Actress, Odessa A’zion has recently been a victim of hate train due to her role in the upcoming A24 film, Deep Cuts. She was cast as ‘Zoe Gutierrez’, a character described in Holly Brickley’s source novel as Mexican and Jewish. Critics and fans argued that the role should go to a Latina actress and accused the production of whitewashing the character. High-profile figures like Melissa Barrera also spoke out, stressing that Latino actors should play Latino roles.
Within 48 hours of the casting announcement and backlash, Odessa announced her departure from the movie through Instagram Stories. She stated she “hadn’t read the book” and had only read the script, which focused more on other leads. She clarified that she had originally auditioned for the role of ‘Percy’ but was offered ‘Zoe’ instead, and after learning more about ‘Zoe’, she decided not to play the character. Amid the online scrutiny, curiosity has been sparked regarding the actress’ relationship status. Here’s everything we know about her alleged boyfriend.
Who is Odessa A’zion’s rumoured boyfriend, Drew Starkey?
Drew Starkey is a 33-year-old American actor best known for his breakout role as the volatile ‘Rafe Cameron’ in Netflix’s Outer Banks. He has been part of the series since its 2020 debut and is currently filming its fifth and final season. In 2024, Drew received critical acclaim for his performance as ‘Eugene Allerton’ in Luca Guadagnino’s movie, Queer, starring opposite Daniel Craig. He has a background in the field, having graduated from Western Carolina University in 2016 with a double major in English and Theatre Performance.
Besides acting, Drew also forayed into the fashion world. He was named a Dior brand ambassador in January 2026, following his close collaboration with designer Jonathan Anderson. Drew Starkey’s rise in popularity has earned him the title of a Hollywood heartthrob and internet boyfriend. He is currently widely rumoured to be dating 25-year-old actress, Odessa A’zion, his former co-star from the 2022 Hellraiser reboot.
When did Odessa A’zion and Drew Starkey first meet?
Odessa A’zion and Drew Starkey first met in the fall of 2021 on the set of the supernatural film, Hellraiser. In the movie, they played the on-screen couple, ‘Riley’ and ‘Trevor’. Since their initial meeting, the pair has frequently been seen together, fueling ongoing romance rumours. Their reel chemistry led fans to want them to date in real life, and any public interaction by the duo sparks chatter about their alleged relationship.
Why do fans think Odessa A’zion and Drew Starkey are dating?
Dating rumours between Odessa A’zion and Drew Starkey officially began in November 2022, following the premiere of their film, Hellraiser. The speculation began in November 2022, when she posted a “very sweet” birthday tribute for him on Instagram, referring to him as ‘Joseph’ (his middle name) and including inside jokes about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In January 2024, the rumours gained significant traction when a British Vogue profile of Drew Starkey briefly mentioned “his relationship with Odessa A’zion,” though it did not explicitly define the connection as romantic.
Additionally, in 2024–2025, the actors have been frequently spotted together at high-profile events. In early 2025, they attended W Magazine’s Best Performances party and Vanity Fair Oscar Afterparty. Drew Starkey was recently seen supporting Odessa at the Hollywood Reporter’s Nominees Night, where he was spotted taking photos of her on the red carpet. Despite years of fan speculation and numerous public outings, neither actor has officially confirmed they are in a relationship.
What are your thoughts on Odessa A’zion’s rumoured relationship with Drew Starkey? Let us know.
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