Odessa A’zion Quits After Succumbing To Casting Backlash

Odessa A’zion wants fans to know that she never tried to whitewash a character meant for a Mexican actress.

The rising “Marty Supreme” actress became the internet’s latest victim following the announcement of her participation in the upcoming movie, “Deep Cuts.”

Many were outraged by the news because Odessa A’zion was set to play Zoe Gutierrez, a character described in the book inspired by the movie as half Mexican and half Jewish. 

A’zion addressed her participation in A24’s adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel, revealing that she had turned down the role after receiving fans’ criticism. She broke the news on her Instagram Story on the night of January 28.

The TV personality shared multiple posts on the subject, stressing that she would never disagree with fans. “Guys!! I am with ALL of you, and I am NOT doing this movie,” A’zion began. “F-ck that. I’m OUT,” she wrote in another post before sharing her side of the story.

According to A’zion, she had little information about the character she was asked to play and was grateful to fans for bringing the details to her attention. “I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes!” she claimed, noting she never read the book.

A’zion accepted responsibility for failing to conduct proper research into the role before accepting, and assured fans that it was never her intention to whitewash a Mexican character. “I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! That’s not me,” she explained.

She added that there were more talented people who matched the character’s description who should take the role, and she couldn’t wait to see who earned the spot. A’zion doubled down on having no knowledge about Zoe Gutierrez’s ethnicity, adding:

“I was just down to be a part of it, and so excited to work with this group of people! But f-ck thattttttt y’all never again!”

A’zion signed off her message by thanking fans once more for bringing the character’s ethnicity to her attention. She noted that the script she received focused only on the main characters, Percy and Joe, so she had little to no information about her supporting role beyond the character’s name.

The entertainer’s words came hours after the internet ripped her apart following her casting announcement. Many aired their displeasure on X, accusing A’zion of nepotism and attempting to whitewash a Mexican character. “Why is Odessa playing the role of a Mexican when she’s not Latina???” someone wondered.

“Giving a Latino character to a race-fishing white Jewish chick. The author is the worst for endorsing this sh-t,” another declared. “Another nepotism hire. Odessa A’zion gets yet another role because daddy’s famous, while actual talented actors starve,” a fellow critic added.

The Wrap reported that A’zion joined the case of A24’s latest production, the movie adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel “Deep Cuts.” The story revolves around two music-obsessed twenty-somethings navigating the challenges of life, their career, and adulthood.

The movie is set in the 2000s, with stars like “Beef” actress Cailee Spaeny and “Queer” star Drew Starkey joining the cast. Sean Durkin is writing and directing, while Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Blake Mills will create the movie’s original music.

Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, and Josh Safdie will produce the movie adaptation through their Central Pictures banner alongside Durkin, Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis, and A24. The novel’s author, Brickley, is reportedly the movie’s executive producer.

A’zion faced allegations of nepotism in the A24 production because of her famous family. She was born in June 2000 to German director Felix Adlon and Hollywood sensation Pamela Adlon. Both of her grandfathers made waves as filmmakers and producers.

According to YNetNews, A’zion has always wanted to follow in her family’s footsteps since a young age, but her parents did not want her to enter the industry until she was 16. She allegedly ran away from home at 15 and crashed on friends’ couches until she found an agent.

After failing to land any roles after a year of nonstop auditions, A’zion returned home. She eventually landed her first significant role on the “Nashville” series, playing a defiant teenage character named Liv.

A’zion went on to star in Netflix’s teen drama “Grand Army,” the horror film “Hellraiser,” and her big break, 2025’s “Marty Supreme.”