Prime Video locks in Legally Blonde prequel Elle with July premiere and early Season Two renewal
Prime Video has set a July 1 premiere for Elle, the long-awaited Legally Blonde prequel series from the Reese Witherspoon-owned Hello Sunshine and Amazon MGM Studios – and, in a show of confidence before a single episode has aired, has already ordered a second season.
The series will launch exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, positioning Elle as one of the platform’s biggest global franchise plays of the year.
Set years before the original 2001 film, Season One follows Elle Woods in high school, tracing the formative experiences that shaped the character into the cultural icon first played by Witherspoon.
With the early renewal, Prime Video is signalling not just belief in the show, but in the enduring power of one of Hollywood’s most recognisable millennial-era IPs – now retooled for a new generation.
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‘A dream come true’ to return to Elle Woods
Witherspoon, who originated the role and now serves as an executive producer, said the project has been deeply personal.
“Twenty-five 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,” she said.
“Discovering Lexi Minetree and watching her step into Elle’s fabulous shoes has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I think our series’ themes of kindness, authenticity, and self-belief will resonate deeply with fans of the original films and new audiences alike.
“Working with our incredible Hello Sunshine team, Amazon and our visionary writers and directors to bring Elle’s high school journey to life has been a tremendous joy. I can’t wait to share Season One with the world and start rolling cameras on Season Two!”
Minetree leads the series as a teenage Woods, stepping into a role that has become shorthand for ambition, optimism and unapologetic femininity.
A franchise bet with global intent
Amazon MGM Studios’ Global Head of Television, Peter Friedlander, said the early renewal reflects confidence in the show’s creative direction and long-term potential.
“Elle captures the heart, confidence, and optimism that made Elle Woods an enduring cultural icon, while giving audiences a fresh and deeply personal coming-of-age story,” he said.
“Ordering a second season speaks to our belief in the creative vision and the incredible team behind the series, and we’re excited for audiences to experience Elle’s journey starting with Season One.”
The move mirrors a broader industry trend: locking in second seasons early for franchise-backed titles to build momentum, retain audiences, and reduce the lag that can stall fan engagement between seasons.
Behind the series
Elle is created by Laura Kittrell (High School, Insecure), who co-showruns and executive produces alongside Caroline Dries.
Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Marc Platt and Amanda Brown also serve as executive producers.
Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) directed the first two episodes of Season One and is also an executive producer.
A new generation of Woods
The Season One cast includes:
• Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods
• June Diane Raphael as her mother, Eva
• Tom Everett Scott as her father, Wyatt
Also starring are Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, Chandler Kinney and Zac Looker.
Recurring cast members include Jessica Belkin, Logan Shroyer, Amy Pietz, Matt Ober, Chloe Wepper, David Burtka, Brad Harder, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada and James Van Der Beek.
For Prime Video, Elle isn’t just a nostalgia play – it’s a strategic bet on the staying power of a character who continues to resonate across generations. With Season Two already locked in, the streamer is clearly backing Woods to walk, talk and win again.