Odessa A’zion, who was cast in Sean Durkin and A24’s adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel, Deep Cuts, has announced her departure from the film. Her exit follows backlash over her casting in the movie.
Before her exit, the Marty Supreme star was expected to star opposite Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey. The actress, who has German and American roots, was reportedly set to play Zoe Gutierrez, a Jewish woman of Mexican descent.
Odessa A’zion exits Sean Durkin’s A24 adaptation of Deep Cuts
Odessa A’zion revealed on her Instagram Stories that she decided to depart Deep Cuts. She also thanked fans for bringing it to her attention that she was miscast as Zoe. “Guys!! I am with ALL of you, and I am NOT doing this movie,” she wrote in her stories. “F— that. I’m OUT. Lemme make myself clear…”
The BAFTA nominee continued, “Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention. I’m so sorry that this happened. 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 attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting…and now that I know what I know? F— that. I’m out!”
“I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me,” she further stated. “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 then explained that she accepted the part as she loved the story and was excited to work with the other actors in the film. She also said that she was trying to find a time to re-read the novel amidst her busy schedule. The Until Dawn actress expressed regret at not finding the time “sooner” and “clocking [the character’s] name.”
In Holly Brickley’s novel, Gutierrez is the close friend of music critic Percy, who will be essayed by Alien: Romulus star Cailee Spaeny. She is also the ex-girlfriend of Percy’s love interest Joe, who will be portrayed by Outer Banks alum Drew Starkey.