More than 100 Latino actors, writers, and artists demand accountability and equity in film and television storytelling.
More than one hundred Latino performers, artists, and writers, including John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria, Becky G, and Jessica Alba, signed an open letter addressed to Hollywood denouncing the persistent invisibility of Latino professionals within the film and television industry. The statement comes after the controversy surrounding the casting of Odessa A’zion, a non-Latina actress, as a half-Mexican character in Deep Cuts, the upcoming film by Sean Durkin (The Iron Clan).
“The recent casting decisions surrounding Zoe Gutierrez’s character in A24’s Deep Cuts have exposed a troubling pattern. We acknowledge and applaud Odessa A’zion for listening, reflecting, and deciding to leave the project and become an ally. However, how could this have happened?” the statement asks. While appreciating A’zion’s decision to disassociate herself from the film, it positions the casting as symptomatic of a structural problem and questions the process that made it possible.
“The lack of audition opportunities for Latina actresses and the decision to replace a clearly Latina character with a non-Latina actress point to a broader and ongoing erosion of our community in the stories that define our culture,” the message continues, explaining that “this isn’t about a single actress or a single project, but about a system that, time and again, overlooks qualified Latino talent, even when our identities, histories, and experiences fuel the most enduring narratives.”
The letter, also signed by Danny Ramirez and Xochitl Gomez, emphasizes that representation is not a minor detail and that casting choices have consequences both on and off screen. “Latino communities are already underrepresented and misrepresented in ways that distort reality and harm real people,” it states, which is why they argue that “casting decisions carry real weight because they influence who is considered worthy of telling authentic stories and who can tell them with care, nuance, and authority.”
“Authentic representation means more than choosing an actor who looks like the character; it means involving the communities portrayed not only in front of the camera, but also in the decisions that shape these stories from their inception,” the document asserts, adding that “our stories deserve to be built with the input, guidance, and leadership of Latino creators, consultants, writers, and actors at every stage.”
Along these lines, the statement announces that “we are demanding accountability, intentionality, and equity in casting and storytelling.” Presented under the title “An Open Letter to Hollywood from Latino Actors, Artists, and Storytellers,” the text outlines concrete measures aimed at casting directors, executives, screenwriters, producers, and Hollywood leaders with the goal of expanding the presence of Latino professionals.
“Hold and hire more Latino actors for a diverse range of roles, including leading roles that break stereotypes; hire Latino executives on the committees that greenlight projects; incorporate Latino voices as consultants, screenwriters, and producers from the earliest stages of development; and create and support opportunities that expand access at all levels of the ecosystem,” the letter urges.
Regarding the controversy sparked by the casting of Odessa A’zion as Zoe Gutierrez in Deep Cuts, the Marty Supreme actress confirmed her voluntary departure from the film on Instagram, stating that she left after gaining a better understanding of the character’s background. “I stand with all of you and I’m not doing this movie. Screw it, I’m out,” the actress wrote, thanking everyone for pointing out the controversy, apologizing, and explaining that she auditioned for a different role but ended up accepting the part of Zoe without having read the novel or carefully reviewed all the details of the character. “I wouldn’t take a role away from someone who’s meant for it,” she added.
