Selma Blair Hopes to "Bend and Snap" Back into Vivian Kensington’s Shoes for "Legally Blonde 3"
A wave of nostalgia and excitement is rippling through the "Legally Blonde" fanbase as Selma Blair, the actress who brilliantly portrayed the initially formidable Vivian Kensington, expresses her keen interest in reprising her role in the highly anticipated "Legally Blonde 3." The original film, a cultural phenomenon released in 2001, captivated audiences with its witty humor, heartwarming message of self-discovery, and of course, the unforgettable character of Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon.
Blair’s portrayal of Vivian, the polished and seemingly cold law school competitor who was also Warner Huntington III’s girlfriend, was a masterclass in understated antagonism. Vivian initially represented everything Elle was not – sophisticated, established, and seemingly fitting seamlessly into the Harvard Law environment. She was the archetypal "serious" girlfriend, seemingly poised to fulfill the expectations placed upon Warner and his affluent background. However, as the story unfolded, Vivian’s character revealed layers of complexity, highlighting the pressures women face and ultimately culminating in a powerful display of solidarity with Elle.
The film’s premise centered on Elle’s audacious decision to enroll at Harvard Law School, driven by her desire to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner, played by Matthew Davis. The initial shock and disappointment Elle experienced upon discovering Warner’s relationship with Vivian, a brunette deemed to need a makeover by Elle’s standards, fueled her determination to prove herself. It was a clash of stereotypes, challenging preconceived notions about beauty, intelligence, and the definition of success.
While Blair didn’t appear in the 2003 sequel, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," which saw Elle venturing to Washington D.C. to advocate against animal testing, the possibility of her return in the third installment has ignited fervent speculation and hopes among fans.
The actress’s desire to return to the role of Vivian is particularly inspiring given her ongoing battle with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The 52-year-old actress has been incredibly open and candid about her journey with the autoimmune disease, which affects the central nervous system and can lead to debilitating symptoms. The disease is characterized by flare-ups during which symptoms are exacerbated, followed by periods of remission.
Blair’s commitment to her craft, despite the challenges she faces, is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has spoken openly about the impact of MS on her life, including the fatigue and vocal dystonia she experiences. Vocal dystonia is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles controlling speech, causing the voice to sound strained or hoarse.
In a recent interview, Blair shared encouraging news about her progress in managing her MS. “Now I maybe take two naps a week, whereas before it was like four naps a day,” she revealed, underscoring the positive impact of her treatment and management strategies. She also noted that having a script actually helps alleviate her vocal dystonia, making it easier for her to speak clearly. "So that was a relief to learn, ‘Oh, maybe I can go on a set again. I can deal with this,’" she explained, expressing her renewed hope for future acting opportunities.
The development of "Legally Blonde 3" has been a topic of much discussion, with Mindy Kaling, co-writer of the script, confirming that a draft has been completed. While Blair remains uncertain about her involvement, she is optimistic about the possibility of a cameo, expressing her desire to revisit the character of Vivian Kensington.
“I’ll just keep my fingers crossed that that’s some joyful thing that I could have a cameo in, at least, and be a part of that for a moment,” Blair stated. "I’d love to see Vivian Kensington again. It was so much fun."
The potential return of Vivian Kensington offers exciting possibilities for the plot of "Legally Blonde 3." How has she evolved since her Harvard Law days? Has she achieved professional success? Has her perspective on life and relationships shifted? Seeing Vivian and Elle reunite, perhaps as allies or even collaborators, would be a deeply satisfying arc for audiences who have followed their journeys since the original film.
Moreover, the inclusion of Blair in the film would bring a powerful message of representation and inclusivity to the screen. Seeing an actress with a disability thrive in a prominent role would be incredibly inspiring and would further amplify the film’s themes of empowerment and breaking down barriers.
Beyond her hopes for "Legally Blonde 3," Blair is also set to appear in "Stay Forte," a film co-starring Judd Hirsch that dramatizes the harrowing kidnapping and deaths of three Israeli hostages. This project represents a significant return to the screen for Blair, following her appearance in the 2021 feature, "Far More," alongside Adrian Grenier and Drea de Matteo.
The combination of potential lighthearted comedy in "Legally Blonde 3" and the serious subject matter of "Stay Forte" demonstrates Blair’s versatility and her commitment to exploring a wide range of roles and narratives. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, makes her a truly inspiring figure both on and off the screen.
As fans eagerly await further news about "Legally Blonde 3," the possibility of Selma Blair reprising her role as Vivian Kensington remains a tantalizing prospect. Her return would not only bring a beloved character back to life but would also serve as a powerful reminder that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and a little bit of "bend and snap." The optimism surrounding her potential involvement underscores the enduring appeal of the "Legally Blonde" franchise and its message of self-belief and empowerment, themes that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
