After ‘Deep Cuts’ initially cast Odessa A’zion as Zoe Gutierrez, a character written as half-Mexican and half-Jewish in Holly Brickley’s novel, fans pushed back and raised ongoing concerns about Latino representation in Hollywood. Amid the backlash, A’zion exited the project. Mexican Jewish actress Ariela Barer has now been cast in the role. “SO excited to be part of this special project with such special people,” #arielabarer wrote on her IG stories. In a follow-up message, she said: “And 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.”