Odessa A’zion Quits Sean Durkin’s ‘Deep Cuts’ Amid Whitewashing Backlash: ‘I’m Out’
In a move that has quickly shifted the conversation around A24’s latest production, actress Odessa A’zion has officially stepped down from Sean Durkin’s upcoming film “Deep Cuts.” The decision follows a wave of public criticism regarding the casting of a white actress for a role explicitly written as a woman of color in the source material.
A’zion issued a swift and direct update on her Instagram Stories Wednesday evening, addressing the “whitewashing” concerns head-on. Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie, she wrote to her followers. She followed up with a blunt dismissal of her involvement, adding, F–k that. I’m out.
The backlash began shortly after TheWrap reported that A’zion would join the adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel. In the book, the character of Zoe Gutierrez is described as being of half-Mexican and half-Jewish heritage. Fans quickly pointed out the disparity between the character’s background and the casting of A’zion, who is the daughter of actress Pamela Adlon.
Critics on social media argued that the role presented a significant opportunity for Mexican actresses to see themselves represented in a major indie production. One fan noted that performers like Melissa Barrera or Eiza Gonzalez would have been more appropriate choices for a character with Zoe’s specific cultural roots.
A’zion later explained that she had originally auditioned for the role of Percy before being offered the part of 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 confessed in a longer message. And now that I know what I know??? F*** that! I’m out.
The actress thanked her fans for holding her accountable, emphasizing that she would never want to take a role intended for someone else. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them, she added. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.
“Deep Cuts” is described as a 2000s-set love story centered on two music-obsessed students navigating ambition and adulthood. The film is still set to star Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey, with Sean Durkin directing for A24.
Despite this exit, A’zion remains one of the busiest rising stars of 2026. She is currently riding high on the success of Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” where she stars alongside Timothée Chalamet. The film has earned her several award nominations this season, including a nod for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at the upcoming SAG Awards.
In addition to her film work, A’zion is currently starring as Tallulah Stiel in the second season of the hit HBO series “I Love LA,” created by Rachel Sennott. She is also slated to appear in the “Stranger Things” spin-off “Tales from ’85,” which is expected to premiere later this year.
The “Deep Cuts” production was originally scheduled to begin filming in February. It remains to be seen if A’zion’s departure will cause a delay as the studio searches for a new actress to fill the role of Zoe Gutierrez.
The film is being produced by a heavy-hitting team that includes Eli Bush and Josh Safdie. With “Deep Cuts” aiming for a 2027 release, the recasting of this pivotal role will likely be a major focus for the production in the coming weeks.
Do you think Odessa A’zion made the right call by stepping down immediately, or should the responsibility of accurate casting fall solely on the directors and studios? Please share your thoughts in the comments.