Prosecutors in the US have dropped gun charges originally brought against Alec Baldwin in the fatal wounding of filmmaker Halina Hutchins by gunfire the actor was using while filming Rust.

The actor is now not facing a prison sentence.

Baldwin was until recently charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery, facing a possible five years in prison.

However, with the new facts and the withdrawal of the charge for carrying weapons, it is now possible that he will serve an 18-month suspended sentence.

Despite the ongoing developments surrounding Hutchins’ death, the producers of “Rust” have hired a new director of photography and plan to resume filming in the spring.

“While it’s bittersweet, I’m grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team along with the cast and crew are committed to finishing what Halina and I started,” Rust’s director said of the start of filming.