Lexi Minetree has been cast as a teenage Elle Woods in Elle, Prime Video’s upcoming prequel series to Legally Blonde. The role has already generated attention because the show was renewed for a second season before season 1 has even premiered, underscoring the studio’s confidence in the project and its connection to the popular 2001 film franchise. Reese Witherspoon, who originated the character of Elle Woods and now serves as an executive producer on the series, personally surprised Minetree with the casting news in a social media video shared in 2025. In the clip, Witherspoon praised Minetree’s audition and told her she would no longer need to audition because she had landed the part. Minetree reacted with visible emotion, asking whether she could hug Witherspoon and later sharing the moment with her mother on camera. In her caption, Minetree expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and representatives, and joked with a nod to one of Elle Woods’ signature lines.
Minetree is a Georgia native, making her another Southern connection to Witherspoon, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended the University of Southern California, where she double majored in theater and public relations, and graduated in 2024. Her training also includes study at the British American Drama Academy in London, adding classical performance experience to her academic background.
Although relatively early in her career, Minetree is not new to television. She has already appeared in several screen projects, including The Paramedic Who Stalked Me in 2023, Hot Take: Murdaugh Murders in 2023, and an episode of Law & Order: SVU in 2024. These credits suggest she has experience with both scripted drama and high-profile network television before taking on the breakout role of Elle Woods.
Her transformation into the character also drew interest from fans after she revealed on Instagram that she had long worn brunette hair before deciding to go blonde for the role. She described the change as the result of a spontaneous whim, matching the playful and polished image associated with the Legally Blonde character.
The casting of Minetree signals a new chapter for the Legally Blonde universe, with the series set to explore Elle Woods during her teenage years and likely show the experiences that shaped her into the confident, ambitious law student audiences first met in the original film. With Witherspoon involved behind the scenes and Minetree stepping into one of the most recognizable roles from early-2000s comedy, the project has already become one of Prime Video’s most watched developments.
