It is time to dust off your best pink ensemble and practice the “bend and snap,” because everyone’s favourite Gemini vegetarian is returning to our screens. However, we are not heading back to Harvard Law just yet.
Prime Video has officially announced that Elle, the highly anticipated prequel series to Legally Blonde, will premiere globally on July 1. But the streaming giant is clearly feeling confident about this one. In a move that screams “what, like it’s hard?”, Amazon MGM Studios has already ordered a second season before the public has seen a single minute of Season One.
A New Era of Pink
Produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and Amazon MGM Studios, Elle takes us back to the early days. Set during her high school years, the series promises to uncover the formative experiences that shaped Elle Woods into the unstoppable, scented-resume-handing icon we fell in love with twenty-five years ago.
For fans of the original franchise, this is a massive moment. We know the lawyer, but we don’t know the teenager who forged that titanium-clad self-confidence.
“Twenty-five years after the world met Elle Woods for the first time, it’s a dream come true to share the story of how she became the unstoppable force we all fell in love with,” Reese Witherspoon stated.
Witherspoon, who serves as an executive producer, noted that the themes of kindness and authenticity are central to the new series. It seems the show aims to be more than just a nostalgia trip; it is a coming-of-age story designed to resonate with a new generation while winking at the loyal fanbase.
Filling The Fabulous Shoes
The biggest question on everyone’s lips has been: Who could possibly play Elle Woods other than Reese Witherspoon?
Enter Lexi Minetree.
Witherspoon described discovering Minetree as “one of the most gratifying experiences” of her career. It is a high-pressure role, but with the original Elle’s stamp of approval, expectations are skyrocketing.
The casting choices for Elle’s parents are equally inspired. June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie) will play Elle’s mother, Eva, while Tom Everett Scott steps in as her father, Wyatt. The thought of June Diane Raphael bringing her signature comedic energy to the Woods household is, frankly, a reason to tune in all on its own.
The cast also features James Van Der Beek in a recurring role, adding a layer of 90s/00s teen drama royalty to the mix.
Confidence Is Key
The decision to renew the show for a second season ahead of the premiere is a rare vote of confidence in the streaming landscape.
“Ordering a second season speaks to our belief in the creative vision and the incredible team behind the series,” said Peter Friedlander, Global Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios.
The creative team includes creator Laura Kittrell (Insecure) and director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), suggesting the show will have a sharp comedic edge and a polished musicality.
When Can We Watch It?
Elle premieres exclusively on Prime Video on July 1 in more than 240 countries and territories.
Get your pink ready. It looks like we are going back to school.
