Millie Bobby Brown said she felt “devastated” after learning that Kaylee Hottle had died. Her brief tribute joined an outpouring of grief from Hottle’s family, school, colleagues and fans across the global entertainment industry.
Millie Bobby Brown honored Kaylee Hottle with an emotional message
Brown reacted through Instagram Stories on Tuesday, July 21. She posted a black-and-white photograph of Hottle holding a King Kong figure. “I’m so devastated to hear this,” Brown wrote. “You will be deeply missed Kaylee.”
Brown and Hottle appeared together in the 2021 film “Godzilla vs. Kong.” Brown played Madison Russell, while Hottle made her feature-film debut as Jia, a deaf orphan who communicates with Kong through American Sign Language.
Hottle later reprised the role in 2024’s “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” She previously explained why human characters mattered to the MonsterVerse, pointing to the emotional bond between Jia and Kong.
Hottle died following a single-vehicle crash near Ijamsville, Maryland, early Tuesday. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said the car left the road and struck a culvert. Authorities believe excessive speed contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed her death in a Facebook video delivered in American Sign Language. The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle studied, also honored her and offered support to its community.
Brown was not the only “Godzilla” co-star to remember Hottle. Rebecca Hall shared behind-the-scenes photographs and wrote that she felt “devastated” by the news. Hall added, “My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed Kaylee.”
Oscar winner Marlee Matlin called Hottle “beautiful and talented,” while Alaqua Cox said she felt heartbroken. Cox worked with Hottle on the upcoming film “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” Hottle earned praise for bringing authentic deaf representation to a major Hollywood franchise. Her performance gave “Godzilla vs. Kong” an emotional center beyond its monster battles.
Brown’s message kept the focus on that personal loss. Her few words reflected the shock surrounding the death of a young co-star whose career had only begun.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT KAYLEE HOTTLE’S PERFORMANCE AS JIA?
