatal shooting on the set of "Rust."

The trailer opens with a somber voiceover: "Halyna was going to shoot a film called 'Rust.' She went out and never came back."  This sets the tone for a deep exploration of the unforeseen tragedy. Interviews with colleagues and friends highlight Halyna's passion and dedication to her craft. The emotional weight is palpable as those who knew her recount their experiences and the impact of her loss.

The trailer also addresses the broader implications of the incident, with industry professionals discussing the paramount importance of safety on film sets. Visually, the trailer juxtaposes serene moments of Halyna at work with the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, underscoring the stark contrast between creation and catastrophe.

Rust Documentary Background

The legal battle surrounding the tragic shooting on the Rust set has taken multiple twists. Alec Baldwin, who has denied pulling the trigger, was rehearsing when a live round fired from his prop gun, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

Prosecutors initially pursued involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin but later dropped the case in July after a judge ruled they had withheld evidence. In response, Baldwin sued them for malicious prosecution, arguing they made him a scapegoat. (via Movie Maker)

Meanwhile, Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter, with prosecutors blaming her for bringing live rounds onto the set and failing to enforce safety protocols. 

Hutchins' parents and sister have also filed a civil lawsuit against Baldwin and the film’s producers, accusing them of negligence and disregarding firearm safety rules. A judge had paused the case while Baldwin faced criminal charges, but after those were dismissed, the lawsuit resumed, with Baldwin set to be deposed in May. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

The lawsuit alleges Baldwin ignored industry-wide safety protocols, failed to check if the gun was loaded, and fired it despite the scene not requiring him to do so. Attorney Gloria Allred, representing Hutchins’ family, has criticized Baldwin’s TLC reality show for “ignoring the fact that he took a child away from her parents.” 

She also represents script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, who sued Baldwin for battery and emotional distress, with a judge ruling Baldwin’s actions on set showed “extreme and outrageous conduct.” As legal proceedings continue, Baldwin remains at the center of a case that has sparked debate over accountability on film sets.

Recently, The Baldwins reality show was also released, which also addressed the impact of the case on the Baldwin family.

Behind the Scenes

Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna is an upcoming 2025 American documentary film directed and produced by Rachel Mason. The film explores the life and career of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, with Mason—who was a close friend of Hutchins—approached by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, to bring the story to life.

The documentary, a Hulu Original, is produced by Story Syndicate, Anonymous Content, and Concordia Studio. Alongside Mason, producers include Julee Metz, Kate Barry, Jon Bardin, Will Cohen, Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker, and Jennifer Sears. Executive producers include Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Tommy Coriale, Lizzie Fox, Casey Meurer, David Levine, and Matthew Hutchins.