Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Joins 'Legally Blonde' Prequel 'Elle' Season 2

Variety

by Joseph Otterson

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, known for her role in *Never Have I Ever*, has joined the cast of *Elle*, the upcoming prequel to *Legally Blonde*. In Season 2 of the Amazon Prime Video series, she will portray Sam, a sharp-tongued rival and editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. Known as Elle Woods' foil, Sam is ambitious but lacks her counterpart's optimism, making her a formidable character. Ramakrishnan brings her acting prowess to the role, having previously starred in four seasons of *Never Have I Ever* and voicing characters in films like *Turning Red*. The series, created by Laura Kittrell and led by Lexi Minetree as young Elle Woods, also features an ensemble cast including June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott. With its mix of humor and drama, *Elle* promises to explore the early years of Elle Woods, offering fans a fresh perspective on her journey. The first season of *Elle* is set to premiere on July 1, with Amazon already renewing it for a second season. Production for Season 2 will begin this spring, giving fans something to look forward to. The show, produced by Witherspoon, Neustadter, Platt, and Brown, is a modern take on the beloved character, delving into her high school experiences. Ramakrishnan's addition adds depth to the cast, with her performance likely drawing interest from *Never Have I Ever* fans and *Legally Blonde* enthusiasts alike. Ramakrishnan's career highlights include voice work in *Turning Red* and appearances in films like *Freaky Friday*. Her versatility as an actress makes her a compelling addition to *Elle*, where she will challenge Elle Woods' sunny disposition with her own calculating nature. The series, blending comedy and drama, aims to capture the essence of Elle's early life while introducing new characters and storylines. With its strong creative team and talented cast, *Elle* is poised to entertain audiences and further solidify Ramakrishnan's reputation as a rising star in Hollywood.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/26/2026