Elle star Lexi Minetree reveals what it was really like working with James Van Der Beek on his final TV role

Rebooting an icon is a tightrope, and the Legally Blonde prequel is absolutely going to live or die on vibe. For Elle star Lexi Minetree, one of the big wins on set had less to do with pink and more to do with a familiar TV face who showed up and immediately changed the room: James Van Der Beek. Yes, that James Van Der Beek.

The moment that stuck with her

Chatting with Deadline at Prime Video 's Obsessed Fest, Minetree looked back on working with Van Der Beek, who plays a character named Dean Wilson in Elle. She said he was the kind of person who makes everyone feel comfortable and then kicks the energy up a notch once the cameras roll. It sounds simple, but that stuff can set the tone for an entire production.

"He's wonderful. It was incredible working with him. He's so charismatic, and I'm so excited for people to get to see his performance, because he just brought so much life to this character, and to set, honestly."

Why this matters (and why fans are paying attention)

• Project basics: Elle is Prime Video's Legally Blonde prequel, built to introduce a younger Elle Woods.
• The lead: Lexi Minetree is front and center as the series star.
• The vet: James Van Der Beek plays Dean Wilson and, per Minetree, made a lasting impression during production.
• Where she said it: Minetree shared the story with Deadline during Prime Video's Obsessed Fest.
• The vibe: Welcoming off-camera, high-voltage on-camera — she credits him with bringing real life to the role and the set.
• Big picture: As the prequel inches closer, her praise adds another little nudge of confidence that this take on Elle Woods might actually stick the landing.

There is obviously a mountain of expectation anytime you bring Elle Woods back, but hearing the lead talk about a seasoned TV presence stepping in and elevating the room is exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that makes me more curious about what this show is cooking.