Millie Bobby Brown and other stars from the recent Godzilla franchise films are honoring the life of actress Kaylee Hottle, who died in a single-vehicle accident in Frederick, Maryland, on Tuesday morning. She was 18 years old.
Hottle, who was deaf, played the young orphan Jia in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong and reprised the role in the 2024 sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Brown, who starred alongside Hottle in the Monsterverse films, shared her grief on Instagram. "I'm so devastated to hear this," Brown wrote over a black and white image of Hottle. "You will be deeply missed Kaylee."
Actress Rebecca Hall, who also appeared in both films with Hottle, paid tribute by sharing photos of them together on set. "My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee," Hall stated.
Fellow co-star Eiza González expressed her heartbreak, posting a photo of herself and Hottle in costume. "I'm devastated. I adore you," González wrote. "I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly."
Legendary Pictures, the production company behind the Godzilla movies, released a statement calling Hottle a "cherished member" of the production. "Through her unforgettable portrayal of Jia, Kaylee brought extraordinary heart, humanity, and light to Godzilla, Kong, and the Monsterverse," the statement read. "Her kindness, warmth, and remarkable talent touched everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her."