In early January 2026, Odessa A’zion made a decisive move by publicly announcing her withdrawal from the upcoming film adaptation of Deep Cuts, directed by Sean Durkin and produced by A24. Her decision came amid intense scrutiny and widespread online backlash over her casting in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a character with Mexican and Jewish heritage. Just days after her casting was revealed, A’zion expressed her refusal to participate further in the project, citing her disagreement with the role’s portrayal and her reaction to the controversy. Her Instagram Stories provided a candid explanation, reflecting her commitment to her values and respect for cultural representation.
Background of the Film and Casting Controversy
The film adaptation of Deep Cuts is based on Holly Brickley’s 2025 novel of the same name. The story follows a complex web of relationships surrounding a music critic named Percy, played by Cailee Spaeny, and her circle, which includes her ex-girlfriend Zoe Gutierrez, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, and Percy’s love interest Joe, played by Drew Starkey. The novel’s characters are notably diverse: Zoe Gutierrez is depicted as being of Mexican and Jewish descent, adding layers of cultural richness to the storyline.
The project was initially announced with a star-studded cast, including actors Austin Butler and Saoirse Ronan, both of whom eventually withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Their exit left the project ripe for casting replacements, and A’zion was cast to fill the role of Zoe. However, her casting quickly drew criticism from audiences and advocacy groups who argued that the choice did not accurately reflect the character’s cultural background, sparking online debates about representation and authenticity in Hollywood.
Odessa A’zion’s Public Response and Decision to Drop Out
Just two days after her casting was announced, Odessa A’zion took to her Instagram Stories to address the backlash. Her message was clear and heartfelt, emphasizing that her participation in the film was no longer an option. She wrote, “Guys! I am with all of you and I am not doing this movie. Lemme make myself clear,” signaling her alignment with the sentiments of critics and viewers concerned about cultural authenticity.
A’zion explained that she initially went in for the role of Percy but was offered Zoe instead, and she accepted without fully understanding the character’s cultural context. “I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! I’m so pissed y’all, I hadn’t read the book and should have paid attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting… and now that I know what I know? Fuck that. I’m out!” Her candidness suggested regret and a realization that her involvement could be viewed as appropriative or dismissive of the character’s heritage.
She further clarified that her decision was rooted in her principles: “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am not one of them. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.” Her remarks resonated with a growing movement within Hollywood advocating for authentic representation and the importance of casting that respects cultural identities.
Implications for the Project and Hollywood’s Cultural Conversations
The controversy surrounding A’zion’s casting highlights ongoing conversations about racial and cultural representation in film and media. Hollywood has faced increasing scrutiny over casting decisions that marginalize or misrepresent minority groups, especially when characters are explicitly described as belonging to specific ethnic backgrounds. This incident exemplifies how audiences and advocacy organizations are more vigilant than ever about accurate portrayal.
The production of Deep Cuts has also been affected by other casting changes; both Butler and Ronan left the project earlier due to scheduling conflicts. With A’zion’s departure, the film now faces additional challenges, including potential delays and the need for a new cast member to embody Zoe Gutierrez authentically. The production team, led by producers Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, and Sean Durkin—who’s also producing—must now navigate the fallout of the casting controversy while maintaining creative continuity.
The film’s producers and representatives for A’zion and A24 have remained silent regarding her withdrawal, with no official statements issued at this time. The situation underscores the importance of sensitivity in casting decisions and the need for producers to consider cultural accuracy and inclusivity from the onset.
The Future of Casting and Representation in Hollywood
This incident is yet another example of Hollywood’s ongoing reckoning with diversity and representation. As audiences become more vocal and socially conscious, studios are increasingly expected to prioritize authentic casting choices that reflect the characters’ backgrounds accurately. Critics argue that such practices are essential not only for respect and integrity but also for fostering more genuine and relatable storytelling.
For performers like Odessa A’zion, this controversy presents a learning opportunity about the importance of understanding characters’ cultural context before accepting roles. It also reflects a broader industry trend that demands greater accountability and sensitivity. Moving forward, casting decisions are likely to undergo more rigorous scrutiny, with producers and studios emphasizing diversity and cultural authenticity as key components of their projects.
This shift also encourages a more inclusive Hollywood landscape, where minority voices and authentic representations are prioritized, helping to challenge stereotypes and broaden the narrative scope. As the industry continues to evolve, incidents like this might serve as catalysts for more informed and respectful casting practices, ultimately leading to richer, more diverse storytelling on screen.
