Odessa A'zion Exits Deep Cuts Adaptation After Casting Backlash: ‘F--- That. I’m Out’

Odessa A'zion is dropping out of a film project just two days after her involvement was announced, citing a casting controversy that took over social media.

via: People

The Marty Supreme actress, 25, announced the news that she was leaving the project — titled Deep Cuts just a few weeks before it was set to start filming in February — on her Instagram Stories following public outrage that she was cast in a role as a character of Mexican heritage and Jewish.

A'zion — who is Jewish, but not Mexican — wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, Jan. 28, “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F--- that. I’m OUT.” 

A'zion’s comments came following backlash online after a user on X shared a screenshot of an alleged exchange between a fan and Deep Cuts author Holly Brickley. (The film is an adaptation of the 2025 book.) The fan asked if Zoe will remain Latina or be “rewritten” due to A'zion’s casting, and the author responded that “surely it will be rewritten,” which “happens all the time.”

This prompted several fans to share their criticism of the casting on social media, including one fan who wrote on X, “Zoe is supposed to be a poc mexican... very disappointed with the cast, especially since it's mentioned several times in the book.” Another person chimed in, “How about casting an actual Latina for the role of Zoe Gutierrez?!?!!”

In response, A'zion, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, wrote on her Instagram Stories: “THANK YOU guys for bringing this to my attention. I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! This is why I love you guys. I’m so sorry that this happened.” 

“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…and now that I know what I know???”

“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,” A’zion concluded her statement. “I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.”

The I Love LA actress also noted that she had been “so busy with other work” and had been trying to "carve out time to read” the book. She added that she wished that she “found that time sooner” and “clocked her name,” and now that she was informed, she said she “can not do it knowing more about Zoe now.”

A’zion was set to play Zoe Gutierrez, the best friend of music critic Percy Marks (played by Cailee Spaeny) in the Deep Cuts movie. The storyline follows two music obsessed people, Percy and Joe (played by Drew Starkey) who create a partnership and romance set in the 2000s.

Austin Butler and Saoirse Ronan were initially tapped to play the main roles, but both dropped out due to scheduling issues, per Variety.

The A24 film will be directed by Sean Durkin. He will also produce the film alongside Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Marty Supreme director, Oscar nominee Josh Safdie. Brickley is an executive producer, per the outlet.

PEOPLE was unable to reach A24 Films for comment.