'Godzilla' star Kaylee Hottle's sister takes over her unfinished film role after her death at 18

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kaylee Hottle, the young actress who played Jia in the 'Godzilla' films, died at 18 following a car accident in July 2026.

Now, her older sister, Jasmine Hottle, is stepping into a role Kaylee was originally supposed to play in the upcoming movie 'What Doesn't Kill Us'. Like Kaylee, Jasmine is Deaf, making her involvement particularly meaningful as the filmmakers look to continue the project while honoring the late actress's memory.

Jasmine Hottle takes over Kaylee Hottle's role in 'What Doesn't Kill Us'

The film's writer and producer, Mingo, confirmed that Jasmine will take on her sister's role. He said her involvement would allow the team to honor Kaylee's memory while continuing the work she was expected to be part of.

“Like Kaylee, Jasmine is deaf, and her involvement allows us to honor Kaylee’s memory while continuing the work she was going to be part of,” Mingo told PEOPLE.

He also spoke about the loss Kaylee's death brought to the team and how the decision to involve Jasmine came about.

“Kaylee’s passing was an unimaginable tragedy, and her loss is felt deeply by everyone involved with the project,” he said.

“When we began discussing how to move forward, the possibility of Jasmine taking on her sister’s role emerged as something particularly meaningful.”

Mingo also discussed the production's commitment to authentic disability representation, both in front of and behind the camera.

“As filmmakers, we’ve been committed from the beginning to authentic disability representation, both in front of and behind the camera,” Mingo told PEOPLE.

“We believe audiences are ready for a different kind of superhero story, one in which disability isn’t something to be overcome or erased, but an essential part of what makes these characters extraordinary.”

He further explained that Jasmine taking over Kaylee's role was about more than simply finding a replacement for the actress. It was also an opportunity to preserve her legacy through the film.

“For us, Jasmine stepping into Kaylee’s role isn’t simply a casting replacement. It’s an opportunity to preserve something of Kaylee’s legacy while telling a story that we hope will resonate with audiences far beyond the disability community.”

Kaylee Hottle died at 18 following a car accident in Maryland

Kaylee died following a car accident in Frederick, Maryland, on July 21, 2026. Her father, Joshua Hottle, later shared a video on Facebook announcing the heartbreaking loss in American Sign Language.

She made her feature film debut in 'Godzilla vs. Kong' in 2021 and returned for 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' in 2024. Kaylee was best known for playing Jia, the young Deaf girl who developed a special bond with King Kong in the 'MonsterVerse' films.

Her connection to the Deaf community was also deeply rooted in her family. Both of her parents are Deaf, and, according to The Houston Chronicle, four generations of her father's family have been part of the community.

With Jasmine stepping into the role, the upcoming film will carry forward a part Kaylee was originally meant to play.