'Elle': Plot, Release Date & Everything You Need to Know About the 'Legally Blonde' Spinoff
Fans can look forward to revisiting their beloved universe, and new viewers will enjoy a vibrant coming-of-age story.
Elle, a TV prequel to the Legally Blonde film franchise, will premiere in summer 2026. Reese Witherspoon played the lead role of Elle Woods in the original movies and will now serve as a producer on the new project.
Witherspoon came up with the idea for the spinoff after watching Tim Burton's Wednesday, when she wondered how her character would have acted in high school, long before entering Harvard Law School.
When Will 'Elle' Be Released?
Elle is scheduled to premiere on July 1, 2026. Amazon announced the release window for the show's summer premiere in May 2024.
The series was renewed for a second season before the first episodes aired.
What Will 'Elle' Be About & Who Will Play the Main Role?
Set in the 1990s, the series follows Elle's family as they move from sunny Los Angeles to drab Seattle, and explores Elle's adjustment to her new school. Viewers will witness the evolution of the character we all fell in love with.
Reese Witherspoon herself said:
“25 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.
Discovering Lexi and watching her step into Elle's fabulous shoes has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I think [the] themes of kindness, authenticity and believing in yourself will resonate deeply with fans of the original films and new audiences alike.”
The lead role is played by Lexi Minetree – Witherspoon personally informed Minetree of her casting. This is Minetree's first major role.
What Were 'Legally Blonde' & 'Legally Blonde 2' About?
The first Legally Blonde movie was released in 2001. Elle Woods is a charming, young blonde from a wealthy family. When her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her, he explains that he needs to attend Harvard Law School and become a senator, he says that Elle is too frivolous.
Determined to prove him wrong, she enrolls in Harvard Law School. During her first semester, she learns that Warner is engaged to his ex-girlfriend, Vivian.
The following semester, a professor invites Elle, Vivian, and Warner to be interns for a high-profile trial. They will defend Brooke, a fitness trainer accused of murdering her husband.
A sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, was released in 2003. Elle works as an attorney at a major Boston firm and is preparing for her wedding to Emmett.
While preparing, she discovers that her beloved dog's mother is owned by a corporation that tests cosmetics on animals. Elle tries to shut down the company, but her boss fires her. She then travels to Washington alone to save the dog and seek justice.
