Fans of pink outfits, chihuahua companions, and bending-and-snapping are in for a treat. Amazon officially confirmed that a prequel series to the much-loved Legally Blonde movie franchise is in development for its Prime Video streaming service. Titled Elle, the new show will explore the backstory of the iconic character Elle Woods during her high school years, long before she famously conquered Harvard Law School.
Reese Witherspoon, the star of the original films, announced the project, expressing her enthusiasm for revisiting the character’s origins. Her production company, Hello Sunshine, which she founded, is developing the series alongside Amazon MGM Studios. Witherspoon shared the news, creating significant buzz among the franchise’s dedicated fanbase who have followed Elle’s journey since 2001.
Official Prequel Greenlit
The confirmation came during Amazon’s first Upfront presentation to advertisers on May 14, 2024. Reese Witherspoon herself made the announcement, channeling her famous character by appearing dressed in Elle Woods’ signature pink attire. This move highlighted her deep connection to the role and her excitement for the upcoming prequel.
The series, Elle, marks a significant expansion of the Legally Blonde universe. It promises to give audiences a fresh perspective on the character, showing the experiences and challenges that shaped her into the determined and optimistic woman viewers met in the first film. The prequel aims to capture the essence of Elle while exploring a previously unseen chapter of her life.
Exploring Elle’s Origins
Elle will transport viewers back to the 1990s, delving into the teenage world of Elle Woods. The show plans to uncover the pivotal moments and influences during her high school days. It will showcase how her unique personality, intelligence, and positive outlook developed before she ever set foot on the Harvard campus or decided to pursue law to win back a boyfriend.
The premise focuses on understanding the person Elle was before the events of the first movie. Viewers will see her navigating friendships, high school drama, and early ambitions, all through the lens of her distinctively bubbly yet surprisingly sharp perspective. The series offers a chance to deepen the audience’s connection with the character by providing rich background context.
Witherspoon’s Production Role
Reese Witherspoon is serving as an executive producer on Elle through Hello Sunshine, the media company known for championing female-driven stories. Lauren Neustadter, President of Film and Television at Hello Sunshine, will also executive produce. Witherspoon’s involvement ensures that the prequel stays true to the spirit of the original films while offering a fresh narrative.
In a statement about the series, Witherspoon shared her excitement:
I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity, in ways that only our beloved Elle could. What could be better than that?! I’m extremely grateful to the incredible teams at Prime Video and Hello Sunshine – alongside our amazing writer Laura Kittrell – for making this dream of mine come true. Legally Blonde is back!
Her passion for the project suggests a commitment to delivering a high-quality series that honors the character’s legacy.
Meet The Creators
The creative team behind Elle brings considerable experience in crafting engaging television shows, particularly those centered on teenage life and drama. Laura Kittrell, known for her work on High School and Insecure, serves as the showrunner and executive producer. Kittrell also created the series.
Joining the production team as executive producers are Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. This duo is famous for creating and producing popular teen dramas like Gossip Girl and The O.C. through their Fake Empire production company. Their expertise in capturing the complexities of youth culture adds significant anticipation for the tone and style of Elle. Marc Platt, who produced the original Legally Blonde movie, also returns as an executive producer, further linking the prequel to its roots.
Franchise Background Check
The original Legally Blonde movie premiered in 2001 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a seemingly superficial sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, the film challenged stereotypes and celebrated female empowerment, intelligence, and individuality. Its blend of comedy, charm, and positive messaging resonated widely.
The success led to a sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, released in 2003, which saw Elle taking her fight for justice (specifically, animal rights) to Washington D.C. A direct-to-video spinoff, Legally Blondes, focusing on Elle’s younger cousins, was released in 2009. For years, there has also been discussion about a potential Legally Blonde 3 movie sequel starring Witherspoon, though its development has faced delays. The announcement of the Elle prequel series is the latest development in the enduring franchise.
The prequel series Elle is set to bring the beloved character back to screens, offering a nostalgic trip to her past while introducing her story to a new generation on Prime Video. No specific release date or casting information for the young Elle Woods has been announced yet.
For more updates on Elle, tune in to Vviptimes.
