More than a hundred Latin actors, performers, and creators have sent an open letter to Hollywood studios and executives to demand greater equity, responsibility, and visibility in the film and television industry. The initiative seeks for Latin voices to have a more active role from project development to casting, and not be limited to appearing only in stereotypical or supporting roles.
The statement, signed by Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Eiza González, Becky G, Jessica Alba and other relevant names in the sector, arises in part The controversy arose when Odessa A’zion, known for Marty Supreme, was chosen to play Zoe Gutiérrez in A24’s adaptation of Deep Cuts, a character described in the novel as of Mexican and Jewish descent. After learning about Zoe’s background, Odessa decided to leave the project, stating on Instagram that she would never accept a role that someone more suitable should play: “There are so many more people capable of playing this role and I am not one of them.” The situation generated criticism for whitewashing, by choosing a white actress for a historically non-white character. Although the actress resigned from the role, the signatories believe that the event highlights an underlying problem: the persistent invisibility of Latino talent and the absence of auditions for Latino actors in relevant projects.
In their letter, the artists denounce that this problem is not isolated, but systemic, and they demand concrete measures such as holding inclusive auditions for a wide range of roles, hiring Latino executives on creative decision-making committees, and including Latino creators in all phases of production and writing to ensure an authentic and representative narrative. They emphasize that representation on screen has real social and cultural impact, influencing how Latino communities are perceived inside and outside the United States.
The movement has resonated widely in the sector and has revived the debate about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, where, despite the Latino population representing a significant part of the audience, their presence in leading roles and behind the cameras remains notably low