Odessa A’zion Steps Away From A24’s ‘Deep Cuts’ After Casting Criticism

Odessa A’zion has announced she is stepping away from Sean Durkin’s upcoming movie Deep Cuts following backlash over her casting.

The Marty Supreme star shared the news on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday night, telling fans she would no longer take part in the project. “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie,” she wrote, adding, “F–k that. I’m out.”

The controversy began after A’zion was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in the A24 film. In Holly Brickley’s novel Deep Cuts, which is being adapted for the screen, the character is written as half-Mexican and half-Jewish. Fans online argued that A’zion, who is white, was not appropriate for the role.

Several social media users criticized the casting choice and suggested Mexican actresses should have been considered instead. Even a fan account dedicated to A’zion publicly disagreed with the decision and paused its activity in protest.

After her initial post, A’zion shared a longer message explaining what happened. She thanked fans for speaking up and said she agreed with the criticism. According to A’zion, she originally auditioned for a different character named Percy but was later offered the role of Zoe.

She admitted she had not read the book before accepting the part and said she should have paid closer attention to the character’s background. “Now that I know what I know, I’m out,” she wrote. “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it.”

Deep Cuts is set in the 2000s and follows two music-loving young adults as they navigate ambition, identity and adulthood over a defining decade. A’zion was set to star alongside Cailee Spaeny.

The film is produced by Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie through Central Pictures, with Sean Durkin also producing alongside Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis and A24. Holly Brickley is serving as an executive producer.

Production was scheduled to begin in February. It is not yet clear whether A’zion’s exit will affect the film’s timeline.