“Legally Blonde” Prequel Star Lexi Minetree Rewears Reese Witherspoon’s Original 2001 Premiere Dress

**Lexi Minetree Shines as Elle Woods in New Prequel Series ‘Elle’**

Lexi Minetree, a promising 25-year-old actress, is set to capture hearts as Elle Woods in the upcoming prequel series ‘Elle’, which is set to premiere on Prime Video on July 1. The new series builds on the legacy of the beloved character originally portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the iconic film ‘Legally Blonde’, first released in 2001.

In a vibrant display of nostalgia, Minetree graced the stage of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ to discuss her role. In a nod to the film’s enduring popularity, she wore a striking pink dress that once belonged to Witherspoon herself, worn during the 2001 premiere of ‘Legally Blonde’. The outfit, featuring a spaghetti-strap design with a fishnet mermaid silhouette, was paired with hot pink peep-toe heels from Steve Madden, further emphasising her homage to the formidable character.

During her appearance, Fallon showcased a photograph of Witherspoon at the event 25 years ago, bringing a tangible sense of connection between the two actresses. Minetree embraced the moment, mirrored Witherspoon’s pose, and expressed her excitement over stepping into the character’s shoes. Reflecting on her resemblance to Witherspoon, she mentioned, “Even when I was a brunette, random people would come to me and say, ‘You know who you look like? You look like Reese Witherspoon.’ I was like, thank you very much. That is a huge compliment.”

The young actress faced more than just visual expectations when auditioning for the role. Minetree shared that she had to demonstrate her talent beyond her looks to secure the part. “I remember when I saw the open call, they wanted two scenes and a slate, so like your name, your height, where you’re based and then 30 seconds on why you’d be a good Elle Woods,” she explained. Demonstrating her dedication, Minetree recreated Elle’s memorable Harvard admissions video, going so far as to purchase a pink bikini, write her own script, and even enlist her mother for filming assistance.

The storyline of ‘Elle’ kicks off in 1995, depicting the titular character as she navigates the often turbulent waters of high school life. The series promises to explore challenges such as friendships, romance, and fashion faux pas. As the narrative unfolds, viewers will witness Elle’s personal growth, centred on her strong bond with her mother, reinforcing the show’s themes of family and resilience.

Created by Laura Kittrell, the series is co-showrun and executive-produced by Kittrell and Caroline Dries, with Witherspoon attached as an executive producer alongside Lauren Neustadter, Amanda Brown, and Marc Platt. This new venture also has the backing of Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Hello Sunshine. Anticipating its success, a second season has already been commissioned.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, Minetree shared insights from her interactions with Witherspoon, who offered precious advice for taking on the iconic role. “She told me to make sure to drink water, make sure to rest, to breathe and to take in every moment here because it’s such a special opportunity,” Minetree recalled, indicating the warm rapport they have established.

With the series dedicated to further exploring the character of Elle Woods, fans can expect a fresh perspective that celebrates the spirit of empowerment and self-discovery. As the story evolves, Minetree’s portrayal seeks to embody the essence of what makes Elle Woods a memorable character in popular culture.

As anticipation builds for the series premiere, ‘Elle’ aims to enchant both existing fans of the ‘Legally Blonde’ franchise and new audiences alike. With its promising cast, engaging storyline, and creative vision, the series forges ahead to reclaim the spotlight that made Elle Woods an unforgettable icon.

With the premiere arriving soon, it will be fascinating to see how Minetree’s interpretation of the character resonates with viewers and how she brings her own flair to the legacy of Elle Woods.