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Ariela Barer to Replace Odessa A'zion in 'Deep Cuts' Movie
The Last of Us actress will take on the role that sparked backlash for A'zion's casting.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Actress Odessa A'zion is celebrating the news that Ariela Barer has been cast in the upcoming movie 'Deep Cuts' after A'zion dropped out of the film following backlash over her casting as a character of Mexican heritage and Jewish background. Barer, known for her roles in 'The Last of Us' and 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline,' thanked A'zion for her support in the decision.
Why it matters
The casting decision highlights the ongoing discussions around representation and authenticity in Hollywood, as well as the importance of actors and filmmakers being responsive to community feedback.
The details
The film 'Deep Cuts' is an adaptation of author Holly Brickley's 2025 novel of the same name, which follows two music lovers who meet in Berkeley, California in 2000. Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey were previously announced to portray the lead roles. A'zion had been cast as a character named Zoe, who is of Mexican heritage and Jewish, but she later announced she was dropping out of the project after learning of online backlash regarding the casting.
- On Jan. 28, 2026, A'zion announced she was no longer doing the movie.
- On Feb. 10, 2026, it was reported that Ariela Barer had joined the cast of 'Deep Cuts'.
The players
Odessa A'zion
A 25-year-old actress known for her role in the series 'Marty Supreme'.
Ariela Barer
A 27-year-old actress known for her roles in the HBO series 'The Last of Us' and the 2022 thriller 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline'.
Cailee Spaeny
An actress who will portray one of the lead roles in 'Deep Cuts'.
Drew Starkey
An actor who will portray one of the lead roles in 'Deep Cuts'.
Sean Durkin
The filmmaker adapting 'Deep Cuts' for the screen.
What they’re saying
“THAT'S WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT BABY @arielabarer. Always stand up for what I KNOW is right. I stand by my decision and am so so so so happy this is the outcome. C'mon baby!! She's gonna eat it up 🥰”
— Odessa A'zion, Actress (Instagram)
“And a genuine major shoutout to @odessazion for always leading with integrity and being an absolute real one for as long as I've known her <3”
— Ariela Barer, Actress (Instagram)
“Congrats beauty! 💥 ❤️ Exciting to see next generation Latinas get the opportunity. That's exactly how we get more representation. See? There is Mexican Jewish talented young actors @arielabarer sometimes we just have to look [just a] little more.”
— Eiza González (Instagram)
What’s next
The film 'Deep Cuts' is currently in production, with Ariela Barer taking on the role that was previously offered to Odessa A'zion.
The takeaway
This casting change highlights the importance of representation and authenticity in Hollywood, as well as the need for ongoing dialogue and responsiveness to community feedback when it comes to casting decisions.
