MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

Reese Witherspoon Is Returning To Her Rom-Com Roots

The actress has signed on to two major projects - by Grace Back
  • 14 May 2020
Reese Witherspoon Is Returning To Her Rom-Com Roots

Before mastering the world of drama with Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere, Reese Witherspoon was the queen of romantic comedies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the actress grew a name for herself in Hollywood playing the leading lady in some of the now most iconic films of all time (hello, Legally Blonde anyone?) 

Now Witherspoon is returning to those roots, reportedly signing on to two rom-com's with Netflix, per Variety - Your Place or Mine and The Cactus. I don't know about you, but we're already sold from the titles alone. 

Your Place or Mine will centre on two long-distance best friends who change each other's lives when one decides to pursue a lifelong dream and other volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son. The film is based on the original script from Aline Brosh McKenna, who will also be making her feature directorial debut. It will have Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan producing, alongside Witherspoon's own production company Hello Sunshine. 

The Cactus is based on Sarah Haywood’s bestselling novel of the same name, which was also picked for Witherspoon's 2019 July book club. According to the description, it will focus on a woman's unexpected pregnancy at the age of 45, causing her to rethink the structured life she created for herself. It will follow the unconventional journey toward love, family and learning to embrace the unexpected.

While no new information has been released on the two new films, we've rounded up some of the most iconic rom-com's Witherspoon has starred in during her career (to you know, help fill the void until the new releases). 

Cruel Intentions 

Cruel Intentions was the risque 1999 film adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel 'Dangerous Liaisons'. Set in New York City, as opposed to the original 18th-century France, the film follows wealthy Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and step-brother Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) as they wage a bet he can't make the innocent Annette Hargrove (Witherspoon) fall in love with him. The tale is dark, twisted and with a humorous edge that is still highly praised today. Its soundtrack, featuring Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, should also not go without mention. 

Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove in 1999's 'Cruel Intentions'

Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove in 1999's 'Cruel Intentions'

Getty

Legally Blonde

A film that really needs no introduction. The 2001 comedy was based on Amanda Brown's novel of the same name and follows Elle Woods (Witherspoon) as a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis). Woods heads to Harvard, in the process falling for Emmett Richmond (Luke Wilson), all the while bending and snapping her way to becoming a successful lawyer. 

Witherspoon announced in 2019 that a third Legally Blonde film was in the works. 

Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde'

Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde'

Getty

Sweet Home Alabama 

Witherspoon returned to her Southern roots for Sweet Home Alabama. The actress starred as Melanie Smooter, a New York City socialite who, after getting engaged to eligible bachelor Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey), is forced to return home to obtain a divorce from husband Jake Perry (Josh Lucas) after seven years of separation. On top of getting its titular name from Lynyrd Skynyrd iconic rock song Sweet Home Alabama, the film is a tale of destiny, past mistakes and the discovery of self. 

sweet home alabama

Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas in 'Sweet Home Alabama'

Walk The Line

Walk The Line is an American biographical musical drama based on two autobiographies authored by singer-songwriter Johnny Cash; 1975's Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words and 1997's Cash: The Autobiography. It follows Cash's (Joaquin Phoenix) early life, his romance with June Carter (Witherspoon), and his ascent in the country music scene. Witherspoon went on to win an Academy Award, BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for her portrayal as Carter.  

walk the line

Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix in 'Walk The Line'

Just Like Heaven 

If you're in need of a good cry, Just Like Heaven is always a guaranteed tear-jerker. The film, directed by Mark Waters, is based on the french novel If Only It Were True by Marc Levy.  It follows the life of lonely landscape architect David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) who falls for the spirit of the beautiful and brazen Elizabeth Masterson (Witherspoon) who used to live in his new apartment. 

just like heaven

Reese Witherspoon in 'Just Like Heaven'

Grace Back
Grace Back
Grace Back is a journalist and was formerly the Digital Culture Editor across ELLE and marie claire Australia. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Kim Cattrall Has The Best Response To Fans Who Think She’s Had The “Perfect Amount Of Work Done”

Kim Cattrall Has The Best Response To Fans Who Think She’s Had The “Perfect Amount Of Work Done”

The 9 Best Stretch Mark Creams And Oils You Can Buy In Australia

The 9 Best Stretch Mark Creams And Oils You Can Buy In Australia

Turns Out, America Only Just Discovered The Electric Kettle & The Internet Is Going Wild

Turns Out, America Only Just Discovered The Electric Kettle & The Internet Is Going Wild

Calling All Cousin Greg Enthusiasts: ‘Succession’ Season 4 Has Started Filming

Calling All Cousin Greg Enthusiasts: ‘Succession’ Season 4 Has Started Filming

{headline}

{headline}

How The Indie Sleaze Aesthetic Made Its Triumphant Return

How The Indie Sleaze Aesthetic Made Its Triumphant Return

19 Of Princess Mary's Best Royal Fashion Moments That We'll Never (Ever) Get Sick Of

19 Of Princess Mary's Best Royal Fashion Moments That We'll Never (Ever) Get Sick Of

11 Lush Bed Sheet Brands To Shop In Australia Right Now

11 Lush Bed Sheet Brands To Shop In Australia Right Now

{headline}

{headline}

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

A New Report Has Proven That Australia’s Gender Pay Gap Is Only Getting Worse For Women

A New Report Has Proven That Australia’s Gender Pay Gap Is Only Getting Worse For Women

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

12 Of Sydney's Most Luxurious Facials To Treat Yourself With

12 Of Sydney's Most Luxurious Facials To Treat Yourself With

What To Wear When The Dress Code Says Smart Casual

What To Wear When The Dress Code Says Smart Casual

This Is What Kate Middleton Apparently Carries In Her Handbag

This Is What Kate Middleton Apparently Carries In Her Handbag

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire