Marty Supreme’ Star Odessa A’zion Quits New Film Deep Cuts After Casting Backlash Over Heritage Role.
Actress Odessa A’zion, best known for her breakout role in Marty Supreme and roles in I Love LA, has confirmed she is withdrawing from the A24 film Deep Cuts after intense backlash over her casting in the production.
A’zion, 25, announced her decision on social media this week, writing that she would no longer be taking part in the project amid widespread criticism regarding her portrayal of a character originally described in Deep Cuts — adapted from Holly Brickley’s 2025 novel — as having both Mexican and Jewish heritage.
Although A’zion is Jewish, she does not have Mexican ancestry, and the casting choice drew immediate backlash on social platforms, with many fans and readers arguing that a Latina actress should have been cast in the role of Zoe Gutierrez to reflect the character’s cultural background. Critics described the situation as another example of Hollywood “whitewashing” and a missed opportunity for authentic representation.
In her Instagram statement, A’zion said she accepted the role without fully understanding the character’s background, admitting she had not read the source novel before agreeing to join the cast. She wrote that once she became aware of the concerns, she listened to fans and decided to step away to make room for someone more suited to the role. “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it,” she said, adding that there were “a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role.”
The announcement came just weeks before Deep Cuts was scheduled to begin filming, with the movie set to be directed by Sean Durkin and produced by A24. The adaptation was expected to explore relationships and personal growth in the early 2000s, with Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey also attached to the cast.
A’zion’s public withdrawal has reignited ongoing discussions in the entertainment industry around casting practices and cultural representation, particularly in adaptations of literary works where characters’ identities are an important part of the narrative. Some commentators noted that her decision to step aside could open opportunities for more inclusive casting processes in future projects.
While Deep Cuts continues development without A’zion’s involvement, the broader conversation around representation in Hollywood remains prominent, as fans and industry observers alike watch how studios respond to public concern over authenticity and diversity in casting.
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