Legally Blonde is more than just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon that has inspired countless fans since its release in 2001. But how much do you really know about Elle Woods and her pink-filled world? Did you know that Reese Witherspoon kept all 60 outfits she wore in the film? Or that the iconic "bend and snap" scene almost didn't make it into the final cut? From behind-the-scenes secrets to fun trivia about the cast, this list of 37 facts will give you a deeper appreciation for this beloved film. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, these tidbits will make you want to watch Legally Blonde all over again!
The Origins of Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde, a beloved comedy film, has a fascinating backstory. Here are some intriguing facts about its origins.
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The film is based on a book: Amanda Brown wrote the novel "Legally Blonde" inspired by her own experiences at Stanford Law School.
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Reese Witherspoon wasn't the first choice: Christina Applegate was initially offered the role of Elle Woods but turned it down.
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The book was unpublished when the movie rights were sold: MGM bought the rights to the book before it even hit the shelves.
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Elle Woods' character was inspired by real people: Amanda Brown combined traits from various classmates to create Elle.
Casting Choices and Changes
The casting process for Legally Blonde had its own set of interesting twists and turns.
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Luke Wilson was always the first choice: Director Robert Luketic had Luke Wilson in mind for the role of Emmett from the beginning.
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Selma Blair almost didn't get the part: Selma Blair, who played Vivian Kensington, was initially considered too sweet for the role.
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Jennifer Coolidge was cast last minute: Coolidge, who played Paulette, was a last-minute addition to the cast.
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Ali Larter's role was written for her: The character of Brooke Taylor-Windham was specifically created with Ali Larter in mind.
Filming and Production Secrets
Behind-the-scenes details of the filming process reveal some surprising facts.
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The "bend and snap" scene was added later: This iconic scene wasn't in the original script but was added during reshoots.
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Reese Witherspoon wore 40 different hairstyles: Elle Woods had a whopping 40 hairstyles throughout the film.
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The Harvard scenes were shot at UCLA: Due to filming restrictions, the Harvard scenes were actually filmed at UCLA.
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Reese Witherspoon kept all her costumes: Witherspoon had a clause in her contract allowing her to keep all of Elle's outfits.
Memorable Moments and Iconic Lines
Legally Blonde is filled with memorable moments and iconic lines that fans love.
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"What, like it's hard?" was improvised: Reese Witherspoon improvised this famous line during filming.
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The "bend and snap" was choreographed by Toni Basil: The famous dance move was created by choreographer Toni Basil.
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The courtroom scene was shot in one take: The climactic courtroom scene was filmed in a single take.
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Elle's dog, Bruiser, was a rescue: The Chihuahua who played Bruiser was adopted from a shelter.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Legally Blonde has left a lasting impact on pop culture and continues to be celebrated.
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The film inspired a Broadway musical: Legally Blonde was adapted into a successful Broadway musical in 2007.
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Elle Woods became a feminist icon: Elle Woods is often cited as a positive feminist role model.
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The "bend and snap" became a popular dance move: The move became a cultural phenomenon and is still popular today.
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The film has a strong LGBTQ+ following: Legally Blonde is celebrated within the LGBTQ+ community for its positive representation.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Legally Blonde that might surprise you.
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Reese Witherspoon studied sorority girls: To prepare for her role, Witherspoon spent time with real sorority girls.
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The film was shot in 60 days: The entire movie was filmed in just two months.
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Elle Woods' pink wardrobe was carefully curated: Costume designer Sophie de Rakoff worked meticulously on Elle's pink outfits.
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The Chihuahua who played Bruiser had a stunt double: Bruiser had a look-alike for some of the more challenging scenes.
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The film's budget was $18 million: Legally Blonde had a relatively modest budget for a Hollywood film.
Awards and Recognition
Legally Blonde received several awards and nominations, cementing its place in film history.
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Reese Witherspoon won an MTV Movie Award: Witherspoon won the award for Best Comedic Performance.
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The film was nominated for a Golden Globe: Legally Blonde received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
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The soundtrack was also recognized: The film's soundtrack was nominated for several awards.
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The Broadway musical won several awards: The Legally Blonde musical won multiple awards, including a Laurence Olivier Award.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Some behind-the-scenes stories add even more depth to the Legally Blonde experience.
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Reese Witherspoon had a law consultant: Witherspoon worked with a law consultant to accurately portray a law student.
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The cast bonded over a trip to a spa: The main cast members went to a spa together to build chemistry.
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Reese Witherspoon's daughter visited the set: Witherspoon's young daughter, Ava, visited the set and even had a small cameo.
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The film's director was a first-timer: Legally Blonde was Robert Luketic's directorial debut.
Legacy and Continued Popularity
Legally Blonde remains popular years after its release, continuing to influence and entertain.
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A sequel was released in 2003: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde hit theaters two years after the original.
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A third film is in the works: A third installment of Legally Blonde is currently in development.
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The film is often referenced in other media: Legally Blonde is frequently mentioned and parodied in TV shows and movies.
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Elle Woods' pink suit is iconic: Elle's pink suit has become a symbol of the character and is often replicated in costumes.
The Final Scene
Legally Blonde isn't just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon. From Elle Woods' iconic pink wardrobe to her inspiring journey from sorority girl to Harvard Law graduate, the film has left an indelible mark. It’s a story of perseverance, self-belief, and breaking stereotypes. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, these 37 facts offer a deeper appreciation for this beloved classic.
Remember, Elle Woods taught us that staying true to oneself and challenging expectations can lead to extraordinary achievements. So next time you watch Legally Blonde, you'll have these fun tidbits to enhance your viewing experience. Keep channeling your inner Elle Woods, and who knows? You might just bend and snap your way to success.
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