Selma Blair, famed for her role as Vivian Kensington in the iconic 2001 film “Legally Blonde,” recently shared her sentiments towards the beloved movie franchise in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Amidst discussions of her enduring affection for the film, Blair also addressed whether she plans to watch the upcoming prequel series titled “Elle,” which is set to feature Lexi Minetree as a young Elle Woods, a character originally portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. The veteran actress expressed her disbelief that it has been a quarter of a century since the release of “Legally Blonde,” reminiscing about the joy and camaraderie that the movie brought to audiences.
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Blair, now 52, attended the PHM Healthfront 2025 event on April 30, where she fondly reflected on the impact of films like “Legally Blonde” and “Cruel Intentions” on her life and career. She described these projects as sources of cherished memories that continue to resonate with fans, emphasizing the immense gratitude she feels for being a part of such iconic works. The actress affirmed her enthusiasm for the prequel series, expressing her intent to watch it with genuine appreciation for the ongoing legacy of the franchise.
The original “Legally Blonde” movie, which starred Witherspoon as the effervescent Elle Woods, followed her character’s journey from a bubbly sorority girl to a determined law student at Harvard. The film, directed by Robert Luketic, also featured an ensemble cast including Jennifer Coolidge, Luke Wilson, Ali Larter, and Matthew Davis. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Elle Woods became a cultural touchstone, inspiring subsequent sequels, a Broadway musical, and now, an upcoming prequel series that explores Elle’s formative teenage years.
The new series, “Elle,” helmed by Minetree as the titular character, promises to delve into the early life experiences that shaped Elle into the resilient and vivacious woman audiences admired in the original film. Witherspoon, who serves as an executive producer for the show alongside a team of industry veterans, expressed her excitement for fans to witness Elle’s teenage escapades, noting the unique blend of creativity and determination that define the character.
Blair’s acknowledgment of the enduring appeal of “Legally Blonde” echoes the sentiment shared by fans worldwide, who eagerly anticipate the expansion of the franchise through the prequel series. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, with beloved classics finding new life in various formats, the nostalgia and joy elicited by iconic films like “Legally Blonde” serve as a testament to the timeless power of storytelling and the enduring impact of memorable characters.
With the announcement of “Elle” joining the ranks of “Legally Blonde” adaptations, fans of the franchise can look forward to revisiting the whimsical world of Elle Woods and experiencing her charismatic spirit in a fresh narrative context. As Selma Blair’s candid reflections underscore, the allure of “Legally Blonde” endures as a cherished piece of cinematic history, inviting audiences to embrace the magic of storytelling and the transformative journey of beloved characters.