Latino Representation in Hollywood: A Call for Change Following the "Deep Cuts" Controversy

The recent casting of Odessa A’zion as Zoe Gutierrez in A24’s film adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel "Deep Cuts" has sparked significant backlash and highlighted ongoing issues of Latino representation in Hollywood. A’zion, who is not Latina, withdrew from the role after realizing the character's identity as half-Mexican and half-Jewish, prompting over 100 Latino artists to sign an open letter demanding systemic changes in the industry.

Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria sign open letter over Odessa A’zion casting controversy

Latino representation in Hollywood has been persistently low. According to UCLA’s 2025 Hollywood Diversity Report, Latinos held only 1% of leading roles in the top 104 English-language films released in 2024, despite making up approximately 20% of the U.S. population. This lack of representation extends to television, where Latinos occupy just 6% of roles in major broadcast series. The letter from Latino creatives emphasizes that the absence of audition opportunities for Latina actresses and the choice to cast a non-Latina in a clearly Latina role reflect a broader pattern of erasure.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez sign open letter to Hollywood after ‘Deep Cuts’ fiascoEva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for “Accountability and Equity” Amid ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting BacklashJessica Alba and Eva Longoria sign open letter over Odessa A’zion casting controversyJohn Leguizamo, Eva Longoria and More Latino Creatives Call for ‘Accountability and Equity in Casting’ After Odessa A’zion ‘Deep Cuts’ ControversyEva Longoria, John Leguizamo Slam ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting as ‘Troubling Pattern’ in Open Letter Rallying for Latino Voices in Hollywood

The open letter, which includes signatories such as Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, and Xochitl Gomez, calls for accountability and intentionality in casting decisions. It states, “This is not about any one actor or project. It is about a system that repeatedly overlooks qualified Latino talent even as our identities, histories, and experiences fuel the most enduring stories.” The letter urges Hollywood to hire more Latino actors for diverse roles, increase Latino executives in decision-making positions, and involve Latino voices in the storytelling process from the outset.

John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria and More Latino Creatives Call for ‘Accountability and Equity in Casting’ After Odessa A’zion ‘Deep Cuts’ Controversy

Critics of the current Hollywood system argue that the casting of A’zion is indicative of a deeper issue. Xochitl Gomez remarked, “They thought it was OK to not even audition Latinas for the role in the first place,” highlighting the systemic nature of the problem. The letter also references historical instances of negative portrayals of Latinos in film, underscoring the need for change.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez sign open letter to Hollywood after ‘Deep Cuts’ fiasco

The letter outlines specific actions for industry leaders, including:

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for “Accountability and Equity” Amid ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting Backlash

• Auditioning and hiring more Latino actors for a diverse range of roles, including non-stereotypical leads.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo Slam ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting as ‘Troubling Pattern’ in Open Letter Rallying for Latino Voices in Hollywood

• Hiring Latino executives in greenlighting rooms.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for “Accountability and Equity” Amid ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting Backlash

• Including Latino voices as consultants, writers, and producers from the earliest stages of development.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for “Accountability and Equity” Amid ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting Backlash

• Creating mentorship and scholarship programs to expand access within the industry.

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo Slam ‘Deep Cuts’ Casting as ‘Troubling Pattern’ in Open Letter Rallying for Latino Voices in Hollywood

• “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,” — Open Letter Signatories

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez sign open letter to Hollywood after ‘Deep Cuts’ fiasco

• “Prejudice has existed in the United States for generations, but the image of our community created by film and television has done little to counter bigoted views, and too often has amplified them.” — Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez sign open letter to Hollywood after ‘Deep Cuts’ fiasco

• “We are tired,” — Open Letter Signatories

Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Xochitl Gomez sign open letter to Hollywood after ‘Deep Cuts’ fiasco

The controversy surrounding "Deep Cuts" serves as a critical reminder of the need for authentic representation in Hollywood, urging industry stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward inclusivity and equity.

John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria and More Latino Creatives Call for ‘Accountability and Equity in Casting’ After Odessa A’zion ‘Deep Cuts’ Controversy