Overview
- A’zion announced on Instagram that she quit the film roughly 48 hours after trade reports revealed her casting as Zoe Gutierrez.
- The book describes Zoe as half Mexican and half Jewish, prompting accusations of whitewashing because A’zion does not have Mexican heritage.
- A’zion said she auditioned for Percy, accepted Zoe without reading the novel, and thanked fans for flagging the character’s background before she withdrew.
- More than 100 Latino actors and creatives signed a public letter calling for accountability in casting, earlier inclusion of Latino voices in development and greenlight rooms, and investment in talent pipelines.
- Sean Durkin is writing and directing the A24 adaptation with Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey in the lead roles, and industry outlets report the production is expected to recast Zoe ahead of filming.