Amongst the numerous teen comedies kicking off the millennia, Legally Blonde stood out in particular, and it’s all because of its protagonist, Elle Woods, not just because of her distinctive pink look that’s noticeable within any radius human eyes can take but also her disposition. She is played by none other than Reese Witherspoon, who did a sterling job in bringing Elle to life. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that her performance almost solely carried the entire film, and that’s no ordinary feat, even if it’s a leading role.
Thanks to Witherspoon’s impeccable embodiment of the character, the name Elle Woods rose to become a role model of sorts to young girls in the 2000s because why wouldn’t they? She’s got the blonde, beauty, and brain all at once. Elle realizes the immense amount of attention she attracts wherever she goes, but she is not afraid to be different anyway. Instead, she uses her confidence, intellect, and prestige to be of service to society, unlike some spoiled, stuck-up rich snobs we typically see on so many tropes — indeed, feminism at its best, empowering women sensibly without throwing men under the bus. That’s what makes Legally Blonde so beloved — a classy, genial comedy that serves as the perfect emancipation against females and blondes’ prejudice.
The flick quickly rose as a hit, spawning a sequel in 2003 titled Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, but with a rather flimsy narrative. While it’s in the noblest intention to highlight feminism and politics with the zest of comedy, the execution fell short of expectation, resulting in negative reviews, putting a sour end to the film franchise. However, all that may soon change with a third Legally Blonde movie officially underway since 2018. The movie was even confirmed to have a theatrical release on May 8, 2020. Though surely, as we all know, that didn’t happen. However, the good news is that Legally Blonde 3 is still happening. Hence, naturally, there are certain things fans hope to see in the well-anticipated threequel.
Marriage and Motherhood
A little trip down memory lane: we last saw Elle happily married to Emmett (Luke Wilson), who has been nothing but the sweetest, most supportive partner anyone could ask for. Albeit not exactly meet-cute, the two’s relationship began with a sweet note at a courtyard in Harvard as an upset fashionable law student newbie and a law firm’s junior partner giving useful pointers. Yet, the romance didn’t bloom right away, not even until the end of the first movie, in fact. Furthermore, even though their wedding was a plot device, we never really saw Emmett much in the second installment.
And because Mindy Kaling, the appointed screenwriter of Legally Blonde 3, said the story will explore Elle in her 40s, who is very likely still married to Emmett and has a “nice family going on,” it’d be nice to see how someone with a personality as exceptional as Elle commits to her spousal and maternal duty, as well as the marriage life she built with Emmett. Speaking of marriage, it’d be even better if another prominent Legally Blonde star, Paulette’s (Jennifer Coolidge), unfolds too since the recently crowned Golden Globe-winning actress is interested in being on board with the third film. Also, maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally learn her husband, UPS Guy’s real name.
The Familiar Faces and Former Foes
So far, Witherspoon is the only confirmed cast to appear in Legally Blonde 3. While Coolidge, Wilson, as well as the other Legally Blonde actresses who played Elle’s loyal friends, Serena and Margot, Alanna Ubach and Jessica Cauffiel, respectively, are willing to reprise their roles in this threequel, there hasn’t been any confirmation whether they have joined the cast list. Regardless, their appearances are very much anticipated by fans — and that also includes other notable cast members from the first and second features, some of whom weren’t the kindest to Elle.
On the sweet side, there’s the honorable Bob Newhart’s Sid Post, the kindly doorman Elle befriended, and the seasoned Holland Taylor’s Professor Stromwell, Elle’s stern yet nurturing law school professor. Next, on the slightly spicier side, there’s the legendary Sally Field’s Congresswoman Rudd, the power-hungry representative who is eventually forced to surrender, the Oscar-winning actress-slash-director Regina King’s Grace Rossiter, the judgmental colleague who ends up providing aid to Elle, and the versatile Selma Blair’s Vivian, Elle’s foe-turned-friend.
Proper Politics and Pink!
Feminism is indeed a prevalent theme throughout the two Legally Blonde installments, what with Elle’s scene-stealing fashion sense, where she ceaselessly flaunts her pink glory in the sea of the drab and dreary crowd — undoubtedly one of the most iconic styles in cinema, almost as memorable as Hollywood Golden Age’s fabulous fashion line-up. It’d be a crime not to continue the pink legacy in the third feature. Yet, it must be noted that fashion wasn’t the only medium used to portray feminism in the flicks.
No, it was eventually fused with politics in Legally Blonde 2 as our pink-studded leading lady dedicated herself to changing the unfair animal abuse law while facing trouble, most notably including enduring the notorious dub of Capitol Barbie, which in a funny twist of fate, will turn to be very much true in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film, where Issa Rae plays the accomplished President Barbie. But, of course, Elle, too, is an accomplished woman, especially since she overcame her obstacles, made her mark in the political scene, and hinted that she’d continue down that path at the end of the sequel. Hearing the name President Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3 certainly would have a nice ring to it, wouldn’t you agree?