Odessa A’zion Exits Deep Cuts Amid Casting Backlash

Odessa A’zion, the breakout star of “Marty Supreme,” has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming A24 film “Deep Cuts” after facing a wave of online backlash regarding her casting. The controversy centers around the character she was set to portray, Zoe Gutierrez, who is described as half Mexican and half Jewish in Holly Brickley’s 2025 novel—the source material for the film. The news of A’zion’s casting, which broke just days ago, quickly ignited debate across social media platforms, with many fans and critics accusing the production of whitewashing and calling for greater representation in Hollywood.

On January 28, 2026, A’zion took to her Instagram Stories to address the controversy head-on. “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F–k that. I’m out,” she wrote, making her position unequivocal. She went on to thank her fans for raising their concerns, writing, “Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention. I agree with every single one of you! This is why I love you guys. I’m so so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down.” According to TheWrap, A’zion explained that she had originally auditioned for a different role—Percy—but was instead offered the part of Zoe. She admitted, “I’m so pissed y’all, I hadn’t read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting…and now that I know what I know??? F–k that! I’m out. I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me.”

The casting of A’zion as Zoe Gutierrez drew immediate criticism from fans and advocates for Latinx representation. As reported by TheWrap and Variety, social media users argued that the role should have gone to an actress of Mexican descent, citing names like Melissa Barrera and Eiza Gonzalez as potential fits. One particularly pointed comment on X (formerly Twitter) read, “Both have name recognition in their respective genres and both could’ve used the opportunity to play a MEXICAN woman in this film over white girl Odessa A’Zion.” Another user lamented, “I can tell you right now there are thousands of beautiful, talented and passionate Mexican actors out there waiting for their big break…to see a white woman steal that opportunity in the current political climate is not only disgusting but also disheartening.” Even a fan page dedicated to A’zion paused its activity, stating, “We’re here to state that we do not agree with this casting, especially given the current political state of the US.”

A’zion’s decision to exit “Deep Cuts” was met with a mix of disappointment and respect from fans. Many praised her willingness to listen and respond to criticism, a move that stands in contrast to the often defensive posture taken by others in similar situations. “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,” A’zion added in her Instagram statement, as reported by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. She emphasized her regret over not reading the book before accepting the role and expressed her commitment to authentic representation, saying, “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me.”

The character of Zoe Gutierrez is central to the story of “Deep Cuts,” which is set in the 2000s and follows two music-obsessed twenty-somethings navigating the realities of ambition, belonging, and adulthood. Cailee Spaeny is set to play Percy, a music critic and close friend of Zoe, while Drew Starkey will portray Joe, Zoe’s ex-boyfriend and Percy’s love interest. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film adaptation is directed by Sean Durkin, known for his work on “The Iron Claw” and “The Nest,” and is being produced by an impressive team including Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis, and A24. Holly Brickley, the author of the original novel, will serve as an executive producer.

This is not the first time “Deep Cuts” has faced casting changes. Austin Butler and Saoirse Ronan were originally attached to star in the project but reportedly dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, according to Variety. The production was scheduled to begin in February 2026, but it remains unclear whether A’zion’s exit will affect the timeline or prompt a rewrite of the character, as speculated in online discussions. In comments shared by The Hollywood Reporter, Brickley reportedly suggested that the character “surely” will be rewritten, “which happens all the time,” though this has not been officially confirmed by the production team.

The rapid escalation of the controversy highlights ongoing debates about representation in Hollywood, particularly the need for authentic casting when it comes to characters with specific cultural or ethnic backgrounds. The backlash against A’zion’s casting is part of a broader movement demanding that opportunities for roles representing marginalized communities go to actors who share those identities. The reaction also underscores the power of social media to influence casting decisions and hold productions accountable in real time.

While some industry observers see A’zion’s withdrawal as a positive step toward greater inclusion, others worry about the chilling effect such controversies might have on actors and filmmakers. The debate has sparked wider conversations about the responsibilities of actors, casting directors, and producers to ensure that adaptations honor the spirit and specificity of their source material. As one fan put it on social media, “It’s about more than just one role. It’s about opening doors for people who have been shut out for too long.”

The producers of “Deep Cuts”—Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Sean Durkin, Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis, and A24—have yet to issue a formal statement regarding A’zion’s exit or the future of the project. Representatives for A’zion and A24 did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Variety. For now, the search for a new Zoe Gutierrez is on, and all eyes are on the filmmakers to see how they will address the concerns that have been raised.

As the dust settles, “Deep Cuts” stands as a reminder of the complexities facing contemporary film adaptations and the importance of listening to audiences. Odessa A’zion’s response, while certainly not without its own complications, has set a precedent for how stars might engage with their fans and critics alike—and how the industry might continue to evolve in the quest for genuine representation.