Fans of the iconic film Legally Blonde have much to anticipate as a new prequel series titled Elle prepares to premiere on Prime Video. Set years before the events of the 2001 movie, which followed Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods as she enrolled at Harvard Law School to win back her shallow ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III, the series will explore Elle's formative high school years.
Plot Details
The series takes place in 1995, centering on Elle Woods during her teenage years before her legal career. The teaser trailer, released on May 6, opens with Elle learning from her parents (played by June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott) that the family is relocating from their opulent Bel-Air home to Seattle. According to Prime Video's official synopsis: "We meet her in 1995 as a fish in the tumultuous waters of high school where she encounters tricky friendships, forbidden romance, and questionable fashion choices." The description adds that Elle uses her family as a touchstone, forming a tighter bond with her mother, proving they can overcome any challenge together. Through these experiences, she evolves into the beloved Elle Woods we know today.
Cast and Crew
The leading role of Elle Woods is portrayed by Lexi Minetree, known for her roles in The Murdaugh Murders and My Amish Double Life. Reese Witherspoon, who serves as an executive producer, personally informed Minetree that she had landed the part. In an emotional Instagram video, Minetree wept as Witherspoon handed her the baton. Minetree captioned the post: "THANK YOU to @reesewitherspoon for handing me down Elle Woods. I already love her so so much, I promise she's in good hands." She also thanked her hairdresser for making her blonde, joking that she won't change her hair anytime soon.
Release Date and Reception
The series is set to debut on July 1 on Prime Video. Additionally, a second season has already been commissioned ahead of the first season's premiere, indicating strong confidence from the streaming platform. Early buzz among fans has been positive, with one viewer commenting: "I remember seeing Reese Witherspoon talking about finding the perfect Elle! Knowing she had a hand in production, I have a feeling this will be good!" Another fan expressed a desire for a Supreme Court justice storyline, while a third declared: "I'm about to make this show my entire personality."
Elle releases on Prime Video on July 1.
