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Lexi Minetree has landed the starring role as a young Elle Woods in Elle, the upcoming Prime Video prequel to the iconic 2001 film Legally Blonde. The series was fast-tracked for a second season even before its first season premiered, signaling major confidence in this fresh take on a beloved story.
In a heartwarming video shared on social media in 2025, Reese Witherspoon, the original Elle Woods, personally delivered the good news to Lexi. The clip shows Reese welcoming Lexi into a room and sharing the exciting news during a candid conversation.
“Your audition tape was amazing, as we talked about, and we had to make a really hard decision the other day,” Witherspoon, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, explained. “And we wanted to tell you in person, because you’ve just worked really hard, and we just wanted to tell you that you don’t have to audition anymore — because you got the part. You’re Elle Woods.” Lexi’s reaction was one of pure disbelief, covering her face in emotion. “Really?” she asked, before asking for a hug. Witherspoon admitted she “hadn’t slept in three nights” leading up to the decision, adding, “I wanted to tell you sooner.” The moment was made even more special as Lexi and Witherspoon shared the news with Lexi’s mother, also captured on camera.
Alongside the clip, Lexi shared her excitement in a playful Instagram caption. “ME!!!! yessss:),” she quipped, referencing a memorable line from the film. “Ok ok ok, my brain is going nuts over here I don’t even know where to BEGIN. Probably with the thank you’s…ya that’s a good place to start normally, nice thinking Lexi! Thank you to my family, friends, and reps who believe in me and my silly lil dreams.”
But who *is* the actress stepping into Elle Woods’ perfectly pink shoes? Here’s what we know about Lexi Minetree.
Lexi Minetree’s Southern Roots
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Like Witherspoon, Lexi hails from the South. She was born in Georgia, while Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
She’s a USC Graduate
The new Elle Woods pursued her education in Southern California, attending the University of Southern California and earning a double major in theater and public relations, according to her LinkedIn profile. She graduated in 2024.
Lexi Already Has On-Screen Experience
Lexi is no stranger to the camera. She has already appeared in several television series, including The Paramedic Who Stalked Me in 2023, Law & Order: SVU in 2024, and Hot Take: Murdaugh Murders, also in 2023.
She Trained at the British American Drama Academy
In addition to her studies at USC, Lexi honed her craft at BADA, the British American Drama Academy, in London.
A Blonde Transformation
As showcased on her Instagram page, Lexi wasn’t always a blonde. She embraced a hair transformation with a “random whim to change [her] hair,” as she shared in an Instagram post when she landed the role of Elle.
