Prime Video Releases First Season of Legally Blonde Prequel Elle

Prime Video released the first season of its Legally Blonde prequel series Elle on Wednesday. The show centers on the character as a high school student who leaves her life in Bel Air and adjusts to a less affluent environment in Seattle. The 25-year-old lead actress secured the role after submitting an audition tape that recreated a scene from the 2001 film.

She filmed the tape at her house, edited it, and added a Smash Mouth song.

Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the series, announced the casting in May 2025. The lead actress said Witherspoon has been supportive and sent her a clip from the original film to illustrate the character's approach to conflict. The actress said she watched the 2001 film 150 times while preparing for the role.

A co-star said the lead actress studied the original portrayal but aimed to bring her own experiences to the part.

Amazon ordered a second season before the first season aired. The lead actress said the early renewal allowed the cast and crew to film the follow-up season while maintaining a sense of ownership over the project. She noted that the second season allows the story to move past introductions and focus on the character's situations.

The actress also said she has reduced her use of pink clothing outside of work.