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Ariela Barer Replaces Odessa A'zion in A24's 'Deep Cuts' After Casting Backlash

Ariela Barer has joined the cast of A24's 'Deep Cuts', taking over the role of Zoe Gutierrez from Odessa A'zion. The recasting follows significant backlash, as the character is described in the source novel as half-Mexican and half-Jewish, while A'zion is not Latina. A'zion announced she was leaving the project after fans highlighted the character's background, admitting she should have researched more before accepting. The controversy prompted an open letter from over 100 Latino artists, including Eva Longoria, criticizing the industry's erasure of Latino talent.

Key Points: Ariela Barer Cast in 'Deep Cuts' After Representation Backlash

  • Ariela Barer replaces Odessa A'zion
  • Backlash over character's ethnicity
  • Open letter signed by 100+ Latino artists
  • A'zion stepped away after fan feedback
  • Film is an adaptation of Holly Brickley's novel
3 min read

Ariela Barer replaces Odessa A'zion in 'Deep Cuts' after casting backlash

Ariela Barer replaces Odessa A'zion in A24's 'Deep Cuts' following criticism over the casting of a non-Latina actress for a Latina/Jewish character.

"The absence of Latina audition opportunities... signals a broader, ongoing erasure of our community - Open Letter"

Los Angeles, February 11

Actor Ariela Barer has joined A24's upcoming film 'Deep Cuts', replacing Odessa A'zion after backlash over the original casting sparked conversations about representation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Barer, known for 'The Last of Us', will portray Zoe Gutierrez, a central character in Holly Brickley's 2023 novel on which the film is based. In the book, Zoe is described as half Mexican and half Jewish, leading to criticism when A'zion was initially cast in the role.

Barer confirmed the news on her Instagram Stories, writing, "SO excited to be a part of this special project with such special people." She also expressed support for A'zion, adding, "A genuine major shoutout to @odessaazion for always leading with integrity and being an absolute real one for as long as I've known her," as per the outlet.

A'zion announced in late January that she was stepping away from the project after learning more about the character's background. "Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie... I'm OUT," she wrote on Instagram.

She later explained that she had originally auditioned for the role of music critic Percy, which will be played by Cailee Spaeny opposite Drew Starkey, but was instead offered Zoe. "I hadn't read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting," she wrote, thanking fans for bringing the issue to her attention, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Following the controversy, more than 100 Latino actors, artists and storytellers signed an open letter calling for greater inclusion and opportunities for Latino talent in Hollywood. Among the signees were Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and Xochitl Gomez.

"Recent casting decisions around the character Zoe Gutierrez in A24's 'Deep Cuts' have exposed a troubling pattern," the letter stated in part. "The absence of Latina audition opportunities, and the choice to replace a clearly Latina character with a non-Latina actress, signals a broader, ongoing erasure of our community from the stories that define our culture."

Deep Cuts, set in the 2000s, is described as a love story following two music-obsessed twenty-somethings navigating ambition, belonging and adulthood over a transformative decade.

The film is written, directed and produced by Sean Durkin. Producers also include Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis and A24. Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Blake Mills will compose the original music for the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting to see Hollywood finally having these conversations. In Bollywood, we've had non-Kashmiri actors playing Kashmiri roles, non-Punjabi actors playing Punjabi roles for ages. Maybe our industry should also pay more attention. 🤔
A
Aman W
While I support authentic casting, the whole situation feels a bit performative. The studio should have done their homework before the initial casting. Putting the onus on the actor who "didn't read the book" seems unfair. The system failed first.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves cinema from around the world, I appreciate when stories are told by those who have lived them. The open letter from the Latino community is powerful. Representation isn't just a checkbox; it's about dignity and opportunity.
K
Karthik V
Good move by A24 to correct course. In our Indian context, think of a Tamil character being played by a Hindi actor without the nuance – it just doesn't work. Hope this sets a precedent for more thoughtful casting globally. 👍
N
Nisha Z
Respect to both actresses for handling this with such class. No drama, just understanding and support. That's rare! More focus should be on creating original stories for diverse actors rather than recasting existing ones, though.

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