Millie Bobby Brown leads tributes after Kaylee Hottle dies at 18

Millie Bobby Brown has paid an emotional tribute to her Godzilla vs. Kong co-star Kaylee Hottle following the young actress’s tragic death at the age of 18.

The heartbreaking news has left fans and colleagues in shock, with several members of the film’s cast remembering Hottle for her talent, kindness and inspiring presence on screen.

Brown shared her grief through an emotional message on her Instagram Stories, expressing how deeply the loss had affected her.

“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed, Kaylee,” the Enola Holmes star wrote alongside a photo of Hottle from one of their scenes in Godzilla vs. Kong.

Actress Rebecca Hall, who played Dr. Ilene Andrews in the MonsterVerse films, also honoured the late actress with a touching tribute.

“Devastated to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will be missed, Kaylee,” Hall wrote, remembering the young performer who shared several memorable moments with her on screen.

According to multiple reports, Kaylee Hottle died in a single-vehicle car accident in Ijamsville, Maryland, on July 21, 2026. She was just 18 years old.

Born into a deaf family and a native user of American Sign Language (ASL), Hottle quickly became an inspiration for many after making her acting debut in the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong.

She portrayed Jia, a deaf orphan from the Iwi tribe who formed a unique and emotional bond with Kong. Her heartfelt performance was widely praised for bringing warmth and authenticity to the film, making Jia one of the franchise’s most beloved new characters.

Hottle later returned to reprise the role in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The sequel further explored Jia’s relationship with her adoptive mother, Dr. Ilene Andrews, while also delving deeper into her connection to the ancient Iwi civilisation.

Her performance earned admiration from audiences around the world, with many praising the representation she brought to the big screen.

Brown appeared in Godzilla vs. Kong as Madison Russell, reprising the role she first played in Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019). Although Madison and Jia followed different storylines, both characters contributed significantly to the MonsterVerse narrative.

The franchise is set to continue with Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, which is scheduled for release in March 2027. The upcoming film will mark the first installment in the series without Hottle, making it an especially emotional chapter for fans who admired her work.

Following news of her passing, tributes from fans across social media poured in, celebrating Hottle’s remarkable talent, bright future and lasting impact despite her young age.

Though her acting career was only beginning, Kaylee Hottle’s memorable performances and inspiring journey helped break barriers for deaf representation in Hollywood. Her legacy will continue to live on through the characters she brought to life and the countless people she inspired with her courage, talent and determination.