Lexi Minetree is set to capture the hearts of audiences once again as she steps into the iconic role of a young Elle Woods in the upcoming prequel to *Legally Blonde*, which was announced to stream on Prime Video starting July 1, 2025. The casting news, revealed in February 2025, has sparked excitement among fans of the beloved franchise, particularly with Minetree’s infectious enthusiasm for her new part.
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To mark her casting, Minetree decided to embrace the character’s signature aesthetic. The 25-year-old actress reminisced about her celebratory choices, saying, “I remember the first thing I did when I booked it, I went and bought myself a pair of these pink earrings to celebrate.” Alongside her stylish purchase, she indulged in a nostalgic moment by playing Hoku’s upbeat track “Perfect Day” as she strolled through New York City. “It felt incredible,” Minetree recalled, admitting the joy was compounded by the need for secrecy surrounding her exciting news.
In reflecting on her journey, Minetree expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’ve put so much time into this, and I know many work hard without success, so to be one of the lucky ones is just overwhelming.” The actress was particularly keen to share her happiness with her family, eagerly awaiting the right moment to break the news.
On June 27, during a panel at Obsessed Fest, Minetree shared more insights into the joy and challenge of keeping such a significant secret. She noted the difficulty of not even being able to confide in her agents: “I had this crazy big secret,” she laughed. The special earrings, although lost two months later, remain a cherished memory from the start of her new adventure.
Minetree’s connection to the original *Legally Blonde* is further emphasised by her collaboration with Reese Witherspoon—who portrayed Elle Woods in the 2001 film. Witherspoon, 50, was instrumental in providing Minetree with pieces from the original film’s wardrobe, which the younger actress has enthusiastically incorporated into her promotional appearances. “I did borrow indefinitely a couple of items,” she revealed during a recent appearance, preserving a sense of mystery around the specifics of the wardrobe but acknowledging the thrill of stepping into Elle’s shoes.
This vibrant homage to her predecessor was evident when Minetree donned a striking pink sequin dress for Prime Video’s 25th anniversary celebration on June 20. Additionally, during an appearance on The Tonight Show, she wore the same illustrious Marc Jacobs dress that Witherspoon wore at the original film’s premiere. This moment was highlighted on the show, where Witherspoon explained how the full-circle collaboration came about.
“Her stylist is a friend of mine for so many years,” Witherspoon stated, recounting how she suggested that Minetree select outfits from the original film’s wardrobe. The generous offer was met with excitement, and Minetree ultimately chose several pieces, including the notable Marc Jacobs dress. “It’s like Cinderella’s slipper,” said Witherspoon. “She was meant to be Elle Woods!”
As the countdown to the series finale approaches, anticipation for Minetree’s portrayal of young Elle Woods is palpable among fans. With her authentic enthusiasm and the outpouring of support from the original film’s cast, one thing is clear: she is fully prepared to honour the legacy of a character who has inspired many.
The project promises to delve into the early experiences of Elle Woods, expanding upon her character and ultimately exploring her growth, resilience, and trademark optimism. As Elle prepares to navigate a new chapter, audiences can expect to be whisked away into a world where pink remains the central colour of ambition and empowerment.
With the series premiering on July 1 and available for streaming on Prime Video, fans are eager to see how the vibrant essence of Elle Woods will inspire a new generation, all through the lens of Minetree’s exuberant interpretation of this beloved role.