Odessa A'zion quits film amid whitewashing row

• Odessa A'zion exits A24 film "Deep Cut" amid whitewashing backlash.
• Actress cited lack of awareness of character's mixed heritage.
• Controversy highlights Hollywood representation issues.

Marty Supreme’s rising star Odessa A’zion has declared her withdrawal from Sean Durkin’s forthcoming A24 film Deep Cut in response to online criticism

regarding her casting. This has sparked a wider discussion about representation and whitewashing in Hollywood adaptations. The actress announced her decision on Instagram Stories on Wednesday night—just 48 hours after her casting was initially disclosed—following fan apprehensions that her role might lead to the erasure of a character’s ethnic identity as depicted in Holly Brickley’s 2023 novel. However, Odessa A’zion is not the first performer to exit a project due to concerns over whitewashing. She joins a small yet prominent group that has publicly distanced themselves from roles amid casting-representation backlash.

What Caused the Controversy Surrounding Odessa A'zion's Casting?

Odessa A’zion was slated to portray the character Zoe Gutirrez, who is described in Brickley’s novel as being of mixed Mexican and Jewish heritage. The casting announcement faced significant backlash from readers and online commentators who contended that selecting a white actress for the role undermined the character’s cultural specificity and underscored a persistent issue of whitewashing in Hollywood adaptations.
According to reports from various Western media outlets, unverified social media screenshots suggested that Brickley informed a fan via direct message that the character would “surely” be rewritten—“which happens all the time”—a comment that further fueled criticism, with netizens perceiving it as an instance of source material being compromised for mainstream casting.

A’zion Withdraws from Deep Cut

In light of the backlash, A’zion took to Instagram Stories to express that she was unaware of the character’s background when she accepted the role. “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. Forget that. I’m OUT,” she stated. The actress elaborated that she initially auditioned for the role of Percy but was later offered Zoe and accepted without having read the novel. Upon learning more about the character’s identity, she decided to reconsider her participation.

“I hadn’t read the book and should have been more attentive to all aspects of Zoe before accepting… and now that I know what I know???” she mentioned in her Instagram stories, emphasizing that she did not wish to take a role intended for someone with genuine cultural ties to the character.
“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 plenty of individuals more than capable of portraying this role, and I am NOT one of them,” she remarked.

Odessa A’zion is Not Alone

Nonetheless, A’zion is not the only actress to withdraw from a project following backlash over whitewashing. In 2017, British actor Ed Skrein stepped down from the Hellboy reboot after being cast as Major Ben Daimio, a character of mixed Asian descent in the comics. Following criticism, he publicly resigned so that the role could be authentically cast. Similarly, Scarlett Johansson withdrew from portraying a transgender man in the 2018 film Rub & Tug after facing backlash regarding cisgender actors taking on trans roles.
Conversely, Hollywood has witnessed numerous casting controversies, including those in Ghost in the Shell, Gods of Egypt, Aloha, and even Doctor Strange. However, most actors remained in their roles, and studios proceeded with the films despite the criticism.

What is Deep Cut About?

Deep Cut is a drama set in the 2000s that follows two music-obsessed young adults as they navigate ambition, identity, and adulthood. Cailee Spaeny has been cast as Percy, a music critic, while Drew Starkey portrays a songwriter and romantic interest. Sean Durkin, known for The Iron Claw and The Nest, is directing and producing alongside Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, and Josh Safdie. Blake Mills will be responsible for composing the original score.

Whitewashing in Adaptations

The controversy and subsequent departure of A’zion regarding Deep Cut highlights a longstanding debate in film and television adaptations, where studios often prioritize casting marketability over cultural authenticity. Critics argue that altering character identities or casting outside of character backgrounds perpetuates systemic underrepresentation.
With A’zion’s exit, the casting for Zoe Gutierrez is once again open, and attention will likely focus on whether the production will choose to cast a Latina and/or Jewish actress for the role.