This week, actress Odessa A’zion made headlines for something other than landing a new role. This time, she made headlines for quitting her role in a new movie, but not just that—she quit her role loudly, honestly, and on her own terms. Just days after it was announced that she would be starring in an upcoming A24 film titled Deep Cuts, she went on her Instagram account to say that she would no longer be a part of that project because of backlash from the fanbase of the original book upon which it is based.
The reason for her quitting her role in this upcoming film was her character, Zoe Gutierrez, who is half Mexican and half Jewish, yet she herself is neither. This was further complicated by communications from the author of the original work that indicated that this character could possibly be rewritten. Odessa didn’t take this backlash lightly; she listened to it.
After online backlash, Odessa A’zion steps away from Deep Cuts
“Guys!! I am with ALL of you, and I am NOT doing this movie,” she wrote, with no qualms or guilt whatsoever. She also apologized to the fanbase for her character and for not even reading the book before signing on to play her character. “F— that. I’m OUT.”
According to A’zion, she auditioned for a different character but landed a role as Zoe instead. She immediately agreed to take up the role. However, after being made aware of the book’s details by the fans, she changed her mind and backed out. “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. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.” A’zion wrote.
The reaction has been well-received by the online community. It is always challenging to find an actor who reacts to a casting controversy in the entertainment industry. A’zion’s reaction was unique and refreshing. Instead of blaming the studios, author, or audience, A’zion took the high road by saying sorry. Deep Cuts, a film by Sean Durkin, is still scheduled to go into production. The film will feature Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey in a story about the 2000s and adulthood. The film will go into production in February, but the role of Zoe Gutierrez will be recast.
To the audience, the casting controversy was not about casting but about accountability. A’zion’s reaction gave a new perspective to the casting controversy.
