Overview
- Ariela Barer, who is Mexican American and Jewish, will play Zoe Gutierrez in Sean Durkin’s adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel.
- Odessa A’Zion left the role after learning via public feedback that Zoe is written as half Mexican and half Jewish.
- A’Zion said she originally auditioned for Percy, accepted Zoe without reading the book, and chose to step away once informed of the character’s background.
- Barer and A’Zion exchanged supportive posts on Instagram, with Barer praising A’Zion’s decision to step down.
- More than 100 Latino creatives signed an open letter urging greater authenticity in casting, as the film readies to begin production with Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey in the lead roles.