Legally Blonde Prequel’s Young Elle Woods Casting Down To Finalists, Report Names True Detective & Netflix Show Stars

The upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, is getting closer to finding its leading lady. The Amazon MGM Studios project, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, will follow Elle Woods in her high school years, exploring the experiences that shaped her into the confident, pink-loving legal powerhouse that graced the courts in 2001. The original film became an instant hit, grossing nearly $150 million worldwide, and spawned its 2003 sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde before expanding the franchise with Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2007. Elle is set to begin filming in March 2025.

According to Deadline, Lexi Minetree (The Murdaugh Murders) and Madison Wolfe (True Detective) are the finalists in the young Elle Woods casting search. Both actors have reportedly tested for the role as part of an extensive casting search, with no final decision made yet. The audition process, which has been ongoing for months, saw dozens of young actors vying for the star-making role that originally propelled Witherspoon to Hollywood A-list status. Witherspoon previously revealed she has watched “so many tapes” and finds the process “so fun to watch.”

What Elle’s Latest Casting News Means

An Edgy Take On Elle Woods

Casting a young Elle Woods is a crucial decision, as the role requires a perfect blend of comedic timing, intelligence, and the irresistible charm that made Witherspoon’s portrayal so iconic. Before Legally Blonde, Witherspoon showcased her versatility in the dark comedy Election (1999) and the romantic drama Cruel Intentions (1999), proving her ability to balance depth and humor across genres. The success of Elle will depend on the chosen actor's ability to embody Witherspoon's transformation into an ambitious, Harvard-bound law student. With filming set to begin in March 2025, an official casting decision should arrive soon.

Minetree and Wolfe offer a different edge to Elle Woods, as both actresses have primarily built their careers in thrillers and crime dramas. Wolfe’s experience in horror-leaning roles (The Conjuring 2) and as the troubled daughter of Detective Hart (Woody Harrelson) in True Detective season 1 gives her a darker intensity. Minetree’s work in true crime and procedural dramas (The Murdaugh Murders, Law & Order: SVU) showcases her knack for darkly complex and high-stakes episodic projects. Either casting could signal a version of Elle that places greater emphasis on her resilience and determination to break out of the dumb-blonde stereotype.

Our Take On Elle’s Casting Choices

The Right Elle Woods Will Make Or Break The Prequel

Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods smiling brightly up at the internship list with a crowd of students around her in Legally Blonde

Elle Woods is one of the most iconic characters in modern pop culture, and any attempt to revisit her story comes with high expectations. Witherspoon’s performance set a standard that will be difficult to match, making Elle subject to inevitable comparisons with the original film. While a fresh take could add new depth to Elle’s backstory, the challenge lies in maintaining her signature charm and comedic brilliance while offering something distinct. If Lexi Minetree or Madison Wolfe are able to embody such a distinct and likable character, Elle would be a worthy addition to the Legally Blonde legacy.

Source: Deadline