Is Joel Souza OK? 'Rust' filmmaker wounded by Alec Baldwin mourns Halyna Hutchins
Joel Souza, the director of Alec Baldwin's upcoming movie 'Rust', was shot and wounded by the actor in the recent accidental firearm mishap. The prop gun used by the actor misfired while filming and fatally shot Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins. Her tragic death was mourned by fans worldwide as support poured in for Alec Baldwin who admitted to being overwhelmed by the shocking accident.
Joel Souza, who is now in recovery, has also mourned the loss of his "friend and colleague" Halyna Hutchins. In a statement to NBC News, Souza shared, "She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better. My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time." Meanwhile, Hutchins' husband Matt Hutchins grieved her death in a heartwrenching tweet, where he wrote, "Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life."
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Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life. pic.twitter.com/LgEp4XVkja
— Matt Hutchins (@mhutchins) October 23, 2021
Actor Alec Baldwin, who was the one to fatally shoot Hutchins by accident, shared, "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours."
Who is Joel Souza?
The 48-year-old filmmaker from California started his career in Hollywood about a decade ago, with the family adventure film 'Hannah's Gold'. Souza, who was inspired to pursue filmmaking after watching 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', now works as a noted director and screenwriter. His debut film starred Luke Perry in the lead. Some of his other notable films include 'Crown Vic', which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
'Rust' was Joel Souza's latest directorial project which starred Alec Baldwin, Travis Fimmel, Frances Fisher and Jensen Ackles, among others. The storyline revolved around 1880s Kansas where a 13-year-old teenage boy is left to fend for himself and his younger brother after both their parents die. He then reunites with his estranged granfather, played by Baldwin, who is sentenced to hang for accidentally killing a local rancher.
Joel Souza, who is also co-producing the film alongside Anjul Nigam, suffered serious injury after Baldwin's gun misfired. He was rushed to a local hospital in an ambulance and is now recovering gradually. As per the latest reports, Souza has now been discharged from the hospital.
The production of the film has been suspended at the moment following the accident, and its future remains uncertain.