Ariela Barer to Star in A24's 'Deep Cuts' After Odessa A'Zion Recasting

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Ariela Barer has joined the cast of A24's 'Deep Cuts' after Odessa A'Zion, who was originally cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a Jewish Latina character, graciously bowed out of the project. Barer, who is both Mexican American and Jewish, will now play the role. The film, from writer and director Sean Durkin, is a love story set in the 2000s about two music-obsessed twentysomethings navigating the realities of ambition, belonging, and adulthood.

Why it matters

The recasting of Zoe Gutierrez with an actress who matches the character's ethnicity is an important step towards more authentic and representative casting in Hollywood. The open letter from over 100 Latino artists calling for greater authenticity in casting likely played a role in this decision.

The details

Ariela Barer, known for her roles in 'The Last of Us' and 'See You When I See You', will take on the role of Zoe Gutierrez in 'Deep Cuts' after Odessa A'Zion, who is Jewish but not Latina, was originally cast. The film, from writer and director Sean Durkin, is based on the debut novel by Holly Brickley and follows two music-obsessed twentysomethings navigating adulthood in the 2000s. Production is set to begin soon, with Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey starring as the lead characters.

• On January 29, Odessa A'Zion revealed via social media that she was unaware the character of Zoe Gutierrez was written as a Jewish Latina.
• More than 100 Latino artists in Hollywood signed an open letter asking for more authenticity in casting prior to A'Zion's recasting.

What’s next

Production on 'Deep Cuts' is set to begin imminently.