It’s been a terrific time for representation for the Deaf community in entertainment. With CODA winning Best Picture in 2021, and the addition of characters like Lauren Ridloff’s Makkari from Eternals, and Alaqua Cox’s Echo to big franchises like the MCU, strong, empowered characters representing Deaf individuals have never been more compelling and more prominent in pop culture. And now we can add Kaylee Hottle’s Jia to that list in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire!
Getting to watch Hottle mature into a terrific young actress from Godzilla Vs. Kong to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has been a genuine honor. Without the need for verbal dialogue, she has been able to breathe humanity and pathos into her character, Jia, and the profound relationship she has with the character of Kong. Now in the new film, Jia has been given a larger role, rooted in the deeper mythology of the MonsterVerse and Skull Island. And we were lucky enough to sit down with Hottle to discuss her character’s evolution, and learn some fun facts about the challenges that went into making this epic monster clash!
Take a look at what she had to say right here:
You can see Hottle go toe to toe with the biggest titans of all time, in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, in theaters starting today!