is expected to begin production between March and July 2025.

According to Deadline, June Diane Raphael has been cast to play Elle’s mom, Eva, a sophisticated and meticulous woman who takes pride in maintaining a flawless image. The role was originally minor in the movies, played by Tane McClure, but the prequel series is set to expand upon the family dynamic behind Elle's unrelenting drive and chic fashion sense.

What This Means For Elle

June Diane Raphael Fleshes Out The Cast

Raphael’s casting is another significant step towards rounding out the Elle cast. She has led a variety of TV comedy programs from Adult Swim's NTSF:SD:SUV:: to the spoof reality dating series Burning Love. In 2015, she took on the role of Brianna Hanson, the sharp and fiery CEO of a successful cosmetics company and the eldest daughter of Grace in Netflix’s hit comedy show Grace and Frankie. While Elle's mom in the Legally Blonde movies was skeptical of her daughter's legal ambitions, Raphael's Eva is set to be a high-powered female mentor for her to look up to.

The announcement of Raphael’s casting comes shortly after Lexi Minetree was confirmed as the young Elle through an open-call audition process. Though a rising star, Minetree has quickly built an impressive resume over the past two years with the 2023 Lifetime thriller The Paramedic Who Stalked Me, followed by The Murdagh Murders, Crowdsource Murder, and the Soviet-era drama Serov. It'll be her first time working with Reese Witherspoon, unlike June Diane Raphael, who made an appearance in two episodes of The Morning Show from Apple TV+.

Our Take On The Latest Casting News For Elle

It's A Strong Start For Elle’s Journey

June Diane Raphael’s casting is sure to bring even more spunk to Elle, adding a seasoned comedic touch to the prequel series. With both Elle and her mother now filled, pre-production is gaining momentum. The series is slated to premiere on Prime Video by late 2025 or early 2026, meaning more ing roles will likely be cast soon. As the ensemble comes together, the foundation is being laid for an entertaining and modern take on Elle Woods’ origin story.

Source: Deadline