Kaylee Hottle, the American actress known for portraying Jia in the ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ franchise, died following a vehicle crash in Frederick, Maryland, on July 21, 2026. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said the collision occurred at about 2 a.m. Eastern Time and involved two occupants. Hottle was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed her death.
Hottle was known internationally for playing Jia, a deaf girl who communicates with Kong through sign language, in ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (2021) and its 2024 sequel, ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’. In the first film, Jia shares the story with Rebecca Hall’s Dr. Ilene Andrews. Hottle also appeared in a 2021 episode of ‘Magnum P.I.’
Her performance made a strong impression on colleagues. Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, who starred alongside Hottle in the first film, said in an interview with Junkee that he and Rebecca Hall learned American Sign Language to interact with her off camera. Skarsgård described Hottle as composed and quick to adapt to director Adam Wingard’s guidance during her first film experience.
In March 2024, Hottle spoke to Deadline about her hopes for Jia’s future, saying the character could play a more impressive role in supporting her EWI tribe. She highlighted Jia’s potential and skills, and suggested her story might become more central in future installments. ‘Godzilla x Kong: Supernova’ is scheduled for release in 2027. The film is set to feature Sam Neill, known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the original ‘Jurassic Park’ films.
Beyond her work in the monster franchise, Hottle competed with the Texas School for the Deaf’s track and field team while completing her final year. The school announced her death on social media.
Hottle’s work brought a deaf character into a major studio franchise and contributed to wider visibility for deaf performers in mainstream film. Jia’s communication with Kong through sign language was basic to the character’s portrayal in both films. Hottle’s death has prompted mourning among fans and renewed attention to her performances and their significance for representation on screen.
