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.
CM: 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…
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