- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Actress Odessa A'zion Exits A24 Film Over Casting Controversy
A'zion was set to play a supporting character of Mexican and Jewish descent, but she does not have Mexican heritage.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
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, but she does not have any Mexican heritage. This led to pushback on social media, and A'zion ultimately decided to depart the film, saying she 'hadn't read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting' the role.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing discussions around representation and authenticity in Hollywood casting. As the industry continues to grapple with these issues, actors and filmmakers are being held more accountable for ensuring diverse and accurate portrayals on screen.
The details
A'zion had initially auditioned for a different role in the film, which is based on Holly Brickley's 2025 novel and stars Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey. She was then offered the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a supporting character, and accepted without fully reading the script or novel. After facing backlash on social media, A'zion decided to exit the project, saying 'F*** that. I'm OUT' in a series of Instagram posts.
- On January 29, 2026, Odessa A'zion announced her departure from the A24 film.
- The film, titled 'Deep Cut', is based on Holly Brickley's 2025 novel.
The players
Odessa A'zion
An actress who has had recent breakout performances in films like 'Marty Supreme' and 'I Love LA'.
A24
The independent film production and distribution company behind the upcoming film 'Deep Cut'.
Sean Durkin
The director of 'Deep Cut', the film A'zion was set to appear in.
Cailee Spaeny
An actress starring in 'Deep Cut'.
Drew Starkey
An actor starring in '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)
What’s next
A24 has not commented on A'zion's departure from the film, and it is unclear how the production will move forward with recasting the role of Zoe Gutierrez.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of thoughtful and authentic representation in Hollywood casting. As the industry continues to evolve, actors and filmmakers must be more diligent in ensuring diverse and accurate portrayals on screen, even in supporting roles.
