The prequel series to the beloved comedy "Legally Blonde" is set to take audiences back to Elle Woods' formative years. Reese Witherspoon, now 48, expressed her excitement about the project in a recent interview with PEOPLE. The series will explore the high school days of future lawyer Elle Woods, showcasing her journey before she became the iconic character from the 2001 film and its sequel. Witherspoon shared that casting for the young version of herself has begun, and she is thrilled by the enthusiastic young actresses auditioning for the role. This new venture promises to delve deeper into Elle's early life, revealing how she navigated adolescence with her unique personality and intelligence.

Witherspoon's portrayal of Elle Woods in the original "Legally Blonde" not only solidified her status as a leading actress but also introduced a memorable character who defied stereotypes. In the film, Elle, a fashion-forward sorority girl, enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her true potential and prove her intellectual prowess. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $140 million worldwide and earning two Golden Globe nominations. Now, fans can look forward to exploring Elle's teenage years through this new Prime Video series, which was announced last May. The series aims to offer fresh insights into how Elle developed her distinct character traits during her younger years.

During an interview with PEOPLE, Witherspoon, alongside her co-star Will Ferrell from the upcoming Prime Video comedy "You're Cordially Invited," joked about offering Ferrell a supporting role in the prequel series—as Elle's Chihuahua, Bruiser. She mentioned that the original dog who played Bruiser has since passed away, necessitating a new "support animal" for the series. This lighthearted moment highlights the playful nature of Witherspoon's approach to her projects.

Audiences have much to anticipate as the prequel series delves into the early life of Elle Woods. By revisiting her high school days, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the character's development and the origins of her resilience and charm. Witherspoon's involvement as both an executive producer and originator of the role ensures that the essence of Elle Woods will remain intact, promising a delightful experience for fans old and new.