Alec Baldwin’s upcoming movie Rust will still see success at the box office despite calls to « boycott » the actor following the death of Halyna Hutchins, claims a Hollywood publicist.
Cinematographer Hutchins died on set in October 2021 after Baldwin discharged a prop gun, also injuring the film’s director Joel Souza.
News broke on Thursday that manslaughter charges against the actor, 65, were to be dropped after the « case was dismissed », according to lawyers.
Now a leading movie publicist tells Express.co.uk that, despite calls to cancel Baldwin, his movie will likely « benefit » from the tragic ordeal.
GME film PR founder Ginger Liu claims Hutchins’ death will « definitely spark more interest » in the flick, set to resume filming this spring.
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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Ginger explained: « It will get media publicity when the film is released, more than the film would ever have gotten if the accident didn’t happen.
« Hollywood is a town where people (hold on) no matter what’s thrown at them.
« There could be another legal case against him in the future, but he should (get through) it. »
They claim producers and the press in Hollywood « haven’t thrown Baldwin under the bus » despite a spate of articles reporting on the case.
Shedding more light on the ordeal, film PR expert Jason Mudd also told Express.co.uk that the shooting will create « buzz » around Rust.
The Axia Public Relations CEO said: « It will likely benefit from the shooting and the movie should enjoy additional success.
« I don’t believe in the cliché ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity’.
« However, in this case, concerning cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death, the buzz and scandal surrounding this movie will likely drive more moviegoers to the theatres and later to watch it from home. »
Mudd explained: « That’s because American consumers are highly forgiving of celebrities.
« Of course, some people will boycott Alec Baldwin as an actor and the Rust movie.
« This issue is even more polarizing than normal because gun violence and school shootings are actively in the news.
« But the movie received significant exposure from the on-scene accident and overall awareness and interest in it are higher than it would have been without the controversial incident. »
