Reese Witherspoon unveils Lexi Minetree's first look as Elle Woods for Legally Blonde prequel series, but fans have concerns
Reese Witherspoon revealed Lexi Minetree's first look as the new Elle Woods in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, sparking mixed reactions online. Fans are divided, with some questioning Minetree's casting and the need for the prequel, while others remain excited for the new take on Elle's backstory.
Reese Witherspoon has finally given us a sneak peek at Lexi Minetree as the new Elle Woods in Amazon Prime's upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle! This blast from the past follows Elle's high school adventures, taking us through the journey that made her the loveable, pink-loving icon we absolutely adore.
Reese Witherspoon introduces Elle from the Legally Blonde prequel.
Witherspoon shared the exciting news on Instagram with a photo of Lexi Minetree rocking a classic Elle look ¨C a pink outfit and a retro corded phone. She wrote, ¡°Harvard was hard. High school was harder. Our new series, Elle, is now in production!¡±
According to the official logline, the series ¡°follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first ¡®Legally Blonde¡¯ film.¡±
Who is Lexi Minetree, playing the new Elle Woods?
Lexi Minetree is set to take on the iconic role of Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, a breakthrough opportunity announced in February. Before landing this major role, Minetree appeared in smaller parts on shows like Law & Order: SVU, The Murdaugh Murders, Crowdsource Murder, and The Paramedic Who Stalked Me.
Lexi Minetree| Credit: Instagram
As reported by Elle.com, Minetree pursued her passion for acting at the University of Southern California, where she double-majored in theatre and public relations, according to her LinkedIn. She graduated in May 2024.
How did Lexi Minetree land her big break?
Lexi Minetree landed the iconic role of Elle Woods after a fiercely competitive audition process. Reese Witherspoon and her production company, Hello Sunshine, scoured far and wide to find the perfect actress to bring the younger Elle to life.
Witherspoon, who's also executive producing the series, admitted it was tough to choose just one from the many talented hopefuls. But Minetree shone bright, with Witherspoon noting their similarities were almost uncanny. The prequel has secured Tom Everett Scott to play Elle's father, Wyatt, and June Diane Raphael to portray her mother, Eva Woods.
Why is the internet not convinced?
The internet is buzzing with mixed reactions to Lexi Minetree as the new Elle Woods. Some fans are skeptical about her acting chops, feeling her portfolio doesn't quite live up to the iconic role. Others argued Lexi doesn't resemble Reese's Elle beyond the blonde locks.
Then there are those who are questioning the prequel's very existence. "Wasn't pre-Harvard Elle just a spoiled rich girl?" some ask. Others are calling for creators to ditch the nostalgia trip and focus on fresh ideas instead.
One user wrote, "She doesn't look like Reese. She just has blonde hair." Pointing out at intricate detailing, another noted, "Elle would never hold the phone cord like that. She¡¯d hold it more at an angle."
she doesn't look like Reese. she just has blonde hair
¡ª vic ??????? cabnw & dd era (@frostironat) April 2, 2025
A third noted, "I really don¡¯t get the point of this series, because until she gets dumped by her boyfriend for being self-centred & superficial. She is just a spoilt rich girl, & if they change that & make her younger self smart, then they are changing the character & who wants to watch that."
I really don¡¯t get the point of this series, cause until she gets dumped by her boyfriend for being self centered & superficial. She is just a spoiled rich girl &if they change that &make her younger self smart, then they are changing the character &who wants to watch that
¡ª Sergio Carlo (@SSGio) April 2, 2025
One X user argued, "As a Millennial, get Millennials out of the movie industry. Every day there's a new reboot. Come with new stories, my gosh! We really are the generation of nostalgia. Let it go."
As a Millennial, get Millennials out of the movie industry. Everyday there's a new reboot. Come with new stories my gosh! We really are the generation of nostalgia. Let it go. https://t.co/CwEnmeZVYF
¡ª ??????? - ?????????? (@SarahKarrolina) April 2, 2025
More about Elle Woods
Elle Woods, the bubbly and blonde bombshell, is a character created by Amanda Brown in her 2001 novel Legally Blonde. This iconic character has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring audiences worldwide with her transformation from sorority girl to Harvard Law School sensation.
Reese Witherspoon brought Elle to life on the big screen in 2001 with the Legally Blonde film, cementing her status as a feminist icon. The film also catapulted Witherspoon to superstardom.
Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods| Credit: X
What are your thoughts on the new Elle Woods? Let us know!
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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