Lexi Minetree is the latest darling of America.

      "A fellow blonde! I love it," exclaims the cheerful Lexi Minetree as she joins our Zoom call. I share a secret with her: my blonde isn’t natural. "Mine isn't either," she replies. Here we are, two natural brunettes connecting over the demanding maintenance of blonde hair. Fortunately for Minetree, she has a team of professionals to maintain her glossy golden locks continuously. This is just one of the many perks of portraying the iconic Elle Woods in Amazon Prime Video's prequel series, Elle. Minetree bears a striking resemblance to Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods—with her blonde hair, heart-shaped face, crystal-blue eyes, and petite build. However, portraying such a cherished and globally recognized character requires more than just looks. Minetree skillfully captures Elle’s high-pitched voice, energetic mannerisms, and unapologetic confidence throughout the series' initial eight episodes. (Season 2 has already been filmed.) It's no wonder the 25-year-old actress stood out among thousands of hopefuls.

      In Elle, we find our main character in 1995, long before she faced the challenges of Harvard Law School, grappling with the trials of high school. When her family relocates from their sunny Bel Air home to the dreary, grunge-influenced Seattle, Elle finds herself (dressed head-to-toe in pink) feeling out of place. But Elle Woods never shies away from a challenge. With her young Bruiser by her side, she will overcome any hurdle while also striving to secure her dream internship at Cosmopolitan magazine. What, like it's hard?

      First things first, your Elle Woods blonde is perfect. How did you achieve this shade? I actually went blonde before the open call was even announced. Many assume I changed my color after booking the role, but it was more of a serendipitous coincidence. I’m the type of person to impulsively say, "I want bangs," and then do it the next day, regretting it immediately. Having just graduated college, I thought, "I’m entering a new phase of my life," and desired a significant change because my natural hair is brown. Given my limited budget, I began visiting salon schools for help. You pay $30, and they will do your hair. They do a fantastic job, but since they are students, my hair became a patchwork of different styles. Upon booking the role, the hairstylist exclaimed, "Oh dear God, what have you done to your hair?!" They then brought in several experts to help correct it and make it look good.

      I know Reese Witherspoon has mentioned that the color is quite specific. They refer to it as a buttery blonde. Today, ashy blonde is popular, but if you rewatch the movie, her hair features warmer tones rather than the cooler silver tones of ashy blonde. So they aim to maintain that warmth. Their expertise is truly impressive. People often think I’m a natural blonde. When I tell them I'm actually brunette, they’re shocked! My roots will inevitably show, and that's when I know the look has been nailed.

      Let’s rewind to the beginning. Your audition tape was quite remarkable. How did it come together? I believe the open call was announced at the end of September or early October, and as soon as it was public, five of my friends texted me saying, "You have to audition for this; you look just like her!" I thought, "Of course, I’ll audition, but so will everyone else." However, when you decide to do something, go all in. They required a self-tape and a slate, which includes your name, height, location, and a 30-second explanation of why you would be a good Elle Woods. I had this lightbulb moment—much like Elle’s lightbulb moments. I thought, "I need to recreate her Harvard admission video." Their goal isn't really to hear why I should be Elle Woods but rather to find someone who can embody her. What’s more Elle than making your slate a grand production? I was home filming something else, so I wrote the script, filmed it, and edited it myself, complete with music. I spent hours on it, thinking, "Oh gosh, casting might never see this, but if they do, I think they'll appreciate it." And it seems they did.

      Legally Blonde was released the year you were born. What's your earliest memory of the film? Oh goodness, it feels like I've known that movie my whole life. What's wonderful about Legally Blonde is that it appeals to audiences of all ages. You could show it to a younger child, and most of the mature jokes would fly right over their heads, yet adults can enjoy it too. I think I watched it when I was quite young; it’s a movie with great rewatchability. It’s incredible