A24
Odessa A’zion Exits A24’s ‘Deep Cuts’ After Casting Controversy
Actor Odessa A’zion has stepped away from Sean Durkin’s upcoming A24 film Deep Cuts following widespread online criticism surrounding her casting. The decision, announced directly by A’zion on social media, has reignited conversations in Hollywood about representation, accountability, and inclusive casting practices.
A’zion, who recently broke out with her role in Marty Supreme, was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in the film adaptation of Holly Brickley’s popular 2025 novel. In the book, Zoe Gutierrez is portrayed as a Jewish woman of Mexican heritage, a detail that became central to the backlash once casting news surfaced earlier this week.
Why the Casting Sparked Backlash
Fans of Deep Cuts quickly raised concerns that the role of Zoe Gutierrez had not gone to a Latina actress, arguing that it reflected a broader pattern of underrepresentation in the industry. Social media criticism intensified, with many calling on the filmmakers to reconsider the casting choice and prioritize authenticity.
In response, Odessa A’zion took to Instagram Stories to clarify her position, stating unequivocally that she would not move forward with the project. She explained that she initially auditioned for a different character and accepted the role without fully understanding the cultural specificity attached to Zoe.
A’zion’s Response: “That’s Not Me”
In her statement, Odessa A’zion expressed frustration with herself for not reading the source material before accepting the role and emphasized that she would never want to take a part that should belong to someone else. She thanked fans for bringing the issue to her attention and said she looks forward to seeing the role ultimately filled by an actor better suited to represent the character.
Her decision was widely praised online as a rare example of an actor publicly stepping aside in solidarity with calls for better representation.
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Industry Reaction and an Open Letter From Latino Artists
The controversy quickly expanded beyond a single casting decision. More than 100 Latino actors, artists, and storytellers signed an open letter to Hollywood urging studios to include Latino voices earlier in development and to offer more non-stereotypical lead roles to Latino performers.
The letter commended Odessa A’zion for listening and exiting the project, while also questioning how such casting choices continue to happen. High-profile signatories reportedly include Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez, and Jessica Alba, among others.
What’s Next for ‘Deep Cuts’
Deep Cuts is being produced by A24 alongside producers Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, and Sean Durkin. The music-driven romance stars Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey, with earlier attachments including Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler falling through due to scheduling conflicts.
While A24 has not yet announced a replacement for the role of Zoe Gutierrez, the incident has placed the project under heightened scrutiny.
A Broader Moment for Hollywood
A’zion’s exit underscores a growing shift in audience expectations and industry accountability. As conversations around representation continue to gain momentum, Deep Cuts may become a case study in how studios respond to cultural criticism—and whether meaningful change follows.
