After a weekend of strong word-of-mouth, Legally Blonde played on 1,200 screens and grossed $17.96 million, exceeding its production cost and placing in the top three for the weekly box office.
The result pleased MGM executives; the film’s outlook was positive.
With promotion and distribution expanded, by the end of the second weekend Legally Blonde reached 2,210 screens.
It not only regained screens lost to Eyes Wide Shut but doubled its count. The title was now widely known across North America.
The cast and crew began promotional tours in major cities. Everywhere they went, Reese Witherspoon’s name drew the loudest response. She was the most visible new actress of the summer.
A rising actress understood publicity. Though Irene Coppola rarely joined the promotional events to avoid shifting focus from the actors, Reese mentioned her in every interview, describing the director as talented and dedicated, crediting Irene extensively.
In fact, news that Irene was writing her second script had circulated. Reese knew the chance of being cast as the lead again was low, but supporting the director required little effort and might help later.
The day before the official release of Julia Roberts’s new film, Runaway Bride:
"Are the latest box office numbers in?" Julia Roberts and the Runaway Bride team sat in the Paramount building, tracking Legally Blonde.
"Currently, Legally Blonde is first with a North American gross of $62.43 million. It has been out two weeks, and the final total is projected to exceed $100 million," a Paramount staffer reported.
Julia Roberts stopped smoking, raised an eyebrow at her agent, and asked, "Will it affect our film?"
"Although I don’t want to say it, Legally Blonde’s reception is similar to Pretty Woman’s. It’s popular with younger audiences, and there is overlap with our demographic. It could impact our performance."
"Then address it in advance," Julia Roberts said, raising her voice and pressing her cigarette into the ashtray.
"Julia... they’re all with CAA, director and lead actress. We can’t push too hard."
"Are you saying I should let these unknowns outperform me? Use whatever means necessary. I want our film at number one."
The next day, Legally Blonde, which had received mostly positive coverage, began to see negative press.
"Legally Blonde is a shallow copy of Pretty Woman and not worth attention."
"Legally Blonde’s lead, Reese Witherspoon, isn’t a natural blonde; her hair is dyed."
"Legally Blonde is a low-effort comedy with no substance."
Although the articles dismissed Legally Blonde, industry insiders understood the source.
On the day of the Runaway Bride premiere, when Julia Roberts appeared with her characteristic smile, reporters crowded around.
A microphone was held up:
"Hey, Julia, some say Reese Witherspoon is a younger version of you, with a similar future. What do you think?"
Julia’s eyes sharpened, but her smile widened.
"I’m glad to see new talent in Hollywood. We all step back eventually. New voices keep the industry alive. Reese is a strong actress, and I think she has potential."
She left smiling.
Back in the lounge, her expression changed. She asked her assistant, "Which outlet was that?"
"Chicago Sun-Times," the assistant replied quickly.
"Decline their interviews next time. Doesn’t that reporter know better than to ask that?"
"But... Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times is our invited critic this time..."
Julia closed her eyes and took a breath, speaking through her teeth.
"Then remember that reporter’s face. Keep him away from me next time."
Meanwhile, Legally Blonde continued its promotion. Interviews still centered on Reese Witherspoon, and James Franco and others nearby watched with some envy.
"It seems the recent negative coverage hasn’t affected Reese much," James Franco said, his tone ambiguous.
Edward Nelson, seeing no one else respond, answered to avoid an awkward silence.
"We know those are tactics. We don’t take them seriously."
"I heard you and Britney are close lately, and she might take you on the red carpet. Is something happening?" James nudged Edward, trying for a casual tone.
Edward denied it quickly. "The boss asked me to look after her, but Britney is a good person."
"You’re discreet. Let’s discuss something else. I heard the director is developing a new project?" James saw Edward wouldn’t discuss Britney and switched topics.
But Edward was even less willing to comment on that.
"You’re the male lead and don’t know; how would I, a supporting actor, know? The boss is here today. Why not ask her?"
Plenty of actors would want roles in Irene Coppola’s next film. He had worked to secure a part. If word got out, others might compete for it. Keeping quiet was safer.
"You and Britney are close. Hasn’t she mentioned anything?" James suspected Edward was withholding information.
"Come on, I’m just helping out. She wouldn’t tell me that," Edward waved his hand.
"And you know the boss. She doesn’t like people pushing for favors. I’d like to get closer, but she doesn’t allow it."
James was disappointed in Edward’s response but said, "True. Tip for you: my agent said Director Irene is planning her second film. If you can ask Britney to mention you, you might get cast again."
Edward nodded and thanked James for the advice.
After James left, he considered finding a reliable agent. Irene and Britney were both with CAA. Could he sign with the same agent? That would form a solid connection.
The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, and he began looking for Shelly Ovitz to see if he was present.
As it happened, Shelly Ovitz was at the event today.