Why is Odessa A’zion pulling out of the movie Deep Cuts? Whitewashing controversy explained

Marty Supreme breakout star Odessa A’zion has only just been cast in romantic comedy Deep Cuts, but now the actress is very publicly pulling out of the project.

2025 was a big year for Odessa A’zion, thanks to Marty Supreme hitting screens and earning her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the forthcoming Academy Awards.

She also received rave reviews for her work opposite Rachel Sennott in the HBO comedy I Love LA.

Next up she was due to be appearing in an adaptation of hit novel Deep Cuts, but A’zion has taken to Instagram to explain why she is out.

Why is Odessa A’zion pulling out of Deep Cuts?

A24

Odessa A’Zion in Marty Supreme

Odessa A’zion was due to play supporting character Zoe, but departed the project over whitewashing fears when she discovered that Zoe is Jewish and has Mexican heritage.

Taking to Instagram stories, A’zion wrote: “Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F*ck that. I’m OUT.

“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???”

She added: “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 by saying, “I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.”

The Iron Claw director Sean Durkin is directing Deep Cuts from a script that he wrote, with Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny starring, and the film due to shoot this year.

What is Deep Cuts?

HarperCollins

Written by Holly Brickly and first published in 2025, Deep Cuts is a romantic drama about love, music, and the price of fame and success.

Here’s how publisher HarperCollins describes the novel via official synopsis: “The first time Joe plays Percy one of his songs in his college room in 2000, she instantly realises three things: One, she is watching a star in the making. Two, she can shape his music into something extraordinary. Three, she will always be on the sidelines.

“She swallows her jealousy and throws herself into collaboration, transforming Joe’s songs into indie hits with her blistering critiques. But there’s an undercurrent to the music they’re making – something undeniably electric, hurtling towards love. And then, almost inevitably, towards heartbreak.

“As Joe steps into the spotlight, can Percy bear to watch on in silence? And can he exist there without her?”

For more upcoming movies, here’s our 2026 release calendar, while these are the new TV shows to look out for this month.