Legally Blonde prequel flunks its first test on Rotten Tomatoes, leaving Reese Witherspoon fans disappointed
Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel Elle is flunking its first test with critics, landing a shaky 46% on Rotten Tomatoes and bumming out fans of Reese Witherspoon’s 2001 classic.
Well, gather round, Legally Blonde fans — but maybe don't expect too much. The shiny new prequel TV series, 'Elle', has landed, and let’s just say, the critics have not rolled out the pink carpet. Amazon's Prime Video is chuffed enough to already renew it for a second run, but the reviews? Not so chuffed.
How Rotten Is It?
As of now, 'Elle' is sporting a fairly dismal 46% on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s from 13 critic reviews — and honestly, it’s nothing to get your chihuahua’s tail wagging. Compare that to the original Legally Blonde film, which sits at a much more respectable 75%, and it’s clear something’s been lost in translation. Even the so-called audience Popcornmeter is higher for the 2001 classic, at 72%.
'It’s really abysmal, especially when compared to the original movie it’s connected to.'
Let’s not forget, the original film was an absolute box office monster, pulling in over $140 million worldwide for what was, at the time, a very modest $18 million budget. Not sure the accountants at MGM or Amazon expected that sort of magic again, but this is definitely a rough start.
About That Prequel
In 'Elle', we go back to 1995, before pink handbags and courtroom soliloquies, with Lexi Minetree stepping into the young Elle Woods’ shoes. You might know her from Law & Order: SVU, which is about as far from Malibu as you can get. Anyway, teenage Elle has to move from sunny California to Seattle, a place not exactly famed for sorority life. She tries (and fails, mostly) to make friends, until various Life Events (trailer is vague) kick in and mess with her plans.
The Cast and Crew
- Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods
- June Diane Raphael as Elle’s mum, Eva
- Tom Everett Scott as dad Wyatt
- Jacob Moskovitz, Gabrielle Policano, Chandler Kinney, Zac Looker, Amy Pietz, Brad Harder, Chloe Wepper, Danielle Chand – all appearing in various support roles
Laura Kittrell (previously worked on 'High School' and 'Insecure') is the showrunner, creator, and also executive producer. Joining her at the producer’s table: Caroline Dries, Lauren Neustadter, Amanda Brown (yes, the author of the original Legally Blonde book), Marc Platt, and Brad Van Arragon.
When Can You Watch?
The series drops all eight episodes at once on Prime Video, starting 1 July 2026. And, surprisingly enough, it’ll be back for a second season, critical drubbing notwithstanding.