Latino Stars Demand More Inclusive Casting After ‘Deep Cuts’ Controversy

More than 100 Latino actors, writers, and producers have signed an open letter urging Hollywood to do more to fairly represent Latino communities in casting and storytelling.

The letter, signed by stars including John Leguizamo, Jessica Alba, and Eva Longoria, calls for greater “accountability, intentionality, and equity” across the entertainment industry. It was first reported by Deadline.

In the letter, the group asks casting directors, studio executives, producers, and writers to include more Latino voices at every stage of development. They also want more Latino actors to be invited to auditions and offered leading roles that move beyond stereotypes.

“We write to you with urgency,” the letter states, emphasizing that Hollywood has the power to shape how communities are seen and understood. The signers argue that this power comes with responsibility, especially during times of cultural and political tension.

The letter was released one day after actress Odessa A’zion exited A24’s upcoming film Deep Cuts following backlash over her casting. A’zion had been set to play Zoe Gutierrez, a character described as half-Mexican and half-Jewish, in the film directed by Sean Durkin and adapted from Deep Cuts.

The letter referenced this situation as part of a larger pattern. While praising A’zion for stepping away from the role, the writers questioned how a non-Latina actor was cast to play a clearly Latina character in the first place. They said such decisions reflect an ongoing erasure of Latino people from stories that draw on their culture and identity.

At the same time, the letter stressed that the issue is not about blaming one actor or one project. Instead, it points to a system that repeatedly overlooks Latino talent, even as Latino stories continue to inspire popular films and television shows.

The signers argued that underrepresentation and misrepresentation cause real harm. According to the letter, casting choices influence who is seen as deserving of complex stories and who is trusted to tell them with care and authenticity.

The group outlined several demands, including hiring more Latino actors for a wide range of roles, increasing the number of Latino executives and decision-makers, involving Latino creatives earlier in development, and creating mentorship and scholarship programs to expand access across the industry.

“Authentic representation means more than what appears on screen,” the letter said. “It requires Latino creators, consultants, writers, and performers to be involved from the very beginning.”

In addition to Leguizamo, Alba, and Longoria, the letter was signed by actors including Danny Ramirez, Xochitl Gomez, Gina Rodriguez, and Stephanie Beatriz.

A’zion later explained on Instagram that she originally auditioned for a different role in Deep Cuts and accepted the part of Zoe without fully understanding the character. After learning more, she said she felt stepping away was the right decision.

Deep Cuts follows the relationship between music critic Percy, played by Cailee Spaeny, and songwriter Joe, played by Drew Starkey. The film does not yet have a release date.

The letter ends with a clear warning to the industry: “The world is watching.”