Alec Baldwin has described the fallout of the 'Rust' shooting as "the most difficult thing he's ever dealt with".

Production on the upcoming Western was paused in October 2021 when a prop gun being held by the 66-year-old actor discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, while filming was later completed.

Alec was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but repeatedly maintained his innocence and the case collapsed in July due the prosecution failing to disclose evidence.

He told Variety: "This is obviously the most difficult thing I've ever dealt with in my life.

"Beyond the victims themselves, the thing that most pains me is what it did to my wife. There has been a lot of pain. We are trying to get the wind in our sails, to get away from this stuff.

"Because the film doesn't stand by itself. It's always going to be overshadowed by this."

Alec insisted he hasn't "seen the final cut" of the movie, and simply hopes that the film can be released.

He said: "No, I haven't seen the final cut. I was sent a rough cut early on, before everything got a little more sticky and difficult. So I haven't seen the film.

"But, again, I hope the film is released, that it comes out. That it makes its money back for its investors.

"You never want these people who believed in your project to be left high and dry. And I hope the movie is sold, and that he [Matt Hutchins, Halyna's husband] gets his money. We all made a deal with him and we all want to follow through."

WHile Alec is glad to have finished work on 'Rust', he is keen to leave the film in the past and focus on his family.

He explained: "At this age, I'm 66 years old, and you want to have the energy for your kids. The last two years of this situation have just hammered me, just drained me.

"And I have an obligation like any other man who is a father, or couples of fathers -- two men who have children, whatever -- we have an obligation to save some of our best for our kids. And that's been the tough part for me."