Ariela Barer replaces Odessa A'zion in 'Deep Cuts' after casting controversy

The 'Marty Supreme' actor will now play the Latina character Zoe Gutierrez in the A24 film adaptation.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After much controversy surrounding the role, Ariela Barer has been cast as Zoe Gutierrez in A24's upcoming feature film 'Deep Cuts.' Barer is replacing rising star Odessa A'zion, who was originally tapped to play the Latina character in the film adaptation of Holly Brickley's debut novel with the same name in January. A'zion's casting caused a ruckus after it was announced that she - who is Jewish, but not Latina - was set to portray a character described in the book as a half-Mexican, half-Jewish character. Many social media users, including those who run her fan accounts, publicly criticized A'zion for taking on the role. A'zion publicly dropped out of the movie after the backlash.

Why it matters

This casting controversy highlights the ongoing issues of representation and authenticity in Hollywood, where Latino roles are often given to non-Latino actors. It also reflects the broader conversations around cultural appropriation and the importance of ensuring that marginalized communities are accurately portrayed on screen.

The details

Ariela Barer, who identifies as both Mexican American and Jewish, will now take on the role of Zoe Gutierrez in 'Deep Cuts.' Barer has previously had roles in the Netflix series 'One Day at a Time,' the Hulu program 'Runaways,' the reboot of 'Saved by the Bell,' and the second season of the Emmy-winning HBO series 'The Last of Us.' Following the casting snafu, over 100 Latino creatives, including Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and Xochitl Gomez, signed an open letter calling for accountability in Hollywood and citing longtime discrimination in casting and storytelling.

  • In January, Odessa A'zion was originally tapped to play the role of Zoe Gutierrez.
  • On February 10, 2026, Ariela Barer was announced as the new cast member for the role of Zoe Gutierrez.

The players

Ariela Barer

An actor who identifies as both Mexican American and Jewish, and has previously had roles in various TV shows and films.

Odessa A'zion

A rising star actor who was originally cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, but dropped out after facing backlash for not being Latina.

A24

The production company behind the upcoming feature film 'Deep Cuts.'

Holly Brickley

The author of the debut novel 'Deep Cuts,' which the film is based on.

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What they’re saying

“I am with ALL you and I am NOT doing this movie. F— that. I'm OUT.”

— Odessa A'zion (Instagram)

“I'd never take a role from someone else that's meant to do it. There [is] a plentitude of people more capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them.”

— Odessa A'zion (Instagram)

“So excited to be a part of this special project with such special people.”

— Ariela Barer (Instagram)

“And a genuine shoutout to [A'zion] for always leading with integrity, and being an absolute real one for as long as I've known her.”

— Ariela Barer (Instagram)

“That's what I'm talking about baby. Always stand up for what I know is right. I stand by my decision to and am so so happy this is the outcome. C'mon baby!! She's gonna eat it up.”

— Odessa A'zion (Instagram)

What’s next

The film 'Deep Cuts' is expected to begin production in the coming months, with Ariela Barer now in the lead role.

The takeaway

This casting controversy underscores the continued need for greater representation and authenticity in Hollywood, where marginalized communities often struggle to see themselves accurately portrayed on screen. The resolution, with Barer - a Latina actor - taking on the role, is a step in the right direction, but the industry still has work to do to ensure equitable opportunities for all.