Lexi Minetree Steps Into the Spotlight as the New Elle Woods: Everything Fans Should Know Before ‘Elle’ Premieres

Fans of Legally Blonde are about to meet a brand-new version of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable characters. Prime Video’s upcoming series Elle takes viewers back to the teenage years of Elle Woods, introducing actress Lexi Minetree in the lead role. The series serves as a prequel to the hit film and explores Elle’s life years before she became the confident law student audiences came to know.

With the series set to premiere on July 1, many viewers are eager to learn more about the actress bringing the younger Elle Woods to life. From her acting background to the praise she has received from Reese Witherspoon, here is everything to know about Lexi Minetree.

Lexi Minetree officially became the new face of Elle Woods earlier this year after Reese Witherspoon shared a heartfelt video revealing that Minetree had landed the starring role. The emotional moment quickly gained attention as Minetree reacted with tears of excitement before asking Witherspoon if she could give her a hug.

Many fans also noticed the striking resemblance between the two actresses. Social media users filled the comments with reactions, saying Minetree looks remarkably similar to Witherspoon, making her a natural choice to continue the story of Elle Woods.

Unlike the original Legally Blonde movie, Elle takes place six years earlier while Elle is still in high school. The story follows her family as they move from sunny California to Seattle during the 1990s, placing the cheerful and optimistic teenager in a completely different environment. The prequel offers viewers a chance to see how Elle developed into the determined and confident young woman audiences later met in the original film.

Lexi Minetree is 25 years old and was born on April 20, 2001. Interestingly, she was born in the same year that Legally Blonde first arrived in theaters. Reese Witherspoon was also 25 years old when she originally played Elle Woods, creating another connection between the two actresses.

Although Elle is expected to become Minetree’s biggest role to date, she has already appeared in several television projects. Her previous acting credits include a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2024 as well as roles in Lifetime movies such as My Amish Double Life and The Paramedic Who Stalked Me. The Prime Video series marks a major step forward in her acting career and places her in one of the most recognizable roles in modern comedy.

Outside of acting, Minetree keeps much of her personal life away from public attention. There is currently no confirmed public information indicating that she is in a romantic relationship.

The actress was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, before studying at the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts. Speaking with Cosmopolitan earlier this month, Minetree described herself as someone who had an ordinary childhood and embraced her interests in theater, gaming, and Pokémon. She explained that most people who knew her growing up would never have expected her to eventually portray Elle Woods.

Reese Witherspoon has openly expressed her confidence in Minetree’s talent and character. During a recent event in New York celebrating the release of Elle, Witherspoon became emotional while discussing the actress chosen to continue the Elle Woods story.

As an executive producer on the series, Witherspoon praised Minetree not only for her discipline and acting ability but also for her kindness and strong character. She said meeting Minetree and learning about her life made her feel proud to pass what she called the “pink torch” to the next generation of Elle Woods.

The supporting cast of Elle includes June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Chandler Kinney, Jacob Moskovitz, Gabrielle Policano, and Zac Looker alongside Minetree.

Prime Video will release all eight episodes of Elle on Wednesday, July 1, at 12 a.m. Eastern Time. Ahead of its debut, the series has already secured a second season, signaling strong confidence in the future of the prequel and its new leading actress.

With a fresh cast, a new setting, and a younger version of one of cinema’s most beloved characters, Elle introduces Lexi Minetree as the next actress to carry forward the legacy of Elle Woods. As audiences prepare for the premiere, the upcoming series gives fans an opportunity to see the beginning of Elle’s journey while introducing a rising performer whose career is entering a major new chapter.

Sources

• Prime Video
• Cosmopolitan
• Associated Press (AP)