Baldwin’s return to SNL comes after the fatal shooting incident on the set of “Rust,” where a gun held by the actor discharged a live round, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who denied pulling the trigger in a previous interview with CNN, saw involuntary manslaughter charges dropped earlier this year. Recently, New Mexico special prosecutors indicated their intention to convene a grand jury to decide if Baldwin should face criminal charges over the incident.

The film’s assistant director, David Halls, identified as the person who handed the firearm to Baldwin on the day of the incident, signed a plea agreement earlier this year for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. Armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, responsible for the weapons on set, faces involuntary manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty. Despite the tragedy, production on “Rust” resumed in April and was completed in May. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about on-set safety practices and the use of firearms in the film industry.