Bringing an iconic character back to the screen comes with enormous expectations, but for Elle star Lexi Minetree, the experience was made even more memorable by sharing the set with a beloved television veteran. As anticipation builds for Prime Video's Legally Blonde prequel, the young actress has been reflecting on the people who helped shape the series behind the scenes.

Among those was James Van Der Beek, whose presence left a lasting impression on the cast during production. As the prequel prepares to introduce fans to a younger Elle Woods, Minetree's heartfelt memories offer another reason audiences are looking forward to the show's debut.

Speaking to Deadline during Prime Video's Obsessed Fest, Lexi Minetree looked back fondly on working alongside Van Der Beek, who portrays Dean Wilson in Elle. She described the late actor as someone who instantly made those around him feel welcome and praised the energy he brought to every scene.

"He's wonderful. It was incredible working with him," Minetree said. "He's so charismatic, and I'm so excited for people to get to see his performance, because he just brought so much life to this character, and to set, honestly," she spoke.

She added that meeting him for the first time filled her with warmth and recalled how he even brought his daughters to the set, making the experience even more special. Lexi Minetree also shared that fans are in for a treat when they see his performance and admitted the cast misses him dearly. According to the actress, Van Der Beek's kindness and charisma left a lasting impression on everyone who had the chance to work alongside him.

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As excitement grows around the emotional significance of Van Der Beek's appearance, Lexi Minetree is also preparing to introduce viewers to a fresh take on one of cinema's most beloved characters.

Stepping into Reese Witherspoon's iconic role is perhaps no small task, but Lexi Minetree earned the opportunity after being personally selected by Witherspoon following a worldwide casting search that drew more than 10,000 hopefuls. The actress admitted the scale of the audition process still feels surreal and said she remains proud of what the creative team has accomplished.

Set in the 1990s, Elle follows a teenage Elle Woods as she navigates high school in Seattle, offering a new fish-out-of-water story that contrasts her bright personality with the city's grunge culture. Alongside younger versions of familiar characters, the series also introduces Elle's stylish Chihuahua Bruiser's origin story, as well as her parents, Wyatt Woods and Eva Woods, expanding the beloved franchise's universe.

While Elle serves as an origin story for one of pop culture's most recognizable heroines, it also carries added emotional weight through James Van Der Beek's final television performance. Combined with Lexi Minetree's fresh take on Elle Woods, the series promises both nostalgia and new beginnings when it premieres.

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Are you excited to watch Elle and see James Van Der Beek's final TV performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!