Get ready to channel your inner Elle Woods because the queen of Harvard Law is making a comeback—well, her younger self is! Reese Witherspoon, who made Elle Woods an unforgettable pop culture icon, has just revealed the actress set to portray a teenage Elle in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel. And fans can’t stop talking about one thing—how shockingly identical the two look.
The Legacy of Elle Woods: A Cultural Phenomenon
It all started in 2001 when Legally Blonde hit the big screen. The film, based on the novel by Amanda Brown, introduced audiences to Elle Woods—a vibrant, determined, and fashion-forward sorority girl who defied expectations by getting into Harvard Law. What started as a mission to win back an ex-boyfriend quickly turned into a journey of self-discovery, proving that intelligence and style can go hand in hand.
The success of the original film led to Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde in 2003, a spin-off in 2009, and even a Broadway musical. Over the years, the Legally Blonde franchise has grossed over $266 million worldwide, cementing Elle Woods as a cultural icon.
Video: Reese Witherspoon Reveals New Elle Woods for Upcoming ‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Series
But for Reese Witherspoon, Elle was more than just a role—she was a source of inspiration. Witherspoon has always spoken about her deep emotional connection to the character, which is why fans were eagerly waiting to see who would carry on Elle’s legacy in the highly anticipated prequel.
Meet Lexi Minetree: The New Face of Elle Woods
The Legally Blonde prequel, aptly titled Elle, will take fans back to the ’90s, exploring the teenage years of Elle Woods before she set her sights on Harvard. The series, written by Laura Kittrell and produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, promises to dive into Elle’s early experiences, friendships, and the moments that shaped her into the woman we know and love.
After months of speculation, Witherspoon finally put an end to the guessing game—Lexi Minetree will portray the young Elle Woods. The actress, known for her roles in Law & Order: SVU and several Lifetime and Tubi films, now has the biggest role of her career.
The Heartwarming Casting Reveal That Broke the Internet
The announcement was nothing short of magical. In a heartfelt video, Reese Witherspoon personally delivered the news to Minetree, telling her she no longer needed to audition—because she was the one. The emotional moment had Minetree in tears as she excitedly called her mom to share the life-changing news.
Fans immediately fell in love with Minetree’s reaction, and within just 24 hours, the reveal video had already racked up over 200,000 likes. But that wasn’t the only thing people couldn’t stop talking about.
Video: Reese Witherspoon REVEALS New Elle Woods for Legally Blonde Prequel!
“Are We the Same Person?” Fans React to Their Uncanny Resemblance
One of the biggest takeaways from the announcement? How eerily similar Lexi Minetree looks to a young Reese Witherspoon. From her bright smile to her bubbly energy, fans couldn’t get over how perfect she is for the role.
Even Witherspoon herself was shocked by the resemblance. “When I saw her tape, I was like… Are we the same person?” she joked.
Fans flooded social media with reactions:
- “The mannerisms are identical 😭 So excited for this new show 😭 Elle Woods raised us all.”
- “The way I thought she was Reese when she walked in! Omg!”
- “Literally thought it was her daughter at first.”
- “Oh my goodness, she truly IS Elle Woods.”
- “You look truly identical and have matching energy!!! Perfect casting.”
The selection process for young Elle was extensive, with Witherspoon involved in every step. While many actresses auditioned, Minetree stood out—not just because of her resemblance to Witherspoon, but because of the way she embodied Elle’s spirit. She didn’t just imitate Elle Woods; she became her.
Lexi Minetree’s Journey to Becoming Elle Woods
Minetree is already preparing for the role by studying the original Legally Blonde films and perfecting Elle’s signature charm, confidence, and, of course, the bend and snap. She expressed her excitement in a comment on Witherspoon’s Instagram post, writing:
“EEEK!!! So lovely meeting you in person, and I promise I’m gonna make you so proud 💖.”
Fans are already eager to see how she brings a younger Elle Woods to life, and if her natural charisma in the casting reveal is anything to go by, she’s more than ready.
What to Expect from the Legally Blonde Prequel
While there’s no exact release date yet, Elle is set to premiere on Prime Video in late 2025. Production is scheduled to start in March, and fans can expect plenty of iconic moments, witty one-liners, and, of course, an abundance of pink.
Video: Reese Witherspoon Shares EXCITING ‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Announcement
The series will explore Elle’s teenage years, showing how she developed her confidence, ambition, and signature style long before setting foot at Harvard. Viewers will get to see the early friendships, challenges, and moments of self-discovery that shaped her into the Elle Woods we know today.
And That’s Not All—Legally Blonde 3 Is Still Happening!
If the prequel wasn’t enough to satisfy your Legally Blonde cravings, there’s more good news—Legally Blonde 3 is still on the way! Reese Witherspoon will reprise her role as Elle Woods, and Jennifer Coolidge is set to return as the iconic Paulette.
With both a prequel and a long-awaited sequel on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate Legally Blonde revival.
Final Thoughts: Elle Woods Lives On
The Legally Blonde prequel is already generating massive buzz, and Lexi Minetree’s casting has only amplified the excitement. With her striking resemblance to Reese Witherspoon and her undeniable charm, she’s ready to carry on the legacy of one of the most beloved characters in film history.
As we eagerly await the return of Elle Woods—both in her younger and present-day form—one thing is clear: the world of Legally Blonde is far from over. So grab your pink heels, get your chihuahuas ready, and prepare for a double dose of Elle Woods in 2025!
