Odessa A'zion has dropped out of an upcoming project after facing backlash over the casting decision. Yesterday, A'zion shared a statement explaining her decision to drop out of "Deep Cuts," the new film directed by Sean Durkin. In it, A'zion would play the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a Latina character.
A'zion shared her thoughts in an Instagram story. "Guys! I am with all of you and I am not doing this movie. Lemme make myself clear," she wrote.
The role of Zoe Gutierrez is based on the 2025 novel of the same name, with the character being of Mexican and Jewish heritage. In the plot, the character is a friend of Percy, played by Cailee Spaeny, and the ex of Joe, played by Drew Starkey.
“Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention,” continued A'zion. She clarified that she is not of Hispanic descent, and made it clear she didn't know the specifics of the character before signing on to the film.
“I’m so sorry that this happened. 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 attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting…and now that I know what I know? F**k that. I’m out!"
“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. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.”
The response from Hollywood
A'zion's career has been on a high over the past year, with her playing characters on TV and film that have found commercial and critical success, including in the film "Marty Supreme" and the TV show "I Love LA."
The news of her casting prompted a larger conversation in Hollywood, with many sharing their thoughts. Melissa Barrera, a Mexican actress, shared the casting notice on her stories. She made it clear that she believed Latin actors should play Latin characters.
“FOR THE LONGEST TIME even the POC side characters in white stories were played by white actors because white actors would be the ones with access (and because racism),” reads her post. “And therefore they were the ones that became working actors, and that became the norm."
"So in 2026 if there are 1000 roles out there for actors. And 50 of those are written for Latinos. LATINOS should play them.”