The actress said “there are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role.”

Odessa A’zion Deep Cuts controversy explained: Why the *Marty Supreme *star dropped the A24 project

The actress said "there are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role."

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

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January 30, 2026 6:00 p.m. ET

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Odessa A'zion attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4, 2026; 'Deep Cuts' by Holly Brickley. Credit:

Frazer Harrison/Getty; Crown

- Odessa A'zion's casting in A24's film *Deep Cuts *sparked major backlash for whitewashing a half-Mexican character.

- A'zion has since dropped out of the movie.

- The casting controversy prompted more than 100 Latino creatives to sign an open letter pushing Hollywood for better representation.

Odessa A'zion had a huge 2025. Not only did the rising actress steal scenes on HBO's *I Love LA,* but she drew ample acclaim for her performance opposite Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet in Josh Safdie's *Marty Supreme*.

With all eyes on A'zion, fans have been wondering what's next for the rising star. That became clear earlier this week when it was announced she would star alongside Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey in A24's film adaptation of Holly Brickley's *Deep Cuts*. But the news wasn't met with much excitement, as many social media users criticized the casting choice.

Amid the controversy, A'zion has spoken out and shared her side of the story. Here's a look at her response, why the casting has sparked public outrage, and how Latino artists in Hollywood are responding.

Why did Odessa A’zion’s casting in *Deep Cuts *spark controversy?

Cailee Spaeny; Odessa A'zion; Drew Starkey.

Unique Nicole/Getty; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Amy Sussman/Getty

The controversy over A'zion's casting began after it was revealed she would play Zoe Gutierrez, a character who is described as half-Jewish and half-Mexican in Brickley's novel. While A'Zion is Jewish, she doesn't share Zoe's Mexican heritage, leading some critics to voice their frustration.

The general sentiment among critics is that Zoe should be played by someone who shares her background, arguing that it's important for the character to feel authentic and for her story to be represented accurately.

"Is it that hard to get a Latina for this role? Very disappointed," reads one social media post that echoes many others. Other critics called the casting decision a case of "whitewashing."

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Odessa A’zion Updates, a fan account on X, even took issue with the casting. "We do not agree with the decision to cast a white, non-Mexican actress as a character who was originally written as a Mexican woman of color in the *Deep Cuts* adaptation," the post reads. "This choice perpetuates harmful patterns and representations affecting Latinos of all nationalities, particularly within the current political climate in the United States."

Did Odessa A’zion drop out of Deep Cuts?

Odessa A'Zion attends the 'Fresh Kills' premiere during the 2023 Tribeca Festival.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

On Jan. 28, A'zion announced she was officially exiting *Deep Cuts*. In a series of Instagram Stories, she explained that she originally auditioned for a different role but was offered Zoe instead and accepted before knowing the full story.

"Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F--- that. I'm OUT," A'zion wrote. "I'm so so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down,"

She continued, "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 more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting… and now that I know what I know??? F--- that! IM OUT."

A'zion made it clear she never wants to "take a role from someone else that's meant to do it," adding, "there are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them."

Odessa A'zion announces exit from A24's 'Deep Cuts'.

Odessa A'zion/Instagram

The actress admitted she jumped at the chance to be part of the project because she loved the story and was excited to work with the team. She also said she'd "been so busy with other work" and didn't dig too deep into the source material before signing on.

"Still haven't read the book but the story in the script is focused on Percy and Joe, so of course on my initial read that was my main focus as well," she continued. "I was happy to be involved as a different role, but I just can not do it knowing more about Zoe now."

While many applauded A'zion's decision, some remain critical of her for accepting the role without knowing the full backstory. At the same time, others are pointing fingers at the creative team behind the project.

** has reached out to representatives for A24 for comment.

How have Latino stars responded to the casting controversy?

Eva Longoria; John Leguizamo; Isabela Merced.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Manny Carabel/Getty; Cassidy Sparrow/Getty

Just one day after A'zion exited *Deep Cuts*, over 100 Latino creatives — including Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, and Isabela Merced — signed an open letter to Hollywood demanding more "accountability, intentionality, and equity in casting, and storytelling."

"Recent casting decisions around the character Zoe Gutierrez in A24’s *Deep Cuts *have exposed a troubling pattern," the letter reads. "We acknowledge and commend Odessa A'zion for listening, reflecting, and deciding to exit the project and become an ally. Yet how did this happen?"

It continues, "The absence of Latina audition opportunities, and the choice to replace a clearly Latina character with a non-Latina actress, signals a broader, ongoing erasure of our community from the stories that define our culture."

The letter stressed that the problem isn't "any one actor or project," but a system that continuously "overlooks qualified Latino talent even as our identities, histories, and experiences fuel the most enduring stories." It called out the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Latino communities, noting that casting choices "carry real weight" in deciding who gets to tell their stories "with care, nuance, and authority."

In addition to Longoria, Leguizamo, and Merced, the letter was also signed by Jessica Alba, Melissa Barrera, Becky G, Tony Revolori, Stephanie Beatriz, Danny Ramirez, Gina Rodriguez, and Xochitl Gomez.

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