Prequel series 'Elle' brings Legally Blonde's iconic character back to high school

Twenty-five years after Elle Woods first charmed audiences in "Legally Blonde," the character is making a comeback in a new prequel series titled "Elle." The original 2001 film, starring Reese Witherspoon as the iconic fashion-forward law student, followed Elle's journey from a seemingly superficial sorority girl to a Harvard Law standout who defied expectations.

The new series, set in 1995, delves into Elle's high school years. Viewers meet a 16-year-old Elle, portrayed by newcomer Lexi Minetree, as her seemingly perfect life in Los Angeles is disrupted by a move to Seattle. The transition to Rainier West High School proves challenging, mirroring Elle's later struggles at Harvard, where she faced prejudice due to her appearance and perceived lack of intelligence.

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Pink is not a personality.

In her new environment, Elle grapples with fitting in while staying true to herself. The series introduces new friends, Dustin and Liz, and a potential love interest, Miles. A reference to the movie "Mean Girls" highlights the high school's social hierarchy, forcing Elle to find her place. The core theme revolves around the struggle for identity and the question of whether one can be both intelligent and fun, challenging the notion that women are often reduced to a single characteristic.

"Elle" aims to capture the spirit of the original film, exploring Elle's resilience and unwavering belief in positivity. Despite facing judgment and stereotypes, such as being told "pink is not a personality," Elle remains loyal to her authentic self. The series promises to revisit the original movie's central question: are women always seen as fitting into just one box?

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The assignment is actually quite impossible. If I say I'm fabulous, will they think I'm not down to earth? If I choose intelligence, will they know that I'm also fun?