RUST - TALKING TO STARS JOSH HOPKINS and PATRICK SCOTT MCDERMOTT

Despite the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, the Western RUST has been completed and coming to a theatre near you.

There’s no way you can talk about the new Western, Rust without adressing the horrific tragedy that happened on the set of this film. On October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was injured on the set of the film Rust when a live round was discharged from a revolver that actor Alec Baldwin was using as a prop. Actor Alec Baldwin, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting but saw the case dismissed in dramatic fashion on the third day of his trial.

“Rust” premiered in Poland last year. Director Joel Souza, who was injured in the shooting, speaks in the documentary about the movie’s completion, saying 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 (Academy Award nominee Alec 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).

A dynamic and versatile actor, Josh Hopkins is a veteran of both television and feature films. Josh is best known for his role opposite Courteney Cox on the TBS sitcom “Cougar Town,” which ran for six seasons. During his last season on “Cougar Town,” Hopkins segued behind the camera and directed an episode of the hilarious comedy. Following this, Josh landed a role on the popular ABC crime drama, QUANTICO, which he starred in for one season. Josh made his debut as a season regular on FOX’s critically acclaimed series “Ally McBeal, ” portraying Raymond Milberry, a rival lawyer and love interest to Calista Flockhart’s “Ally McBeal.”

Josh’s additional television credits include a recurring role on the ABC drama “Private Practice,” the CBS drama “Swingtown,” “CSI: Miami,” “Ghost Whisperer,” the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters” opposite Calista Flockhart and Sally Field, and the TNT original movie “Pirates of Silicon Valley” opposite Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall. Josh can currently be seen recurring on the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.” Film credits include, Tate Taylor’s, Get on Up, starring Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Chadwick Boseman, as well as Taylor’s, Pretty Ugly People, co-starring Missi Pyle and Melissa McCarthy.

Patrick Scott McDermott started his career in the Chicagoland area performing on regional stages and then toured the country as Gavroche in the National Tour of "Les Miserables." Patrick was cast in the Broadway production of "Flying Over Sunset," in "The Hours" at the Metropolitan Opera, and as Young Charlie in "Kinky Boots" at the Hollywood Bowl. He is currently in the ensemble and a swing in "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" on Broadway. He has made appearances on TV in "Saturday Night Live," "Chicago Med," "FBI" and in "Goosebumps" season 2 on Disney+.

Rust will be released in limited theatres on May 9th in the U.S and Canada and will also be available on VOD.

Please Note: As reported by NPR, the film’s original producers will not gain financially from the movie. The terms of his settlement were sealed, but it has been confirmed that Hutchins and son Andros will receive profits from the film.

I spoke with starts Josh Hopkins and Patrick Scott McDermott about working on the film and the challenge of going back to work after the tragedy.