Odessa A'zion, the breakout star known for her role in Marty Supreme, has officially stepped away from the upcoming A24 film Deep Cuts after facing significant backlash over her casting. The controversy erupted when fans of the source material highlighted a mismatch between the actor's background and the heritage of the character she was set to portray.
Backlash Over Casting Decision
The film, an adaptation of Holly Brickley's 2021 novel of the same name, features Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny in lead roles as two music-obsessed individuals navigating adulthood. A'zion was announced earlier this week to play Zoe Gutierrez, a character explicitly described in the book as being of Mexican descent. This casting choice quickly drew criticism from readers and advocates for authentic representation, who argued that the role should have gone to a Mexican or Latina actor.
A'zion's Response and Decision to Withdraw
In a series of Instagram Stories posted late Wednesday, the 25-year-old actor addressed the situation directly. A'zion revealed that she was not fully aware of Zoe's ethnic identity when she accepted the part, having originally auditioned for a different character named Percy. She expressed regret for not researching the role more thoroughly before agreeing to take it on.
"Guys!! I am with ALL of you, and I am NOT doing this movie," A'zion wrote. "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 sorry that this happened."
She went on to explain her decision in more detail, stating: "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. I'm out!"
Commitment to Authentic Representation
A'zion emphasised her commitment to ethical casting practices, noting that she would never intentionally take a role meant for someone else. She acknowledged that there are numerous talented actors better suited to portray Zoe Gutierrez and expressed enthusiasm for seeing who ultimately lands the part.
"I'd never take a role from someone else that's meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That's not me," she asserted. "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."
Reactions and Industry Context
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many praising A'zion for her responsiveness to fan concerns. Her recent Instagram posts have been flooded with comments, some accusing her of taking opportunities from Mexican artists, while others commended her for stepping down gracefully.
This incident occurs within a broader industry conversation about casting authenticity and representation in film adaptations. It highlights ongoing tensions between creative choices and audience expectations for cultural accuracy.
Production Background and Cast Changes
Deep Cuts has experienced other casting shifts prior to this controversy. Originally, Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler were attached to star as music critic Percy and her love interest Joe, respectively, but both exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. Zoe Gutierrez is depicted as Percy's ex in the narrative.
The film is produced by Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, and Josh Safdie, with director Sean Durkin also producing alongside Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis, and A24. Author Holly Brickley serves as an executive producer, ensuring some creative oversight from the original source material.
The Independent has reached out to A24 for comment regarding the recasting process, but no official statement has been released at this time. As the production moves forward, all eyes will be on who steps into the role of Zoe Gutierrez and how this controversy influences future casting decisions in Hollywood.
