The cobblestone streets of Malta are buzzing with a different kind of energy this fall as Netflix cameras roll for Enola Holmes 3, the highly anticipated third chapter in the beloved mystery franchise. Officially in production since April 10, 2025, this installment promises to catapult Enola Holmes, played by the electrifying Millie Bobby Brown, into her most perilous and emotionally complex case yet. With a new setting in the sun-soaked yet shadowy Mediterranean island of Malta, a darker tone inspired by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and a returning cast led by the charismatic Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, the film is poised to redefine the series. Early set leaks, tantalizing plot details, and behind-the-scenes buzz suggest this adventure will not only satisfy longtime fans but also elevate Enola’s journey into a mature, gripping saga that tackles personal stakes and global intrigue. Buckle up, sleuths—here’s everything we know about the mystery that’s about to unfold.

A New Chapter: From London to Malta’s Labyrinthine Streets

The Enola Holmes franchise, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries novels, has captivated audiences since its 2020 debut. The first film, a vibrant blend of Victorian charm and girl-power bravado, introduced Millie Bobby Brown as Enola, the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes, who outwits her famous brother while unraveling a conspiracy. Its 2022 sequel, Enola Holmes 2, leaned into her detective agency, tackling the Matchstick Girls Strike with a feminist lens. Both films, directed by Harry Bradbeer, were Netflix juggernauts, with the first drawing 76 million households and the sequel topping charts in 93 countries. Yet, whispers of a third film remained speculative until November 2024, when Netflix confirmed Enola Holmes 3 with a bombshell: Philip Barantini, the visionary behind the one-take thriller Adolescence, would take the helm, steering the series into darker, more mature waters.

The official logline sets the stage: “Adventure chases detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide in a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.” Unlike the London-centric settings of the first two films, Malta’s historic fortresses, azure harbors, and shadowy alleys provide a fresh canvas. Filming began at Shepperton Studios in the UK, but the production has since shifted to Valletta and Mdina, Malta’s ancient capitals, known for their labyrinthine streets and medieval mystique. Set photos reveal Brown in period costumes—flowing capes and disguises—darting through crowded markets and scaling stone walls, hinting at high-octane chases. “Malta’s a character in itself,” Barantini told Variety in April 2025. “It’s beautiful but deceptive, like the mystery Enola’s unraveling. It’s her biggest test yet.”

The shift to Malta isn’t just aesthetic. The island’s history as a crossroads of empires—Roman, Ottoman, British—infuses the story with geopolitical stakes. Early reports suggest Enola’s case involves a political conspiracy tied to the British Empire, possibly involving stolen artifacts or espionage. This international scope elevates the franchise beyond domestic mysteries, aligning with Barantini’s vision of a “darker, more mature” tone akin to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which traded whimsy for gravitas. Fans are buzzing with questions: What brings Enola to Malta? Is she chasing a villain or running from one? And how does her brother Sherlock, played by the ever-magnetic Henry Cavill, fit into this global puzzle?

Henry Cavill’s Sherlock: A More Emotional Anchor

Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes has been a standout since the first film. Unlike the cold, calculating detective of Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales, Cavill’s Sherlock is warmer, more human—a brother grappling with his sister’s independence and their fractured family. His chemistry with Brown has been a highlight, blending sibling rivalry with unspoken pride. In Enola Holmes 2, Cavill’s role expanded, showcasing Sherlock’s vulnerability as he teamed up with Enola to crack a case, culminating in the introduction of Dr. John Watson (Himesh Patel). Fans, however, were split on his emotional depth, with some craving more of the “classic” Sherlock.

Season 3 promises to deliver. Cavill, now 42, is confirmed to return, with sources indicating a larger, more nuanced role. Set leaks suggest Sherlock accompanies Enola to Malta, drawn into her investigation after a cryptic letter hints at a shared family secret. “Henry’s Sherlock is the emotional anchor this time,” a production insider told The Hollywood Reporter. “He’s not just solving crimes; he’s confronting his own failures as a brother.” A teaser clip from Netflix’s Geeked Week 2025 shows Cavill in a dimly lit Maltese tavern, his face etched with concern as he tells Enola, “This isn’t a game anymore. You’re in over your head.” The line hints at a protective streak, but also a clash—will Sherlock trust Enola’s instincts or try to shield her?

Cavill’s preparation has been intense. Known for his method approach, he’s studied Maltese history and consulted with dialect coaches to nail the period’s cadence. Off-screen, his charm remains a draw; a viral TikTok from the Valletta set shows him joking with extras between takes, his laughter echoing through the crew. “Henry’s presence elevates everyone,” Brown posted on Instagram, sharing a candid of them reviewing scripts. “Sherlock and Enola are unstoppable.” Yet, rumors swirl that this could be Cavill’s final outing as Sherlock, with thinglabs.io speculating he may step away post-film due to commitments like Highlander. If true, his performance promises to be a poignant farewell, making every scene a must-watch.

A Darker, More Mature Enola: Millie Bobby Brown’s Evolution

At the heart of Enola Holmes 3 is Millie Bobby Brown, whose portrayal of the titular detective has grown from plucky teen to formidable sleuth. Now 21, Brown brings a seasoned gravitas, shaped by her work in Stranger Things and Damsel. In Season 3, Enola is no longer the runaway schoolgirl; she’s a young woman running a detective agency, navigating love with Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), and grappling with her place in Sherlock’s shadow. The Malta setting tests her like never before, blending physical danger—think rooftop chases and coded clues—with emotional turmoil.

The darker tone is deliberate. Barantini, whose Boiling Point and Adolescence mastered tension, pitched a film that “ages up” with its audience. “Enola’s not a kid anymore,” he told Deadline. “She’s facing moral dilemmas, betrayal, and stakes that hit close to home.” Early synopses hint at a personal connection to the case: a missing diplomat tied to the Holmes family, possibly linked to their mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter). This mystery forces Enola to confront her identity—sister, detective, or something more. Brown’s performance, glimpsed in behind-the-scenes footage, is raw and commanding, with moments of vulnerability that echo Springer’s novels.

Her romance with Tewkesbury, now a House of Lords member, adds complexity. Set photos show Partridge in aristocratic attire, sharing a tense dance with Enola at a Maltese ball. “Their love is tested,” Brown teased in a Tudum interview. “Enola’s ambitions clash with Tewkesbury’s duties. It’s messy, real, and beautiful.” Fans are already shipping “Tenola” harder than ever, but expect heartbreak—rumors suggest a sacrifice that could redefine their bond.

The Ensemble: Familiar Faces and New Foes

The returning cast is a treasure trove. Helena Bonham Carter reprises Eudoria Holmes, the radical matriarch whose suffragette roots may tie to the Malta conspiracy. Her expanded role promises mother-daughter fireworks, especially after Enola Holmes 2’s tease of Eudoria’s secret plans. Himesh Patel’s Dr. Watson, introduced in the sequel’s post-credits, takes center stage, partnering with Sherlock in scenes that nod to Conan Doyle’s classics. “Himesh brings a grounded warmth,” Cavill told IGN. “Watson’s the glue holding us together.” Sharon Duncan-Brewster returns as Mira Troy (aka Moriarty), whose escape in Season 2 sets up a chilling nemesis arc. Expect disguises, mind games, and a showdown that could rival Sherlock’s best.

Newcomers include Susie Wokoma as Edith, the activist from Season 2, and Adeel Akhtar as the bumbling Inspector Lestrade, both adding humor and heart. A yet-to-be-announced actor is rumored to play a Maltese smuggler, a wildcard villain whose motives intertwine with Enola’s case. Jack Thorne, the screenwriter behind both prior films, crafts a script that balances Springer’s source material with cinematic flair, weaving codes, betrayals, and a mid-film twist that’s already generating Oscar buzz for storytelling.

Malta’s Mystery: Plot Teasers to Ignite Curiosity

While Netflix keeps plot details under wraps, snippets from the production paint a vivid picture. The story opens in London, where Enola’s agency takes on a seemingly routine case: a missing diplomat’s daughter. But clues lead to Malta, where Enola uncovers a web of political intrigue—possibly involving stolen naval plans or a royal scandal. The darker tone manifests in gritty settings: underground tunnels, stormy cliffs, and a haunted fort where Enola faces a life-or-death choice. A leaked script excerpt reveals a scene where she deciphers a cipher hidden in a Maltese chapel, only to be ambushed. “It’s Enola’s Indiana Jones moment,” Barantini teased.

Sherlock’s involvement adds layers. Unlike past films, where he played catch-up, here he’s a reluctant partner, haunted by a past failure tied to Malta. Cavill’s scenes, particularly a rain-soaked confrontation with Enola, promise emotional heft. “You can’t save everyone,” he warns her, hinting at a tragic twist. Moriarty’s shadow looms large, with Duncan-Brewster’s character orchestrating chaos from afar. Will Enola outwit her? Or will the cost be too high?

The mature tone tackles themes of identity, sacrifice, and empire’s shadow. Enola’s fourth-wall breaks, a franchise staple, are used sparingly, reflecting her growth. “She’s talking to us less because she’s finding her voice,” Brown told Hypebeast. Expect moral dilemmas: Should Enola expose a truth that could destabilize nations? The climax, filmed in Mdina’s silent city, is rumored to involve a masquerade ball where identities unravel, leaving viewers gasping.

Why This Matters: A Franchise Reinvented

After Enola Holmes 2’s mixed reviews—praised for action but critiqued for repetitive beats—Season 3 feels like a reinvention. Barantini’s vision, paired with Malta’s exotic backdrop, promises a visual feast. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (Mank) is said to use chiaroscuro lighting to amplify the noir vibe, while costume designer Consolata Boyle crafts Enola’s boldest looks yet—think velvet cloaks and hidden daggers. The score, by Daniel Pemberton, blends orchestral swells with Maltese folk motifs, setting a haunting tone.

Henry Cavill’s Sherlock anchors the emotional stakes, his bond with Enola grounding the high-flying adventure. “Henry’s performance is heartbreaking,” Partridge posted on X. “He’s Sherlock at his most human.” For fans, this is catnip: a chance to see Cavill flex dramatic chops before potentially exiting the role. Brown’s producer role via PCMA Productions ensures her vision shines, making this her most personal project yet.

The Hype and What’s Next

Social media is ablaze. #EnolaHolmes3 trends weekly, with fans dissecting set photos and theorizing about Moriarty’s endgame. A Netflix poll asking, “Will Enola outsmart Sherlock again?” has 80% voting yes, reflecting her enduring appeal. The lack of a release date—likely late 2025 or early 2026—only fuels anticipation. “This is Enola’s Dark Knight,” one Redditor wrote. “Malta, Cavill, a grown-up vibe—I’m obsessed.”

Could there be more? Springer’s series has nine novels, offering ample material. With Stranger Things ending, Brown has room to grow Enola into a Netflix mainstay. For now, Enola Holmes 3 promises a thrilling ride: a darker, bolder Enola, a soulful Sherlock, and a mystery that could redefine the Holmes legacy. As Malta’s secrets unfold, one thing’s certain: Enola’s biggest case will keep us guessing until the credits roll.