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Ariela Barer tapped to replace Odessa A’zion after Latina casting controversy

Barer is cast in 'Deep Cuts,' the new A24 movie

FEBRUARY 10, 2026 4:38 PM ESTFEB 10, 2026, 4:38 PM EST

Ariela Barer has lined up a new role. The actress, known for roles in films and TV shows like "The Last of Us," has signed on to "Deep Cuts," the anticipated A24 movie that sparked a casting backlash after casting Odessa A'zion in a Latina role.

Barer shared the news on her social media, sending a shout-out to A'zion, who dropped out of the film after learning of the Mexican heritage of the character she was meant to play.

"So excited to be a part of this special project with such special people," wrote Barer over the casting notice, adding a few heart emojis.

"And a genuine major shoutout to Odessa A'zion for always leading with integrity and being an absolute real one for as long as I've known her."

Odessa A'zion exits film after getting cast in a Latina role — A'zion shared a statement apologizing for signing on to the part

For her part, A'zion celebrated Barer's casting with a statement of her own. “THAT’S WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT BABY. Always stand up for what I KNOW is right. I stand by my decision and am so so so so so happy this is the outcome. C’mon baby!! She’s gonna eat it up," she wrote.

Barer will be playing the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a character of Mexican and Jewish heritage. "Deep Cuts" co-stars Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny and follows a love story set in the 2000s between two music obsessives. Barer plays the close friend of Spaeny and the ex of Starkey, adding a complication to the main pairing's love story.

Why was there backlash?

Ariela Barer alongside Kaitlyn Dever, and Samantha Hanratty at the IIMDb and IMDbPro Filmmaker Celebration Dinner Party

Earlier this year, A'zion was cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, inspiring backlash from fans and the Latinos in the entertainment community. Shortly after the news was shared, A'zion took to social media to share the news that she was dropping out of the film, revealing that she was unaware of the character's background before signing on to the part.

“I’m so so sorry that this happened," wrote A'zion in a social media post at the time. "It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down. 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? Fuck that. I’m out!”

The backlash inspired some of the major Latino forces in Hollywood to sign an open letter, demanding that Hollywood do better when it comes to representing Latino stories. Some of the names that signed the letter include Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, and more.