Actor Odessa A’zion has announced she is stepping away from A24’s upcoming film Deep Cuts, just days after news of her casting sparked backlash online.
The decision was confirmed by A’zion herself on Wednesday night, when she addressed fans directly via Instagram Stories and acknowledged concerns surrounding the film’s adaptation.
Why Odessa A’zion Left Deep Cuts
The controversy emerged shortly after it was revealed that A’zion had been cast as Zoe Gutierrez, a character from Holly Brickley’s 2023 novel who is described as half Mexican and half Jewish.
Online criticism quickly followed, with fans raising concerns about whitewashing in the screen adaptation. A’zion said she listened closely to those concerns and ultimately agreed with them.
“Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie,” she wrote. “I’m out.”
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A’zion Says She Was Unaware of the Character’s Background
In a series of candid posts, A’zion explained how the casting unfolded and why she initially accepted the role.
According to the actor, she originally auditioned for Percy, another lead character in the film, before being offered the role of Zoe instead. She admitted she had not yet read the novel at the time and did not fully understand the character’s background.
“I should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting,” she said, adding that once she became aware of the details, she knew stepping away was the right decision.
That Role Should Go to Someone Else
A’zion made it clear that her choice to leave the project was rooted in principle rather than pressure.
“I’d never take a role from someone it’s meant for,” she wrote. “There are so many people who should do this role — and I am not one of them.”
She ended her message by thanking fans for speaking up and said she looks forward to seeing who is ultimately cast in the role.
What Is Deep Cuts About?
Deep Cuts is a coming-of-age drama set in the early 2000s, centred on two music-obsessed twenty-somethings navigating ambition, creativity and adulthood.
The film is set to star Cailee Spaeny as Percy, a music critic, opposite Drew Starkey, who plays a songwriter and romantic interest. A’zion was originally attached to play Zoe, a key supporting character.
Behind the Scenes at A24
The project is being directed by Sean Durkin, known for The Iron Claw and The Nest, working from his own script. Durkin is also producing alongside Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, with Blake Mills contributing original music.
A’zion’s casting was first reported earlier this week, making her exit a swift turnaround for the production.
Final Take
A’zion’s decision has been widely praised online, with many fans commending her for listening, reflecting, and acting quickly.
As Deep Cuts moves forward without her, attention now turns to who will take on the role of Zoe — and how closely the film will align with the source material.