Amazon's Prime Video has officially confirmed the global release date for the highly anticipated Legally Blonde prequel series, titled Elle. The show, produced by Amazon's MGM Studios, is set to debut on July 1, with a first-look image revealing Lexi Minetree as the young Elle Woods.
Series Details and Production
The series will delve into Elle Woods' formative years at a Beverly Hills high school, exploring the experiences that shaped her into the iconic character from the original 2001 film. Lexi Minetree takes on the lead role, portraying Elle before her heartbreak-driven journey to Harvard.
Remarkably, the show has already been greenlit for a second season ahead of its premiere, signalling strong confidence from Amazon MGM Studios. The series is created by Laura Kittrell, known for High School, and features a supporting cast including June Diane Raphael as Elle's mother Eva and Tom Everett Scott as her father Wyatt.
Reese Witherspoon's Involvement
Original star Reese Witherspoon, who played Elle in the films, is executive producing the series through her production company Hello Sunshine. Witherspoon expressed enthusiasm, stating, 'Twenty-five years after the world met Elle Woods for the first time, it’s a dream come true to share the story of how she became the unstoppable force we all fell in love with.'
She praised Minetree's casting after a four-month nationwide search, adding that the series' themes of 'kindness, authenticity, and believing in yourself' aim to resonate with both existing fans and new audiences.
Fan Reactions and Criticism
Despite the excitement, the announcement has sparked scepticism among some Legally Blonde enthusiasts. Critics argue that Elle Woods' character arc is already fully established in the original film, making a prequel unnecessary.
One fan commented on social media, 'This is so funny to me because why does Elle Woods need a prequel? She is one of the most fully formed characters.' Others questioned the narrative logic, noting that viewers already know key plot points, such as her eventual breakup with boyfriend Warner Huntington.
Some have labelled the series a 'pointless money grab' or suggested it targets a younger, Gen Z demographic unfamiliar with the original film. However, proponents believe it could offer a fresh coming-of-age story, with Amazon MGM's global head of television Peter Friedlander describing it as capturing 'the heart, confidence, and optimism that made Elle Woods an enduring cultural icon.'
Filming and Future Prospects
Filming is currently underway, with recent sightings of the cast shooting scenes on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The series joins a franchise that includes three films and a Broadway musical, expanding the Legally Blonde universe further.
Whether Elle will be celebrated as a worthy addition or criticised as an unnecessary spin-off remains to be seen, but its early renewal suggests Amazon is betting on its success. All episodes will be available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video from July 1.
