First Look: Reese Witherspoon Unveils Young Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde' Prequel Series 'Elle'

The 'Legally Blonde' universe is expanding! Following the success of the original 2001 film, its 2003 sequel, and a hit Broadway musical, fans are now getting a prequel series focused on Elle Woods' origins. Titled simply 'Elle,' the show promises to delve into the "life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love."

Reese Witherspoon, the original Elle Woods, is heavily involved as an executive producer through her media company, Hello Sunshine, alongside original producer Marc Platt. The series, greenlit by Amazon Prime Video in May 2024, has found its young Elle in Lexi Minetree. Witherspoon shared the exciting first look via Instagram with the caption: "Harvard was hard. High School was harder. Our new series, Elle, is now in production!" The image captures Minetree embodying a young Elle, complete with pink attire and a classic landline phone call scene.

The series boasts a strong creative team, with Laura Kittrell ('Insecure,' 'High School') serving as creator and co-showrunner alongside Caroline Dries. Jason Moore ('Pitch Perfect') is set to direct the initial episodes. The supporting cast includes June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott as Elle’s parents, Eva and Wyatt, along with Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, and Chandler Kinney in other key roles.

This prequel aims to capture the same spirit and ingenuity that made the original film a cultural touchstone, exploring how Elle navigated her teenage years with her unique personality long before she famously bent-and-snapped her way through Harvard Law.

What is the 'Elle' series about?

'Elle' is a prequel series to the 'Legally Blonde' movies, focusing on Elle Woods' life and experiences during her high school years before attending Harvard.

Who plays young Elle Woods?

Newcomer Lexi Minetree stars as the teenage Elle Woods.

Is Reese Witherspoon involved?

Yes, Reese Witherspoon is an executive producer on the series through her company, Hello Sunshine.

Where can I watch 'Elle'?

The series will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

When will 'Elle' be released?

Production is currently underway. A release date has not yet been announced.

What parts of Elle's high school life are you most excited to see? Do you think the prequel will capture the magic of the original? Let us know!

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