Odessa A’zion has all the makings of a future superstar. From her early roles in Hellraiser, Grand Army, and Ghosts to her striking presence on social media, the 25-year-old has built a name for herself beyond being named the daughter of actress Pamela Adlon. And after her powerful performance as Rachel Mizler in Marty Supreme, A’zion has slowly begun to step into bigger projects, including A24’s upcoming Deep Cuts adaptation.

However, after a casting backlash for the movie, A’zion penned a lengthy message on Instagram announcing that she would be stepping away from the role.

Just a few days ago, it was announced that Odessa A’zion would be joining the cast of Sean Durkin’s A24 adaptation of Deep Cuts. But it quickly turned into controversy, as the casting sparked massive backlash on social media as fan called her out about the whitewashing of the adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel, published in 2023. And A’zion responded swiftly, taking to a streak of Instagram stories with a note in which she admitted she had not read the book or fully understood the character before accepting the role. She apologized and confirmed that she would be stepping away from the project.

“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,” she wrote on her Instagram stories.

 She ended her message by expressing support for the actress who will eventually take on the role. Now, the criticism was around the character of Zoe Gutierrez, who is described in Holly Brickley’s 2025 novel as being of Mexican heritage and Jewish. A’zion explained in the Instagram stories that she had originally auditioned for the role of Percy but was later offered Zoe, which she accepted without knowing all the details.

A24 has yet to release an official statement, and no further casting updates have been shared. As for A’zion, she is likely to turn her focus toward new opportunities, especially after the strong attention her performance in Marty Supreme has brought her.  

Who Is Ted Williams? The Once Homeless Man to ‘Marty Supreme’ Star Alongside Timothee Chalamet

Marty Supreme has brought her not one, but also has several nominations, that highlight the potential she carries.

Odessa A’zion’s unique approach to her craft is what sets the actress apart. Her ingenious decision to record a self-tape audition in an old phone booth impressed the casting director, and she landed a role in Marty Supreme. And she showed the same brilliance in her performance that earned her an Actors Award nomination (previously SAG) in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role category. 

 Moreover, the movie has also received nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, and more. So, it is safe to say that this is a huge moment in her career and clearly only the beginning of what appears to be a bright future, despite her stepping back from Deep Cuts.

When Does 'Sinners' Take Place? A Timeline Breakdown Of the Oscars History-Making Blockbuster

What do you think about A’zion’s decision to step away from A24 adaptation of Deep Cuts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.