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Odessa A’zion Exits Film Project Amid Whitewashing Controversy
Actress Odessa A’zion has announced her departure from the upcoming film adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel, “Deep Cuts,” just two days after her involvement was made public. The “Marty Supreme” star cited a significant social media backlash regarding “whitewashing” as the reason for her decision.
A’zion, 25, took to her Instagram stories on January 28th to inform fans she would no longer be starring in the A24 production. She had been cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a character described in the book as being of Jewish and Mexican heritage. Fans on social media quickly argued that an actress of Mexican descent should have been cast for the role.
“Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie,” A’zion wrote in a series of statements, expressing gratitude to fans for “bringing this to my attention” and admitting she “hadn’t read the book” prior to accepting the part.
The Wrap initially reported on January 26th that A’zion would join the cast of “Deep Cuts,” a film described as a love story exploring themes of talent, obsession, belonging, and the fundamental human need to be heard. However, the casting of A’zion as Zoe Gutierrez quickly ignited criticism.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “A white woman playing a mexican character no thank you.” An X account dedicated to A’zion also stated, “we do not agree with the decision to cast a white, non-Mexican actress as a character who was originally written as a Mexican woman of color.”
On Instagram, A’zion concurred with fans’ dissatisfaction, stating, “I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU.” She also revealed that her initial audition was for the role of Percy, a character reportedly set to be played by Cailee Spaeny.
“I’m so so sorry that this happened,” she continued. “It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down: I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! I’m so pissed y’all, I hadn’t read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting.”
A’zion emphasized her commitment to authentic representation, adding, “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it!
That’s not me. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them.
I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.”
Sean Durkin is slated to write and direct the “Deep Cuts” adaptation, with Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey reportedly in lead roles. “Marty Supreme” director Josh Safdie is producing the film.
A’zion, whose mother is actress Pamela Adlon, is coming off a successful year, having starred opposite Timothée Chalamet in “Marty Supreme,” a performance that garnered her a best supporting actress nomination at the Actor Awards. She also appeared alongside Rachel Sennott in the HBO series “I Love LA.”