Legally Blonde Prequel Series Elle Begins Filming in March, Casting Underway for Young Elle Woods

The Legally Blonde universe is expanding with Elle, a prequel series that will explore the formative years of Elle Woods, the beloved character originally played by Reese Witherspoon. The series, which is set to premiere on Prime Video, will begin filming in March 2025, according to an exclusive report from People. Casting for the lead role of a young Elle Woods is currently underway, with Witherspoon personally involved in the selection process.

Witherspoon, who is serving as an executive producer on the series through her company Hello Sunshine, shared her excitement about finding the perfect actress to portray Elle in her teenage years. In a recent interview, she described the casting search as both challenging and exhilarating, noting that the talent pool is exceptionally strong.

Exploring Elle Woods’ High School Years

Elle will offer a fresh perspective on one of pop culture’s most iconic characters, taking audiences back to Elle Woods’ teenage years before she became the confident, determined Harvard Law student fans first met in Legally Blonde. The prequel aims to explore the experiences, relationships, and challenges that shaped Elle’s signature blend of intelligence, optimism, and style.

Although specific plot details remain under wraps, the series is expected to delve into Elle’s early passion for fashion, law, and leadership. Fans will likely see how she developed her unwavering confidence, problem-solving skills, and ability to defy expectations—traits that later defined her success in law school and beyond.

The Legacy of Legally Blonde

The original Legally Blonde, released in 2001, was a surprise hit, grossing over $140 million worldwide and earning two Golden Globe nominations. The film followed Elle Woods as she navigated Harvard Law School, initially enrolling to win back her ex-boyfriend but ultimately discovering her true calling as a skilled and compassionate attorney.

Its success led to a 2003 sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, which saw Elle taking on Washington, D.C., politics. The franchise later expanded to Broadway with Legally Blonde: The Musical, further cementing Elle Woods as a cultural icon. Over two decades later, Elle Woods’ influence remains strong, inspiring a new generation of fans and professionals alike.

Reese Witherspoon’s Active Involvement

Reese Witherspoon has remained closely tied to the Legally Blonde brand, frequently expressing her admiration for the character and the empowering messages behind the films. Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, known for championing female-driven stories, is spearheading Elle, ensuring that the series stays true to the spirit of the original films.

In a recent interview, Witherspoon shared a humorous moment with her You’re Cordially Invited co-star, Will Ferrell, jokingly suggesting that he play Bruiser, Elle’s beloved Chihuahua, in the prequel series. This lighthearted exchange highlights the enthusiasm surrounding the project and Witherspoon’s ongoing connection to the character.

Casting the Next Elle Woods

One of the most anticipated aspects of the series is the casting of young Elle Woods. In September 2024, Witherspoon announced an open casting call, inviting young actresses to audition for the role. She emphasized the importance of finding someone who embodies Elle’s signature charm, wit, and resilience.

The casting process has been extensive, with Witherspoon and the production team reviewing countless auditions. “There are so many talented young women out there who remind me of Elle,” Witherspoon shared in an interview. “Finding the right person to bring her teenage years to life is an exciting challenge.”

Anticipation Builds for Elle

As production prepares to begin in March 2025, anticipation for Elle continues to grow. The series promises to provide a deeper understanding of Elle Woods’ journey, offering fans a chance to see the origins of the character they know and love.

With Reese Witherspoon’s involvement and a dedicated creative team behind the project, Elle is poised to capture the spirit of the original Legally Blonde while bringing new layers to Elle Woods’ story. Fans eager to see who will step into Elle’s iconic pink shoes will be watching closely as casting announcements unfold in the coming months.

For now, the search for young Elle Woods continues, and filming is just around the corner. One thing is certain: Elle is shaping up to be a must-watch series that will introduce a new generation to the unstoppable force that is Elle Woods.