Odessa A’zion speaks out after facing casting criticism over key role in ‘Deep Cuts’
After the casting news emerged, social media users criticised the decision, raising concerns about representation
Odessa A’zion has addressed online criticism surrounding A24’s upcoming adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel Deep Cuts, confirming that she will no longer take part in the project following backlash over her casting.
The film, directed by Sean Durkin, is set to star Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny and is based on Brickley’s 2023 coming-of-age romance about two music-obsessed college students whose lives and ambitions intertwine over a decade in the 2000s underground music scene.
A’zion had been cast as Zoe Gutierrez, a character described in the novel as half-Mexican and half-Jewish, with her cultural identity playing a central role in her sense of belonging.
After the casting news emerged, social media users criticised the decision, calling for a Latina actress to portray the character and raising concerns about representation. The discussion intensified as fans cited the book’s emphasis on lived experience and cultural specificity, arguing that those elements should be reflected on screen.
A’zion responded directly to the criticism in a public message on Instagram, stating, “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie.” She explained that she initially auditioned for a different role before being offered Zoe and accepted without having read the book.
Photo: Instagram
“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 wrote, adding, “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it.”
She continued by thanking fans for bringing the issue to her attention and said she believed there were “a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role” who should be given the opportunity. A’zion also noted that her initial focus had been on other characters in the script and that she did not fully understand Zoe’s background at the time she agree to do the part.
Photo: Instagram
Deep Cuts has been widely praised for grounding its characters in personal history and cultural context, making the casting decision a focal point in broader conversations about authenticity in literary adaptations.
