Actor Odessa A’zion has announced that she will no longer be part of A24’s upcoming film adaptation of the novel Deep Cuts, following widespread online criticism surrounding her casting. The decision came after intense discussion on social media about representation and whether the role should have been played by an actor with Mexican heritage.
A’zion addressed the situation directly through a series of Instagram story posts, where she explained her reasoning and clarified how she became involved in the project. Her departure has reignited broader conversations in Hollywood about authentic casting, cultural identity, and accountability in storytelling.
Casting Controversy Surrounding the Role of Zoe Gutierrez
Odessa A’zion had been cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a character from Holly Brickley’s 2025 novel Deep Cuts. In the book, Zoe is described as both Mexican and Jewish, and her cultural background plays a meaningful part in her identity.
Shortly after A’zion’s casting was announced, backlash began spreading online. Many critics questioned why a non-Latina actor was chosen to portray a character with Mexican heritage. Others argued that the role should have gone to an actor who shares that cultural background, especially given the ongoing struggle for Latina representation in major film productions.
The criticism quickly gained momentum, turning into a larger debate about inclusivity and casting practices within the entertainment industry.
Odessa A’zion Responds on Social Media
Rather than staying silent, A’zion chose to speak openly about the controversy. On Instagram, she revealed that she ultimately agreed with the concerns being raised and decided that stepping away from the role was the right move.
In one of her most direct statements, she admitted that she had not fully understood the character before accepting the part.
She wrote that she “hadn’t read the book” and acknowledged that she should have paid closer attention to all aspects of Zoe’s identity before saying yes to the role.
Her posts were blunt and emotional, making it clear that she wanted to remove herself from the situation immediately.
“F— that! I’m out,” she wrote, confirming her exit from the film.
How She Was Offered the Role
A’zion also explained that Zoe was not the role she originally auditioned for. According to her Instagram statements, she had initially auditioned for another character named Percy.
However, she was later offered the part of Zoe instead.
This casting switch, she suggested, may have contributed to her not fully processing the character’s deeper background at the time.
She emphasized that she never intended to take away an opportunity from someone who was more culturally aligned with the role.
“I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it,” she wrote. “That’s not me.”
Her comments reflected a desire to respect the importance of representation and avoid being part of a casting decision that could be seen as harmful or dismissive.
A Growing Conversation About Representation in Hollywood
The situation has once again highlighted a recurring issue within the film industry: the casting of actors in roles that involve specific ethnic or cultural identities.
While Hollywood has made progress in recent years toward more inclusive storytelling, casting controversies continue to arise, particularly when characters from underrepresented communities are portrayed by actors who do not share those backgrounds.
For many viewers, these decisions feel like missed opportunities to elevate actors from marginalized groups who are still fighting for visibility in mainstream projects.
The backlash toward A’zion’s casting was rooted in that frustration, with many arguing that Mexican and Latina performers should be given priority when roles are written with that heritage in mind.
Film Details and Remaining Cast Members
Despite A’zion’s departure, Deep Cuts remains in development with other major cast members still attached.
The lead roles include:
- Cailee Spaeny playing Percy
- Drew Starkey playing Joe
The film is expected to focus heavily on Percy and Joe’s storyline, which A’zion noted was also where her attention went when reading the script.
She admitted that because the script emphasized those two characters, she initially did not fully consider Zoe’s full identity and background as written in the original novel.
“Of course on my initial read, that was my main focus,” she wrote, referring to Percy and Joe’s storyline.
However, after learning more about Zoe’s character, she said she could no longer feel comfortable continuing.
Odessa’s Decision to Step Back
A’zion’s choice to exit the project was met with mixed reactions online.
Some praised her for listening, reflecting, and stepping away rather than ignoring the criticism. Others argued that the situation should never have happened in the first place and blamed casting directors and studios for making such decisions repeatedly.
Still, her public response stood out because it was immediate and direct, showing a willingness to acknowledge mistakes instead of offering a generic public relations statement.
“I just cannot do it knowing more about Zoe now,” she wrote, confirming that her decision was final.
No Official Comment Beyond Instagram
As of now, Odessa A’zion has not provided further official statements beyond her Instagram stories.
She also did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
A24 has not yet released a detailed update regarding whether the role of Zoe Gutierrez will be recast or how the production will move forward following her exit.
Final Thoughts: A Moment of Reflection for the Industry
Odessa A’zion’s departure from Deep Cuts has become more than just entertainment news — it has become part of an ongoing cultural discussion about identity, authenticity, and fair opportunities in film.
The incident serves as another reminder that casting decisions matter deeply, especially when stories involve heritage, representation, and communities that have historically been overlooked.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, moments like these may push studios to be more thoughtful and intentional moving forward.