James Van Der Beek Joins ‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Series ‘Elle’

James Van Der Beek has joined the “Legally Blonde” prequel series at Amazon Prime Video, Variety has learned.

Van Der Beek will appear in a recurring guest star role in the series, which is titled “Elle.” As previously announced, Lexi Minetree will star as Elle Woods during her high school years. The cast also includes series regulars June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, Chandler Kinney, and Zac Looker. Recurring cast members are Jessica Belkin, Logan Shroyer, Amy Pietz, Matt Ober, Chloe Wepper, David Burtka, Brad Harde, Kayla Maisonet, and Lisa Yamada.

Van Der Beek will play Dean Wilson, described as “the city’s new Mayoral candidate and current school district superintendent.”

Van Der Beek is no stranger to the world of high school drama, given his breakout roles in the hit WB series “Dawson’s Creek” as well as the beloved high school football film “Varsity Blues.” His recent TV credits include leading the Viceland series “What Would Diplo Do?” as well as roles in shows like “Pose” at FX. In film, Van Der Beek has recently starred in features such as “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” “Bad Hair,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.”

He is repped by Independent Artist Group, Novo Entertainment and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.

“Elle” was originally greenlit at Amazon back in May 2024. Laura Kittrell created the series and serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Caroline Dries. Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter executive produce via Hello Sunshine along with Marc Platt. Jason Moore will direct the first two episodes. Amazon MGM Studios will produce.