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Actress Odessa A'zion Exits A24 Film Over Casting Controversy
The actress left the upcoming movie 'Deep Cut' after facing backlash over playing a character of Mexican and Jewish descent.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm
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Actress Odessa A'zion has exited an upcoming A24 film due to controversy over her casting. A'zion was set to play a supporting character named Zoe Gutierrez, who is of Mexican and Jewish descent, in the film 'Deep Cut.' However, A'zion is Jewish but does not have any Mexican heritage, leading to pushback on social media. The actress took to Instagram to explain that she initially auditioned for a different role and was offered the part of Zoe without fully reading the novel or script, and she has now decided to depart the project.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing discussions around representation and authenticity in Hollywood casting. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with these issues, cases like this show the importance of carefully considering a character's background and ensuring the right actors are selected to portray them.
The details
A'zion was set to play the supporting character of Zoe Gutierrez, who is of Mexican and Jewish descent, in the upcoming A24 film 'Deep Cut.' However, the actress is Jewish but does not have any Mexican heritage, which led to backlash on social media. A'zion took to Instagram to explain that she initially auditioned for a different role and was offered the part of Zoe without fully reading the novel or script, and she has now decided to exit the project.
- On January 29, 2026, Odessa A'zion announced her departure from the A24 film 'Deep Cut' on Instagram.
The players
Odessa A'zion
An actress who has had recent breakout performances in films like 'Marty Supreme' and 'I Love LA.'
A24
The production company behind the upcoming film 'Deep Cut.'
Sean Durkin
The director of the film 'Deep Cut.'
Cailee Spaeny
An actress who is starring in the film 'Deep Cut.'
Drew Starkey
An actor who is also starring in the film 'Deep Cut.'
What they’re saying
“Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F*** that. I'm OUT.”
— Odessa A'zion, Actress (Instagram)
“THANK YOU guys for bringing this to my attention. I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! This is why I love you guys. I'm so so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down.”
— Odessa A'zion, Actress (Instagram)
“I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! I'm so p***** y'all, I hadn't read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting... and now that I know what I know??? F*** that! IM OUT.”
— Odessa A'zion, Actress (Instagram)
“I just said hell yeah cause I knew how much I loved the story so I was just down to be a part of it, and so excited to work with this group of people! But f*** thattttttt y'all never again!”
— Odessa A'zion, Actress (Instagram)
What’s next
It is unclear if A24 will recast the role of Zoe Gutierrez or make changes to the film's storyline following A'zion's departure.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of thoughtful and authentic casting decisions in the entertainment industry, as well as the need for greater representation and diversity in Hollywood. It also highlights the power of social media in holding the industry accountable for its choices.
