Actor Odessa A’zion recently announced her decision to withdraw from A24’s film adaptation of the novel “Deep Cuts,” following significant backlash regarding her casting as Zoe Gutierrez. The character, described as Mexican and Jewish in the 2025 novel by Holly Brickley, faced controversy after critics expressed dissatisfaction with the choice of an actress who does not share the character’s Latina heritage.
In a series of candid Instagram stories, A’zion addressed the criticism and confessed that she “hadn’t read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting.” Her resignation was firm, stating, “F— that! IM OUT,” highlighting her commitment to representing the character authentically.
A’zion, known for her roles in “Marty Supreme” alongside Timothée Chalamet and the HBO series “I Love LA,” shared that she originally auditioned for the role of Percy. She subsequently received an offer for Zoe but felt that it was not right for her to take on a role meant for someone who could embody the character’s heritage. “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me,” she emphasized.
The film will still feature Cailee Spaeny as Percy and Drew Starkey as Joe, with a focus that appears to center around those characters. A’zion noted that her initial read of the script centered on Percy and Joe, which led to her initial excitement about the project. However, her understanding of Zoe’s character prompted her decision to step aside.
As the conversation around representation in film continues, A’zion’s choice reflects a growing awareness and commitment to authentic storytelling in Hollywood. Her departure allows for the opportunity to cast an actor who can more accurately represent Zoe Gutierrez’s background, furthering the industry’s movement towards inclusion and diversity.