JAMES VAN DER BEEK'S FINAL ROLE: A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE ON 'ELLE'
The Legally Blonde prequel now streaming on Prime Video marks the late actor's last TV performance—and the cast is honoring his memory.
James Van Der Beek's final chapter as a television star has arrived—and it's tugging at all our hearts. The actor's last-ever TV role appears in Elle, Prime Video's brand-new Legally Blonde prequel that's streaming RIGHT NOW. While fans are diving into the show to experience Reese Witherspoon's iconic Elle Woods origin story (complete with Easter eggs hidden throughout!), the cast is doing so with bittersweet feelings, according to Us Weekly.
Van Der Beek passed away in February at just 48 years old, making his time on the Elle set especially poignant for everyone involved. The inaugural cast is celebrating the launch of their new show while also mourning the loss of their costar—a complicated mix of emotions that comes through in how they've been reflecting on their work together.
The Legally Blonde universe continues to evolve! While Elle introduces us to a younger Elle Woods before she became the force of nature we know from the 2001 original film (hello, "bend and snap!"), there's also chatter about Legally Blonde 3. According to E! Online, the third movie in the franchise—first announced eight years ago—is still very much in the works, so don't count out Elle Woods' big-screen adventures just yet!
For now, Elle serves as a touching tribute to Van Der Beek and his legacy in the entertainment world.
Sources · Us Weekly · E! Online