Unveiling The Secrets Behind Legally Blonde: Facts You Didn’t Know

What, like it’s hard? For years, fans have been quoting Legally Blonde and its very relatable main character, glamour girl turned Harvard law student, Elle Woods. But do they know it was based on a real-life person? Legally Blonde first hit theaters in 2001, with a sequel later released in 2003 following Elle after she graduated. Twenty years later, even the movie’s biggest fans might not know every secret behind the film. Read on for some of the facts about the hit film.

The Movie is Based on a Book Inspired by a Real-Life Story

Before Elle, there was Amanda Brown. The real-life Brown attended Stanford Law, apparently due to its proximity to the Stanford Shopping Center. She first got the idea for her novel Legally Blonde by compiling all her funny stories and letters from her time studying law at the prestigious university. Although she never graduated, she still used her experiences for something greater.

Brown transformed her stories into a comedy novel, creating fan-favorite characters like Elle and her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III. She said, “I wrote it all on pink paper, with my pink furry pen,” and noted that she found an agent who picked up her work because it was unique and eye-catching.

Christina Applegate Was Almost Cast as Elle

Reese Witherspoon counts Elle as one of her most iconic roles, catapulting her into A-list stardom. However, the role was almost given to someone else entirely—Christina Applegate. In an interview, Applegate revealed that she passed on the role to avoid being typecast as a stereotypical dumb blonde after portraying a similar character in the sitcom Married With Children.

Reflecting on her decision, Applegate remarked, “What a stupid move that was, right? Reese deserved that. She did a much better job than I ever could.” This statement highlights just how significant the role became for Witherspoon’s career.

Witherspoon Spent Time with Real Sorority Members

To prepare for her role, Witherspoon engaged with several sorority members to understand their behaviors, speech, and lifestyle. “I went to dinner with them. It’s sort of like an anthropological study,” she explained. This level of preparation helped her portray Elle authentically.

The experience, which she shared with costume designer Sophie de Rakoff, also established pink as Elle’s signature color. De Rakoff recalled, “It was just obvious that pink should be her signature color,” which became a defining element of Elle’s character.

Bend and Snap Was Created in a 'Drunken Moment in a Bar'

One of the film's most iconic moves, the "bend and snap," came about during an impromptu moment. Co-writer Karen McCullah shared that while searching for Paulette, Elle’s beauty shop friend, she generated the idea while at a bar. “What if Elle shows [Paulette] a move so she can get the UPS guy?” she recalled thinking, leading to a spontaneous invention born from creativity and fun.

Witherspoon Had Just Given Birth When She Took on the Role

At the time of filming Legally Blonde, Witherspoon was a new mother. She had just given birth to her daughter Ava, which posed challenges during production. In interviews, she discussed how her daughter was often sick, which led to sleepless nights. Witherspoon credited her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe for providing support during this chaotic time.

“I couldn’t have done it without Ryan’s support,” she shared. “He kept telling me that everything was going to work out fine.” This demonstrates the importance of support systems during challenging periods in life.

Chloë Sevigny Almost Played Vivian

Just as Witherspoon had her near miss, Selma Blair almost didn’t get to star as Vivian, Warner’s new Harvard girlfriend. The role was initially offered to Chloë Sevigny, who ultimately chose to work on the French film Demonlover instead. “I wasn’t offered the lead in Legally Blonde. It was, I think, the friend,” she clarified about rumors she turned down the film.

Witherspoon Kept All 60 Outfits from the Film

Witherspoon cherished Elle’s fashion sense, revealing that she kept all 60 outfits from the film. She showcased her collection in the series Get Organized with The Home Edit, highlighting the timelessness of her character’s style. Back in 2016, she shared a video trying on some of the clothes, including Elle’s iconic pink bikini, emphasizing her attachment to the character.

Matthew Davis Had a Huge Crush on Witherspoon

The actor who played Warner, Matthew Davis, admitted to having a crush on Witherspoon since he was a teenager. He recalled feeling nervous on set due to his admiration, leading the producers to check on him. “I was such a bumbling idiot with her,” he confessed, showcasing the impact of celebrity crushes on personal interactions.

Despite his nerves, Witherspoon handled the situation professionally, responding to Davis with kindness and encouragement to focus on their work together.

The Movie Originally Had a Different Ending

Initially, the filmmakers envisioned the movie ending right after Elle wins her big case and kisses Luke Wilson outside the courthouse. However, test audiences felt this conclusion was weak and wanted more. “It was just kind of a weak ending,” a writer noted, leading to a revised ending that included Elle’s graduation, which provided a more fulfilling wrap-up to her journey.

Mindy Kaling is Co-Writing the Third Movie in the Works

After years of fan requests, Witherspoon announced in 2018 that Legally Blonde 3 is in development. Co-written by Mindy Kaling and Brooklyn Nine-Nine creator Dan Goor, the new film is set to explore how Elle Woods has evolved as a character. Kaling expressed excitement about writing for Elle Woods at 40, making it a fun project that reflects growth and change.

“I can’t wait to see what people will think of the way we wrote Elle Woods,” Kaling shared, hinting at intriguing developments for her beloved character.