Elle Woods

Elle Woods is a fictional character from the Legally Blonde franchise, created by Amanda Brown in her 2001 novel of the same name. Woods is known for her blonde hair and bubbly personality, and was received by many audiences as an inspiring character and "feminist icon". The character was portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film adaptation, which follows Woods' transformation from a sorority girl focused on a future with her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, to a successful student at Harvard Law School. Witherspoon later reprised the role in the sequel film Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003). A younger version of the character will be portrayed by Lexi Minetree in the prequel television series Elle (2026). Woods is also the protagonist in the 2007 stage musical adaptation of the first film, a role originated by Laura Bell Bundy and later portrayed by various actresses over time.