Actress Odessa A’zion, best known for her role in Marty Supreme alongside Timothée Chalamet, has stepped away from A24’s upcoming film Deep Cuts following online backlash over her casting.
The Role in Question
The film, adapted from Holly Brickley’s novel, is set in the early 2000s and explores the romantic relationship between college friends Percy and Joe. A’zion had been cast as Zoe Gutierrez, a supporting character described in the book as having Mexican and Jewish heritage. Fans of the novel criticized the casting decision, arguing that the role should have gone to a Latin American actress. The backlash intensified after A’zion admitted she had not read the novel before accepting the part.
A’zion’s Statement
In a candid Instagram post, the 25-year-old actress announced her decision to leave the project. “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it,” she wrote. A’zion explained that she originally auditioned for Percy but was later offered the role of Zoe.
“I just cannot do it knowing more about Zoe now,” she added, acknowledging that she should have paid closer attention to the character’s background before signing on.
Career Highlights
A’zion has built a strong reputation in Hollywood, starring in the Oscar-nominated Marty Supreme and appearing in HBO’s I Love LA. She is also nominated at this year’s Actor Awards — formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards — for Best Supporting Actress. Despite her withdrawal from Deep Cuts, A’zion expressed admiration for the source material. “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,” she said.
Industry Response
A24 has not yet commented on the casting change. Production on Deep Cuts is scheduled to begin next month, and the studio is expected to announce a replacement for the role of Zoe Gutierrez soon. The incident highlights ongoing conversations in Hollywood about authentic representation and the importance of casting actors whose backgrounds align with the characters they portray.
Looking Ahead
While A’zion’s departure may delay the project, her decision has been praised by some fans as an acknowledgment of the need for greater inclusivity in film. For A’zion, the move reflects a growing awareness among actors about the cultural significance of the roles they accept.
