At just 11 years old, Kaylee Hottle has already braved the MonsterVerse.
As a deaf Korean American actress, Hottle has made a name for herself through her role as Jia Andrews, a young Skull Island native in the film “Godzilla vs. Kong.” Out in theaters now, March 29, 2024, fans can expect Jia’s action-packed return to Hollow Earth with the highly anticipated sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Alongside Hottle, Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry reprise their roles as Dr. Ilene Andrews and Bernie Hayes, respectively.
The new film will see Godzilla and Kong team up to defeat a tyrannical threat to Hollow Earth, while Jia tries to connect with her cultural roots amid her new life outside of Skull Island. Ahead of the release, Hottle chats with Character Media about the upcoming film, her preparation process and deaf representation in the entertainment industry.
Character Media: This is the second film in the franchise. How does it feel to be back?
Kaylee Hottle: It feels great. I’m excited. [At the time], I was excited and nervous, but I was so happy to be back and film the movie.
CM: Your character has such a special relationship with Kong. How is it like filming those scenes?
KH: It’s such a special relationship. I have to imagine him in my head when I’m acting with Kong, but I very much enjoy it.
CM: So there’s no sort of stand-in for you when you’re acting with Kong?
KH: No, I’m just staring at a screen. Maybe there’s a tennis ball there, or a piece of tape that I look at, but everything is left to me on the imagination part.
CM: What is your preparation process for the role of Jia?
KH: I read the script and [try to] understand the emotions that are within the script. The director [Adam Wingard] also helps me by portraying that in the scene. So once he gives me the go ahead, I go ahead and give it my best and act it out.
CM: On-screen, Jia’s relationship with Dr. Andrews is very touching. How is your relationship with Rebecca Hall off-screen?
KH: It’s the same on-set and off-set. We’re very close. It’s always easy to talk to her. She’s very open and she always wants to talk to me. It’s very easy.
CM: What does it mean to you to be able to have ASL used on screen and to be a part of deaf representation in the entertainment space?
KH: When I watch movies with sign language in it, I get excited. And now I think I’m able to portray that sign language [with my films]. Maybe some kids will be able to see me and they can see themselves when I’m using their language. Maybe they’ll want to be an actor too and they can use their language in their culture and show it on screen. I think that’s so cool.
CM: Definitely! Was there something that made you want to become an actress?
KH: My parents encouraged me to [do it] and I said, “All right, I’ll go for this opportunity.” It’s led to this moment now.
CM: As an Asian American actress, how does it feel to be part of such a big and iconic franchise?
KH: It feels great, and I’m very fortunate to have this role.
CM: Do you have a favorite memory on set?
KH: One of my favorite memories is when we were going on a boat to an island [in Australia]. It was such a beautiful place to go. We filmed there and that was my favorite filming spot and my favorite memory.
CM: If you could have one monster to help you in your daily life, which one would it be?
KH: Obviously, I’m going to have to go with King Kong. Our relationship is so close and I think in real life we would have that same sort of relationship.
