‘Rust’ Director Joel Souza Has No Contact With Alec Baldwin, Regrets Writing Movie

The controversial Western movie “Rust” lastly hits U.S. theaters Friday — however as a substitute of celebrating, director Joel Souza says he needs he’d by no means made it in any respect.

Joel — who was by chance shot by Alec Baldwin in a tragic 2021 on-set incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by the identical bullet — stated he initially rejected the considered returning to “Rust” after his hospitalization. However the thought grew on him, particularly understanding Halyna’s household wished the movie completed.

Souza mirrored on the morning of the tragedy to The Guardian, calling it a domino impact of dangerous selections, one after the opposite — so he needs he by no means went again to “Rust” post-shooting — actually, he needs he hadn’t even written it!

Prop armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is now serving an 18-month jail sentence — whereas Alec was acquitted of manslaughter final July.

In relation to Alec, Joel defined they haven’t talked because the shoot ended — they are not enemies or associates, however … zero contact since then.

Joel additionally chimed in on Alec’s actuality present “The Baldwins,” the place the taking pictures was introduced up — and he didn’t watch it, joking, “I believe I used to be busy hitting myself within the face with a frying pan that night time.”