Reese Witherspoon’s ‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Casts Its Elle Woods: Lexi Minetree
Introduction
The iconic sorority girl turned law student Elle Woods is making a comeback, and this time, it’s a prequel! Prime Video’s upcoming series "Elle" will delve into the formative years of the beloved character, and the actress tasked with bringing young Elle to life is Lexi Minetree.
The Announcement
The casting news was revealed in a heartwarming Instagram post by Reese Witherspoon, who portrayed Woods in the original 2001 comedy. Witherspoon praised Minetree’s audition, saying, "We finally found our Elle." The post featured a video of Witherspoon surprising Minetree with the news, much to the young actress’s delight.
Lexi Minetree: The New Elle Woods
Minetree, a rising actress with a background in short films, has recently made waves with her roles in "The Murdaugh Murders" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Her casting as Elle Woods is a testament to her talent and the uncanny resemblance in voice and mannerisms to Witherspoon herself.
The ‘Legally Blonde’ Legacy
The original "Legally Blonde" film, based on Amanda Brown’s novel, became a global phenomenon upon its release. It starred Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a seemingly ditzy sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend. The film grossed over $141 million worldwide and received a Golden Globe nomination.
The ‘Elle’ Prequel Series
Prime Video’s "Elle" will explore the backstory of Elle Woods, shedding light on the experiences that shaped her into the confident and outspoken woman we know from the movie. Laura Kittrell ("Insecure") serves as the showrunner, with Witherspoon serving as an executive producer. The series does not yet have a release date.
A Possible ‘Legally Blonde 3’?
Despite the prequel, fans still hold out hope for a third installment in the "Legally Blonde" film series. Witherspoon has expressed interest in reprising her role, and a third film was even announced in 2018, but plans fell through.
Conclusion
The casting of Lexi Minetree as young Elle Woods in "Elle" is an exciting development for fans of the beloved "Legally Blonde" franchise. It promises to shed new light on the iconic character and provide a fresh perspective on her journey to law school and beyond. Whether or not a third film materializes, the prequel series is sure to satisfy the demand for more Elle Woods in our lives.
