Reese Witherspoon is currently looking for an actress to portray a younger version of Elle Woods in the upcoming prequel series,Elle, and the following young performers would be the ideal candidates. Announced back in May 2024,Elleis a prequel to the beloved 2001 comedy,Legally Blonde.In the series, audiences will get to see Elle before she took on Harvard Law School, getting a sneak peek at her high school self.ConsideringLegally Blonde’spopularity, casting a new Elle Woods is going to be a risky task, but Hollywood has an abundance of talented young actresses.
There are a few elements that are vital whencasting the new Elle. First and foremost, it seems important that the actress somewhat resembles the character, and Witherspoon herself. Since this is a prequel, and not a reimagining,audiences will be expecting Elle’s typical blonde-haired, preppy look. On top of that, the actress will have to prove that she has the acting chops to take on a strong personality such as Elle’s. However, it may also be beneficial to choose an actress that has something to prove. Either way, the following ten actors could bring something different to the role.
10Sabrina Carpenter
An Actress With Plenty Of Personality
When thinking about popular young blonde actresses, one name that immediately comes to mind is Sabrina Carpenter. At the moment, the 25-year-old has taken the music world by storm withher latest album,Short n' Sweet.However, before her musical rise to fame,Carpenter was best known as a Disney Channel actress, getting her start onGirl Meets World.Since then, she has appeared in projects likeWork ItandTall Girl.
Carpenter is an interesting case because she is at a unique point in her career. In terms of acting, her most notable roles have been in children’s entertainment, but on the other hand, her music career has been much more risqué. In this way,Carpenter can certainly play a high schooler, but this may not be her prerogativeat the moment. Plus, with her current concert tour, she is likely too busy to take onElle.Regardless, she should not be counted out for big roles like this in the future due to her undeniable talent.
9Thomasin McKenzie
A Tour De Force Actress
Unlike Carpenter, an actress you may not think of right away when considering the new Elle Woods is Thomasin McKenzie. The New Zealand actress is best-known for appearing inJojo RabbitandLast Night in Soho.Though McKenzie has appeared on the small screen before, none of her TV projects have found notable success. In this way,Ellecould be her new claim to fame, though she would definitely have something to prove.
For the most part, McKenzie has played roles that are quite different from Elle.
For the most part, McKenzie has played roles that are quite different from Elle. InJojo Rabbit,she is a fierce young woman, but does not have the luxury of being overtly confident or sassy. Similarly, inLast Night in Soho,she takes on a more quiet and vulnerable role. Regardless of this,McKenzie is ridiculously talented, and if given the chance, she could show that she is capable of playing a totally different kind of female character.
8Sophie Nélisse
A Powerful Performer
The best way to find young talent is to look at the best movies and TV shows with young casts. One such project isYellowjackets,and a perfect pick fromtheYellowjacketscastis Sophie Nélisse. Nélisse isa Canadian actress who has risen to fame recently for portraying Shauna inYellowjackets,though some might remember her earlier performance in 2013’sThe Book Thief.Nélisse is another actress who completely dominates the screen, even if she’s never quite played a character like Elle before.
It would be incredibly interesting to see an actress like Nélisse take on the role of Elle because she is a bit unexpected. InYellowjackets,Nélisse is fierce and tough, lacking any of the teenage frivolity that is inherent in Elle. If anything, herYellowjacketscounterpart, Jackie, is a better fit. However,giving Nélisse the role of Elle could open up an opportunity for her to showcase a different side of herself. Just looking at her, Nélisse could definitely portray a bedazzled popular girl if she needed to.
7Angourie Rice
A High School Professional
One last unexpected pick for Elle is Angourie Rice. In 2024,Rice made a name for herself by taking on the role of Cady Heron in the movie musicalMean Girls.Before that, she appeared inHonor Society,alongside Gaten Matarazzo, and the 2018 sci-fi romance,Every Day.Although Rice does not have the typical blonde appearance of Elle Woods, she certainly has the acting experience to make the part work.
Legally Blonde TV Series: Reese Witherspoon Shares Casting Call For Elle Woods Role
Original star Reese Witherspoon announces a casting call for the teenage Elle Woods in Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series.
Despite being 24-years-old, Rice has proven again and again that she can ace the role of a high school student. Not only that, but she can transform these characters' personalities in interesting ways. As Cady, Rice is awkward and adorable. InHonor Society,she is ambitious and slightly devious. In this way,Rice could certainly embody Elle’s determination while also channeling her popular girl attitude. Plus,Ellecould truly put Rice’s name on the map.
6Kathryn Newton
An Established Star
Although it would be nice to seeElleutilize more unknown actresses, one established actress that could ace the role is Kathryn Newton.Newton has been in the acting game for quite a long time, racking up roles in movies and television, includingSupernatural, Freaky, Abigail,andLisa Frankenstein.Newton has proven that she can play dark, weird, and naive, so Elle would be a welcome change for the actress.
The thing that makesNewton such a great candidate is that she’s completely likable. No matter what role she takes on, she is able to captivate audiences and make them root for her. Through her rough exterior, she has a heart of gold and a perfect sense of relatability. This is ideal for Elle who, despite all her fashion and energy, is just another young woman. Newton could definitely bring the humanity to Elle Woods.
5Peyton List
A Rising TV Star
AnotherDisney Channel alumwho could take on the role of Elle is Peyton List. After getting her start on the Disney Channel series,Jessie,List took on various minor roles in movies, and continued making a name for herself in children’s entertainment. More recently, though,List has proven her talent in the leading role of the Paramount+ series,School Spirits,and this could just be the start of an impressive adult career.
School Spiritsseason 2 premieres on June 24, 2025.
Not only does List have the typical blonde look of Elle, butshe also portrayed a hyper-feminine, slightly oblivious young woman for much of her career.InJessie,List got plenty of practice at playing this type of character who is both flawed and admirable. Now,Ellecould be a new version of that, with more maturity and depth. Plus, List’s experience onSchool Spiritshas proven that she can do drama as well, giving her all the tools for a successful dramedy.
4Emma Myers
The Up-And-Comer
Another young actress who only recently made her TV debut is Emma Myers.The American actress first entered the spotlight in 2022 when she portrayed the werewolf EnidinWednesday.From there, Myers transitioned to the murder mystery,A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,yet the actress still has plenty to prove to audiences. Arguably,Ellecould be the perfect opportunity to show that she is just as good at being a star as she is a sidekick.
Myers is a strong contender on this list because she is one of the youngest of them all.Elleis supposed to be set in high school, and though Hollywood has a record of casting older actors as teenagers, Myers would be a good happy medium. Though not an actual high schooler, she still evokes a sense of youth. Furthermore,Myers has shown inWednesdaythat she can bring the positive energy that Elle needs to exude, and not every actress can say the same.
3Meg Donnelly
An Underrated Gem
One actress who is perfect forElle,but who may have gone under audiences' radar, is Meg Donnelly. Yet another Disney alum,Donnelly rose to fame in 2018 when she starred in the Disney Channel musical movie,Zombies.This franchise sustained her for several years until 2022, when she took on a leading role inThe Winchesters,which unfortunately, was canceled after only one season. In this way, Donnelly deserves another chance to show that she can go beyondDisney original movies.
Donnelly would also be a strong contender because she isn’t super well known.
Donnelly is another actress who has the perfect look for Elle Woodsand the resume to prove it. She is blonde, beautiful, and played the preppy cheerleader type inZombiesthat would be ideal forElle.Donnelly would also be a strong contender because she isn’t super well known. Where other actresses may overcrowd the show with their reputations, Donnelly is something of a blank slate, which means audiences can truly attach her to Elle rather than any other character.
2Kiernan Shipka
Born For A New Franchise
When it comes to experienced young actresses, none have the resume of Kiernan Shipka. The 25-year-old’s career began in the early 2000s when she played Don Draper’s daughter inMad Men.From there, she transitioned into more young adult content, taking on the leading role inThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.More recently,she has appeared in major projects such asLonglegs, The Last Showgirl,andTotally Killer.All in all, Shipka is on an acting role andEllewould be the cherry on top.
Kiernan Shipka’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows
Following her breakout role on Mad Men, Kiernan Shipka’s best movies and TV shows have showcased an impressive young career.
Once again, Shipka’s casting would prevent a more unknown actress from getting the role, but it would also guarantee that an experienced and talented performer leads the new series. AlthoughEllewill already garner plenty of viewers due to its source material,Shipka herself could also persuade viewers to watch the show.All in all, Shipka has a great personality and would be incredibly likable as Elle Woods.
1Mckenna Grace
A Mini Reese Witherspoon
Last but not least, one of the best options to play the new Elle Woods is McKenna Grace.Grace is an 18-year-old actress who has appeared inThe Handmaid’s Tale,theGhostbustersfranchise, andYoung Sheldon.In comparison to the other women on this list, Grace is the perfect mix of popular and under the radar. Though she has taken on at least one significant franchise role so far, she may still be relatively new to audiences, giving her the chance to really embody Elle.
The Legally Blonde Musical Actually Does 1 Huge Thing Better Than The Movie
The Legally Blonde Broadway musical faithfully recaptures the movie’s humor and charm, and actually makes improvements in this important way.
On top of that, Grace has the perfect look for Elle.She could most definitely be compared to a young Reese Witherspoon, and she has a personality that could convey both girl-next-door and popular mean girl. Ultimately, balancing on this line is vital for whoever plays Elle. Grace has the talent to lead a highly-anticipated TV show, and has just the right energy to makeEllea success.
