‘Elle’ Showrunners Discuss Lexi Minetree’s Role and James Van Der Beek’s Final Performance
9 reported
The showrunners of the Prime Video series “Elle,” a prequel to “Legally Blonde,” discussed the casting of newcomer Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods and the late James Van Der Beek’s role in the show. The series, set in 1995, follows Elle Woods in high school after her family moves from Bel-Air to Seattle. Van Der Beek, who died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, played school superintendent and mayoral candidate Dean Wilson, a character revealed as the ringleader of a school funds scheme. The showrunners noted that Van Der Beek was in treatment for Stage 3 colorectal cancer while filming and that his role was his final performance. The series was renewed for a second season in January, and Amazon reported it was the most-viewed show on Prime Video in its first week of release.
What’s reported
“Elle” is a “Legally Blonde” prequel series streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video, set in 1995.
The show follows Elle Woods in high school after her family moves from Bel-Air to Seattle.
Lexi Minetree, a newcomer, plays Elle Woods.
James Van Der Beek played school superintendent and mayoral candidate Dean Wilson, who is revealed as the ringleader of a school funds scheme.
Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, and was in treatment for Stage 3 colorectal cancer while filming.
The role was Van Der Beek’s final performance, commemorated with a special dedication.
Amazon renewed the series for a second season in January.
Amazon reported “Elle” was the most-viewed show on Prime Video in its first week of release.
The first season has eight episodes titled with quotes from the 2001 film “Legally Blonde.”
Key figures
Laura Kittrell: Show creator and co-showrunner
Caroline Dries: Co-showrunner
Lexi Minetree: Actress playing Elle Woods
James Van Der Beek: Actor playing Dean Wilson (deceased)
Tom Everett Scott: Actor playing Wyatt Woods
June Diane Raphael: Actress playing Eva Woods
Jason Moore: Executive producer
Sources: Variety
