10 Talented Actors to Portray a Young Reese Witherspoon in the Legally Blonde Prequel

Reese Witherspoon is currently on the lookout for an actress to embody a younger version of Elle Woods in the highly anticipated prequel series, Elle. This project, unveiled in May 2024, serves as a prequel to the iconic 2001 comedy, Legally Blonde. Viewers will have the opportunity to glimpse Elle’s life during her high school years, prior to her journey at Harvard Law School. Given the immense popularity of Legally Blonde, selecting the right actress to portray Elle Woods poses a considerable challenge, yet Hollywood is brimming with talented young actresses.

Several factors are crucial in casting the new Elle. First and foremost, it’s essential for the actress to share a resemblance with Witherspoon’s original portrayal, particularly since the series is a prequel and not a reimagining. Fans will undoubtedly expect to see Elle sporting her signature blonde hair and stylish, preppy attire. Moreover, the selected actress must be able to convincingly portray a strong and vibrant personality that Elle is known for. It might also be beneficial to consider an actress at a pivotal point in her career, one ready to prove herself. Here are ten young actors who could uniquely contribute to the role of Elle.

10 Sabrina Carpenter

An Actress With Plenty Of Personality

Sabrina Carpenter, a prominent name in the realm of young blonde actresses, has made significant strides in the music industry with her recent album, Short n’ Sweet. Prior to her musical success, Carpenter was well-known for her role in Girl Meets World, firmly establishing her as a Disney Channel star. Later, she showcased her versatility in films like Work It and Tall Girl.

Carpenter’s unique situation places her at an interesting crossroads in her career. While she has mainly played youthful characters, her music has ventured into more mature themes. This range positions her well for the role, although her busy concert schedule may hinder immediate availability. Nonetheless, her undeniable talent keeps her as a strong candidate for significant roles in the future.

9 Thomasin McKenzie

A Tour De Force Actress

Another young actress that might not initially spring to mind is Thomasin McKenzie. Known for her standout performances in Jojo Rabbit and Last Night in Soho, McKenzie has proven her range. Though her television career has not gained significant traction, Elle could very well be the breakthrough that changes that trajectory.

McKenzie has typically portrayed characters that differ starkly from Elle. In Jojo Rabbit, her character embodies strength but lacks the overt confidence associated with Elle, while in Last Night in Soho, she presents a more timid persona. This gives McKenzie an opportunity to display her versatility by tackling a more dynamic and confident character like Elle Woods.

8 Sophie Nélisse

A Powerful Performer

Fresh talent often surfaces from acclaimed projects featuring young casts, such as Yellowjackets, from which Sophie Nélisse emerges as an ideal candidate. Nélisse has gained recognition for her portrayal of Shauna, although many may recall her compelling performance in The Book Thief.

Choosing Nélisse for the role of Elle would be intriguing, as she diverges from the expected. Her character in Yellowjackets is fierce and resilient, contrasting sharply with Elle’s playful personality. However, casting Nélisse would allow her to showcase her acting range, demonstrating that she can effectively embody a popular girl type.

7 Angourie Rice

A High School Professional

Angourie Rice makes yet another captivating choice for Elle. Her recent role as Cady Heron in the movie musical Mean Girls showcased her ability to connect with high school characters. She has also starred in other series such as Honor Society and the romantic film Every Day.

At just 24 years old, Rice has repeatedly proven that she can deliver compelling performances as high school students. Her roles have shown her capacity to present vibrant and diverse character personalities—whether she’s portraying the endearingly awkward Cady or the driven character in Honor Society. As Elle, Rice could encapsulate the determination and charm synonymous with the character.

6 Kathryn Newton

An Established Star

Kathryn Newton stands out as a potential candidate for Elle. Having accrued notable roles in both film and TV, including appearances in Supernatural, Freaky, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, she has demonstrated versatility across genres.

What distinguishes Newton is her innate likability. Regardless of the character she portrays, audiences are drawn to her relatability. This quality would enable her to infuse warmth and humanity into Elle Woods, adding to the character’s depth while still embracing her fashionable and energetic exterior.

5 Peyton List

A Rising TV Star

Peyton List, another Disney Channel alum, has broadened her horizons, moving from Disney projects to more mature roles. She gained recognition from her time in Jessie and has since starred in the Paramount+ series School Spirits—a stepping stone in her evolving acting career.

List’s blonde hair and portrayal of often bubbly young female characters resonate with the essence of Elle Woods. In her past roles, she’s navigated the complexities of portraying likable, flawed characters, which can translate beautifully to bring a more nuanced version of Elle to life. With the drama showcased in School Spirits, List is well-equipped to balance comedy with deeper themes for this new character.

4 Emma Myers

The Up-And-Comer

Emma Myers has quickly gained traction since her breakout role as Enid in Wednesday. Transitioning to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, she remains a fresh presence in the industry. Taking on the role of Elle might give her the chance to prove her talent as a leading star rather than solely a supporting character.

Being one of the youngest contenders, Myers captures a youthful essence representative of high school life. Although Hollywood frequently cast older actors in teenage roles, Myers strikes the ideal balance of maturity and vibrancy. Her performance in Wednesday demonstrates her capability to radiate the energy necessary to embody Elle.

3 Meg Donnelly

An Underrated Gem

Meg Donnelly often flies under the radar, yet she’s an ideal candidate for the role of Elle. She gained popularity through the Disney Channel musical movie franchise Zombies in 2018 and later starred in The Winchesters, a role that was sadly cut short after a single season. Now, she is ready for her chance to step into a role that showcases her full capabilities.

Donnelly possesses a look that aligns perfectly with Elle Woods: she is blonde, charming, and has previously embodied the quintessential preppy cheerleader. Her relative anonymity provides her the advantage of being viewed solely as Elle, creating a fresh narrative for audiences without preconceived notions from her past roles.

2 Kiernan Shipka

Born For A New Franchise

Kiernan Shipka is a powerhouse in the realm of young actresses, with an impressive career that began in the early 2000s on Mad Men. She later solidified her name in horror fantasy with leading roles in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and other significant projects like Totally Killer.

While casting her may preclude newer faces from taking on this iconic role, Shipka’s proven talent provides a measure of guarantee for a strong performance. Given her likable personality and extensive experience, she could easily draw in viewers, enhancing the show’s potential appeal.

1 Mckenna Grace

A Mini Reese Witherspoon

At the forefront of potential candidates for the role of Elle is Mckenna Grace. At just 18, Grace has already captivated audiences through performances in The Handmaid’s Tale, the Ghostbusters franchise, and Young Sheldon. She represents an ideal blend of rising star and relatable newcomer, making her a remarkable fit for the part.

With a striking resemblance to a young Reese Witherspoon, Grace has the versatility required to fluidly embody both the girl-next-door persona and the popular girl. This duality is essential for a character like Elle, who navigates the fine line between bubbly charm and fierce determination. Grace holds the potential needed to lead this highly anticipated series, bringing the right balance of energy and relatability to make Elle a prevailing success.

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