“Elle” is a new eight-part prequel to the film “Legally Blonde,” following high school senior Elle Woods as she moves from Bel Air to Seattle. Reese Witherspoon is an executive producer on the series and played a key role behind the scenes, particularly in casting her iconic role.

Lexi Maintree stars in the new series “Elle.” She plays a high school senior whose life is turned upside down when she leaves Bel Air for Seattle.

“The whole series was her idea,” executive producer Lauren Neustadter told People. — And then we just picked her up and developed her.

According to the creators, 50-year-old Witherspoon really wanted to hold an open casting call to find the new Elle Woods.

She really believed that Elle Woods should be an example and give every young woman faith in herself and the opportunity to try her hand if she wants to. The casting announcement was published in September 2024. We received thousands and thousands of videos, – and we really liked Lexi, – recalls Neustadter.

Witherspoon personally approved the choice of Lexi Maintree for the role in the series.

I have to tell you, when I saw Lexi in the video, it blew me away. It took my breath away. She is simply an incredible person. She told me about her life, about her family, and things that just showed me her character, and I’m very proud to pass the baton to her, ‘ Reese said.

The series premieres on Wednesday, July 1st.