Topline
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become the latest, and biggest, Hollywood name to commit to not using real guns in future productions following the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by Alec Baldwin in a prop gun accident on the set of the movie Rust in New Mexico last month.
Dwayne Johnson attends the world premiere of his film “Red Notice” in Los Angeles on Nov, 03, 2021. … [+]
Key Facts
Johnson, one of the biggest action stars in the world, told Variety his company Seven Bucks Productions would instead use rubber guns, with effects added during the post-production process.
The petition was started by director Bandar Albuliwi, who described the level of unprofessionalism that led to the tragedy as “mind-boggling.”
Director Craig Zobel of the acclaimed miniseries Mare of Easttown tweeted that using real guns is an “unnecessary risk.”
On Tuesday a group of leading cinematographers (including those from Black Panther and Arrival) shared a letter calling for a ban on “functional firearms” being used in productions, writing they “vow to not let [Hutchins’]
death be in vain.”
It comes amid similar commitments from television showrunners for the police drama The Rookie starring Nathan Fillion and superhero series The Boys.
Crucial Quote
“[W]hen something like this happens of this magnitude, [that is] this heartbreaking, I think the most prudent thing and the smartest thing to do is just pause for a second and really re-examine how you’re going to move forward and how we’re going to work together,” Johnson told Variety.
Key Background
His decision will likely “kick-off a domino effect of safe decision-making across Hollywood productions,” according to Variety. Hutchins, 42, died after Baldwin discharged a gun on set Oct. 21, hitting her and wounding director Joel Souza. Reports have since emerged about extensive safety issues during production.
What To Watch For
A California Democrat is reportedly planning to introduce legislation curtailing the use of live ammunition on film sets. State Sen. Dave Cortese’s bill would apply to “any kind of gun capable of setting off gunpowder, which is used for real bullets and blanks,” according to Deadline.
Further Reading
“Dwayne Johnson Pledges To Stop Using Real Guns On His Productions, Following ‘Rust’ Tragedy (EXCLUSIVE)” (Variety)
“Husband of cinematographer killed by Alec Baldwin hires law firm specializing in wrongful death suits” (New York Daily News)
“‘Rust’ Shooting: Ban Functional Firearms On Set, Cinematographers Say” (The Hollywood Reporter)
“California Lawmaker On What’s Next With Proposed Ammunition And Firearm Law In Wake Of Shooting On Alec Baldwin Set” (Deadline)
“ABC’s ‘The Rookie’ Bans “Live” Guns on Set” (The Hollywood Reporter)
