From real to rubber: How The Rust incident changed Dwayne Johnson's film policy forever

It's been years since the heart-wrenching incident on the set of 'Rust', where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life after actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop gun he believed was safe. Now, looking back, the tragic event has catalyzed a seismic shift in the way Hollywood perceives on-set safety.

Safety First: Rubber Over Real

As Dwayne Johnson candidly expressed during his interview with Variety, the gravity of the 'Rust' tragedy deeply affected him. "First of all, I was heartbroken," Johnson revealed. "We lost a life. My heart goes out to her family and everybody on set. I've known Alec, too, for a very long time."

Also Read: Ryan Gosling’s Moon Landing Controversy: Did First Man Snub the American Flag 

In a defining move, Johnson declared that his esteemed production company, Seven Bucks Productions, would abolish the use of real guns on its sets. "Any movie, any television show, or anything we do or produce — we won't use real guns at all." This wasn't just a decision about optics; it was about prioritizing the safety of everyone involved, irrespective of the cost implications. "We're not going to worry about the dollars; we won't worry about what it costs," Johnson asserted.

Joining Forces for a Safer Hollywood

The Rock's commitment to change doesn't stop at his productions. He has a vision to instill this "no real guns" policy across all studios he collaborates with. And he isn't alone in this quest for safety. Notable figures like Eric Kripke, the force behind Amazon's 'The Boys', have resonated with similar sentiments, urging the industry to band together for a safer filmmaking environment.

Also Read: Scarlett’s Epic Showdown: How Disney’s 'Black Widow' Battle Sparked Fireworks 

 Dwayne Johnson confirmed to Variety that immediately after learning about Hutchins' unfortunate demise, he began strategizing ways to enhance safety in his own projects.

Today, as we reflect upon these past events, it's evident that calamities, though painful, often lay the groundwork for profound change. The 'Rust' tragedy, with its enduring impact, has reshaped the landscape of Hollywood safety standards. And trailblazers like Dwayne Johnson are leading the charge, ensuring that the entertainment industry never witnesses such a devastating event again.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)