Lexi Minetree Elle Woods Audition: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

So, the internet basically had a collective meltdown when Reese Witherspoon posted that video on Instagram. You know the one—where she sits down with this blonde girl who looks so much like a 1996 version of her that it’s actually a little bit spooky. That girl is Lexi Minetree, and she just landed the role of a lifetime in the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.

Everyone wants to know how a relatively unknown actress beats out thousands of hopefuls for a character that is literally a piece of pop culture history. Honestly, the Lexi Minetree Elle Woods audition wasn't just a lucky break; it was a masterclass in how to capture the "Gemini vegetarian" energy without just doing a cheap Reese impression.

The Tape That Changed Everything

Reese Witherspoon didn't hold back when she talked about seeing the submission for the first time. She told Minetree to her face, "When I saw your tape, I was like, 'Are we the same person?'" That’s not a compliment you hear every day from an Oscar winner.

The audition process was an open call. Usually, when big studios say "open call," they’re just doing it for PR and they’ve already cast a celebrity’s daughter. Not this time. While Lexi was repped by Stewart Talent and had a few credits like Law & Order: SVU and The Murdaugh Murders, she wasn't a "name." She was a 24-year-old USC grad who had just finished a double major in Theatre and Public Relations.

What made her stand out? She went full Elle Woods. In her self-tape, she actually recreated the iconic Harvard admissions video from the original 2001 movie. Yes, she was in a pool. Yes, there was a pink bikini. It was bold, it was meta, and it proved she understood the assignment.

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Why Lexi Minetree Fits the '90s High School Vibe

The new show, simply titled Elle, isn't about the courtroom. It’s set in the 90s. We’re talking about Elle Woods before the hair ties and the LSAT scores—back when she was just a high school girl trying to navigate the social hierarchy of Southern California.

• The Look: Lexi actually had brown hair for years. She dyed it blonde on a whim right before this all went down. Talk about timing.
• The Voice: If you watch the reveal video, even Lexi’s mom pointed out that her daughter sounds exactly like Reese. It’s that bubbly, slightly high-pitched but incredibly sharp cadence.
• The Training: She didn't just walk onto the set. She trained at the British American Drama Academy (BADA) in London. She has the technical chops to back up the pink outfits.

What Happened During the "Big Reveal"

The way Lexi found out she got the part was peak Hollywood drama. Reese invited her in under the guise of "making a hard decision." They sat on a couch together—both wearing pink, obviously—and Reese did that thing where she looks super serious for a second to make you sweat.

"You don't have to audition anymore," Reese said. "Because you got the part."

Lexi’s reaction was incredibly human. She didn't have a scripted line ready. She basically blacked out, asked if she could hug Reese, and then immediately called her mom. When her mom picked up, Reese took the phone and said, "Hey Anne, this is Reese Witherspoon." Imagine getting that call on a Tuesday.

The Advice From the OG Elle

Stepping into a role that someone else made legendary is terrifying. People are going to compare them. They’re going to nitpick. Lexi has been pretty open about how Reese is mentoring her through the process.

Instead of telling her to perfect the "bend and snap," Reese gave her much more practical advice: drink water, breathe, and get some sleep. The production for Elle is currently in full swing as of early 2026, and the costume department is reportedly sourcing actual vintage pieces from the 90s to keep it authentic. Lexi has mentioned that playing an optimist like Elle is actually "healthy for her psyche."

Why This Casting Matters for Fans

For a long time, there was a rumor that Reese’s actual daughter, Ava Phillippe, might take the mantle. While Ava is great, casting an "unknown" like Lexi Minetree gives the show a fresh start. It allows the audience to see the character of Elle Woods, not just a celebrity playing a character.

The Lexi Minetree Elle Woods audition proved that the industry is still looking for that specific "it" factor. It’s not just about looking like the original; it’s about capturing the soul of a character who refuses to be underestimated. Lexi is bringing her own "sprinkles of magic" to the role, and from what we've seen of the chemistry between the two Elles, the prequel is in very safe hands.

If you want to keep up with the production, follow Lexi on Instagram—she’s already promised her followers (and Amazon) that she won’t be changing from blonde anytime soon.

Next Steps for Fans:

• Check out Lexi's guest appearance on Law & Order: SVU to see her acting range before the pink wardrobe took over.
• Re-watch the original Legally Blonde admissions video to see exactly which shots Lexi recreated for her winning audition tape.
• Keep an eye on Prime Video's official social channels for the first teaser trailer, which is expected to drop later this year.