Godzilla star Kaylee Hottle‘s final character will continue through a special family connection following her death at 18. The actress died in a car accident in Maryland on July 21, 2026. Before her death, she was preparing for an upcoming movie.
In an interview with People, writer-director Andy Mingo confirmed that Kaylee’s older sister, Jasmine Hottle, will take over her part in What Doesn’t Kill Us. He explained that the decision would help the team continue Kaylee’s work while honoring her memory.
Mingo said, “Kaylee’s passing was an unimaginable tragedy, and her loss is felt deeply by everyone involved with the project.” He added, “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 highlighted the importance of Jasmine’s involvement. He explained that Jasmine, like Kaylee, is deaf. “Her involvement allows us to honor Kaylee’s memory while continuing the work she was going to be part of.”
The filmmaker further clarified that Jasmine’s involvement is not simply a replacement cast member. He said, “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.”
Inside the film Kayle Hottle had planned to star in
What Doesn’t Kill Us follows people with disabilities who discover that their disabilities can also be their strengths. The story explores identity, resilience, and heroism through characters who pursue their dreams of becoming superheroes. The film features an ensemble cast entirely made up of actors with disabilities. Among them are Alaqua Cox and Maddie Haining.
Discussing the project’s approach to representation, Mingo said, “As filmmakers, we’ve been committed from the beginning to authentic disability representation, both in front of and behind the camera.”
Mingo continued, “We believe audiences are ready for a different kind of superhero story.” He added that disability “isn’t something to be overcome or erased.” Instead, it is “an essential part of what makes these characters extraordinary.”
Kaylee Hottle made her feature film debut as Jia in the 2021 film Godzilla vs. Kong. She reprised the role in 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and also appeared in Magnum P.I.