Odessa A'zion has withdrawn from her role in A24's upcoming film 'Deep Cuts' following online criticism over the casting choice. The actress announced her decision on Instagram, citing her lack of familiarity with the source novel's character description. The move comes amid concerns about whitewashing the Mexican and Jewish heritage of the character Zoe Gutierrez.
Odessa A'zion, the 25-year-old breakout star of 'Marty Supreme' and HBO's 'I Love LA,' announced on January 29, 2026, via Instagram Story that she is stepping away from the role of Zoe Gutierrez in Sean Durkin's 'Deep Cuts.' The film, an adaptation of Holly Brickley's 2021 novel, centers on a 2000s love story between two music-obsessed twenty-somethings: music critic Percy, played by Cailee Spaeny, and aspiring songwriter Joe, portrayed by Drew Starkey. Zoe is described as Percy's close friend and Joe's ex-girlfriend, with the book specifying her as Mexican and Jewish—heritage A'zion, who is American-born of German descent and Jewish, does not fully share in terms of Mexican roots. The casting was revealed on January 27, prompting backlash from fans who accused the production of whitewashing. A'zion explained she had auditioned for the role of Percy but accepted Zoe without reading the novel. '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!' she wrote. She added, '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.' Production on the film was set to begin in February, but A'zion emphasized her support for the concerns raised: 'I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention.' As the daughter of actor Pamela Adlon and producer Felix Adlon, A'zion has faced scrutiny over her rising profile, but she expressed regret: 'I’m so sorry that this happened.' Despite the exit, she remains excited for future projects and looks forward to seeing a more fitting actor in the role.
