Odessa A’zion has announced she will be stepping back from the A24 production of Deep Cuts, due to backlash around her casting.
She was set to play Zoe Gutierrez, a character who, in the original book by Holly Brickley on which the film is based, is of Mexican heritage. Many online, including a fan account for the actor, objected to a white, non-Mexican actor being cast in the role. The character is a close friend of the lead Percy, who will be played by Cailee Spaeny, and an ex-girlfriend of Percy’s love interest Joe (Drew Starkey).
On Wednesday (January 28), A’zion posted on her Instagram stories to clarify that she will no longer be playing the role. “Guys! I am with all of you and I am not doing this movie. Lemme make myself clear,” she wrote.
Odessa A’zion clarifies her decision to exit Sean Durkin and A24’s film adaptation of ‘DEEP CUTS’.
The character she was meant to portray is of Mexican heritage in the book.
“I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me.” pic.twitter.com/SnX2UTu9BH
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 29, 2026
“Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention,” A’zion continued, “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? Fuck that. I’m out!”
The Marty Supreme star concluded: “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 (sic) 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.” Screenshots of the statement have since been shared online.
Recently, Odessa A’zion was nominated for a BAFTA for her performance in Marty Supreme, having missed out on a nomination at the Oscars.