In the July issue of Episode Magazine, Oben Budak spoke with Elle stars Lexi Minetree and Tom Everett Scott about the Prime Video series.
The iconic Legally Blonde franchise of the 2000s returns with Elle, a Prime Video prequel starring Lexi Minetree. Set in the halls of Beverly Hills High, the series offers a nostalgic yet refreshingly modern coming-of-age journey. We sat down with the new generation’s Elle Woods, who inherits Reese Witherspoon’s legacy, along with Tom Everett Scott, to discuss the past and the future of this beloved story.
Adapted from Amanda Brown’s novel of the same name, Legally Blonde remains synonymous with the vibrant energy of the early 2000s, the joy brought by the color pink, and one of cinema’s most iconic characters, Elle Woods. Released in 2001, the cult classic broke stereotypes while celebrating intelligence, confidence, and female empowerment with unmistakable style. Twenty-five years later, its impact feels as vivid as ever. Now, Prime Video takes audiences back to 1995. Although marketed as a prequel, the eight-episode series often feels more like a contemporary and alternative reimagining.
The story follows Elle Woods during her years at Beverly Hills High, where she shines while struggling to balance popularity with intellectual ambition. Her character arc mirrors the transformation seen in the original film so closely that it almost feels as though the young heroine experiences the same journey of self-discovery twice.
At her new school, Elle’s classmates are not immediately won over by her habit of quoting Cosmo magazine from memory or accessorizing everything in sight. As she tries to find her place within California’s popular crowd, the school’s reigning queen bee, Kimberly (Chandler Kinney), makes life difficult for her. Meanwhile, her growing friendship with activist student Dustin (Zac Looker) reveals that Elle is far more than a fashion icon, showing her determination to fight for justice on behalf of mistreated school staff.
One of Lexi Minetree’s greatest achievements in portraying this younger version of Elle is resisting the temptation to imitate Reese Witherspoon’s legendary performance. Instead, she honors the spirit Reese brought to the character while infusing Elle with her own experiences and personality.
The series’ visual identity and soundtrack deliver a true celebration of the 1990s. From the moment Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” opens the pilot episode, the aesthetic draws viewers into the era through its wardrobe, atmosphere, and carefully crafted style. Elle pays tribute to its legacy while reminding today’s audiences of the determined and resilient spirit behind those signature pink glasses.
Legally Blonde is an iconic legacy that has empowered women across generations. I still remember the incredible impact the original film had when it was released. Now we have Elle. What was the dynamic like on set? One of you experienced that era firsthand, while the other only knows it through stories. As you honored the past while shaping these characters’ future, did your relationship develop into something like a mentor-student or even father-daughter bond?
TOM EVERETT SCOTT: Honestly, when I first started, I thought to myself, “I’ve been doing this for years, Lexi is just beginning her career. I’ll give her lots of advice and help guide her.” But the moment I met her, I completely changed my mind and thought, “Actually, I’m going to learn from Lexi.” She was incredible from start to finish—not only a wonderful scene partner but also extremely disciplined, hardworking, and someone who carried herself through this entire experience with remarkable grace.
LEXI MINETREE: Tom is so kind. I have to say that June and Tom, who play my parents in the series, became the best on-screen parents I could have asked for. The biggest thing I learned from Tom was the way he came to set every single day with such positive energy. He was kind to everyone and genuinely a wonderful person. Working with him was a real gift.
You had wonderful chemistry. Lexi, rather than simply copying Reese Witherspoon’s iconic performance—which would have been the easier route, but one you wisely avoided—how did you build this version of the character in such a personal and authentic way?
LEXI MINETREE: When I first approached the character, I wanted to find a balance. I wanted to honor what Reese created, but I was also very aware that I was playing a much younger version of Elle. After all, we all change as we grow up. And I also knew that I’m not Reese Witherspoon.
She brought unique qualities to the role that made Elle so special, and I could never replicate that. But I also had my own life experiences that I could bring to the character. I felt incredibly lucky because Reese really trusted me with Elle. I think she saw something in me that reminded her of both herself and the character. More than anything, I just wanted to be honest.
I didn’t want to become a caricature of Elle Woods. Of course, I worked extensively on technical details like her voice and the way she walks because Elle has such distinctive mannerisms. Every morning before going on set, I would do exercises to get into that rhythm. But once the cameras rolled, my focus was simply on being truthful and fully present with my fellow actors, who gave me so much room to explore.
Tom, your character Wyatt carries a deep sense of guilt after making a major mistake that forces his family to relocate to Seattle. How did you balance that emotional weight with his charming and comedic side?
TOM EVERETT SCOTT: I think Wyatt tries very hard to cover up both his mistake and his guilt. That’s why he’s determined to make the Seattle experience as fun and exciting as possible for everyone. He throws himself completely into Seattle culture—he gets into coffee, discovers grunge music, goes hiking in the mountains, rides bicycles… Basically, he embraces everything so enthusiastically that, after a while, he starts becoming just a little annoying to everyone around him. (Laughs.)
LEXI MINETREE: He’s definitely trying to run away from the consequences of his actions! But what I love is that the story eventually forces him to confront those choices in a really meaningful way. I also think it’s incredibly valuable that the series explores the struggles between Elle’s parents and how they deal with those challenges. No matter what they’re going through, they always try to protect their children from it. I think many parents will relate to trying to solve their own problems while also striving to be good role models for their kids.
What was your favorite ’90s element or song that helped you get into character?
LEXI MINETREE: I absolutely love Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.” To me, that song perfectly captures the spirit of Elle Woods. It’s also the very first song you hear when you start the pilot episode.
TOM EVERETT SCOTT: For me, it was definitely the costumes! Visually, the series has such a beautiful aesthetic that the wardrobe instantly transports you right back to the heart of the 1990s.
