Odessa A’zion Pulls Out of Sean Durkin’s ‘Deep Cuts’ Following Whitewashing Controversy: ‘I’m Out’

Odessa A’zion has pulled out of Sean Durkin’s upcoming film Deep Cuts after facing backlash over whitewashing concerns. The move has shifted the conversation around A24’s latest project and highlighted the ongoing debate about representation in Hollywood.

A’zion took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday evening to announce her decision. Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie, she wrote, later adding, F*** that. I’m out.

The controversy began after TheWrap reported that A’zion would play Zoe Gutierrez in the adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel. In the book, Zoe is described as half-Mexican and half-Jewish.

Fans quickly pointed out that casting a white actress for the role ignored the character’s cultural background. Many argued that the part could have been a big opportunity for Mexican actresses, naming performers like Melissa Barrera or Eiza Gonzalez as better fits.

A’zion explained that she originally auditioned for a different role, Percy, before being offered Zoe. 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, she admitted. And now that I know what I know??? F*** that! I’m out.

She thanked her fans for holding her accountable and made it clear that she did not want to take a role meant for someone else. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them, she said. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.

Deep Cuts is set in the 2000s and follows two music-obsessed students navigating ambition and adulthood. Despite A’zion’s exit, Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey remain attached, with Sean Durkin directing for A24.

A’zion has a busy year ahead. She recently starred in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme alongside Timothée Chalamet, earning several award nominations, including a nod for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at the upcoming SAG Awards. She also stars in the second season of HBO’s I Love LA as Tallulah Stiel and is set to appear in the Stranger Things spin-off Tales from ’85, which is expected to premiere later this year.

Filming for Deep Cuts was originally scheduled to start in February, and it is unclear if A’zion’s departure will cause delays while the studio recasts Zoe Gutierrez. The project is being produced by Eli Bush and Josh Safdie, and it aims for a 2027 release. With the role now open, casting for Zoe will likely become a major focus in the coming weeks.

Do you think Odessa A’zion made the right choice by stepping down, or should the responsibility for accurate casting rest solely with the directors and studio?

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