Enola Holmes 3: Millie Bobby Brown’s Sleuthing Sensation Returns with a Darker Twist – Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far

Enola’s Next Adventure: A Mystery Packed with Peril

The world’s favorite teenage detective is back, and she’s ready to crack a case that could redefine her legacy! Netflix has officially confirmed Enola Holmes 3, sending fans into a frenzy as Millie Bobby Brown prepares to slip back into the corsets and clever disguises of Enola Holmes, the spirited younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. After the smashing success of Enola Holmes in 2020 and Enola Holmes 2 in 2022, which together racked up millions of streaming hours and won over audiences with their mix of Victorian intrigue, feminist fire, and Brown’s cheeky fourth-wall-breaking charm, the third film promises to take the franchise to bold new heights. With a darker tone, a sun-drenched new setting in Malta, and a cast packed with familiar faces—minus one key player—this next chapter is shaping up to be Enola’s most thrilling adventure yet. So, grab your detective hat as the Daily Mail dives into every juicy detail about Enola Holmes 3, from its release date to the cast, plot twists, and behind-the-scenes shake-ups!

Since bursting onto screens, the Enola Holmes franchise, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries novels, has hooked viewers with its blend of heart-pounding mysteries, historical flair, and a heroine who’s as fierce as she is fun. The first film followed Enola’s quest to find her missing mother while foiling a political conspiracy, and the sequel saw her tackle the 1888 Match Girls’ Strike and face off against a cunning Moriarty. Now, Enola Holmes 3 is set to whisk our plucky detective to the Mediterranean island of Malta for a case described as “more tangled and treacherous” than anything she’s faced before. With filming already underway and whispers of a 2026 release, here’s everything we know about Enola’s next big adventure.

Production Kicks Off: A New Director with a Bold Vision

The road to Enola Holmes 3 started with hushed excitement in late 2023, when Netflix’s film boss teased that a script was in the works, praising Millie Bobby Brown as a star who’s grown up on their platform. By November 2024, the project roared to life with a bombshell announcement: Philip Barantini, the director behind the intense, one-take drama Boiling Point and Netflix’s gritty series Adolescence, would take over from Harry Bradbeer, who directed the first two films. Barantini’s vision is said to be darker and more mature, drawing comparisons to how Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took its franchise into deeper, more emotional territory. Fans are buzzing about what this shift could mean—expect more danger, higher stakes, and a story that pushes Enola to her limits.

Filming kicked off on April 10, 2025, at Shepperton Studios in the UK, with additional shoots in the historic cities of Valletta and Mdina, Malta, wrapping up in July 2025. Netflix has teased fans with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Brown and co-star Louis Partridge on set, sparking a social media storm. Brown herself posted an Instagram video of her and Partridge in character, captioned, “And so we begin,” hinting at the epic scope of the project. The move to Malta marks a major departure from the foggy streets of London, promising an international adventure steeped in sunlit mystery. Could Enola be chasing spies, stolen treasures, or colonial secrets? The possibilities are endless.

Jack Thorne, the screenwriter who crafted the witty dialogue and historical depth of the first two films, is back to pen the script, ensuring the series keeps its clever charm. Cinematographer Matthew Lewis, known for his work on Boiling Point, and production designer Gary Williamson are on board, promising a visually stunning experience that brings Malta’s ancient forts and azure waters to life. With Legendary Entertainment and Brown’s own PCMA Productions behind the project, alongside executive producers like Jake Bongiovi, Enola Holmes 3 is a top priority for Netflix, which saw the second film dominate charts with over 158 million hours watched in its first month.

When Can Fans Expect Enola Holmes 3?

Netflix hasn’t nailed down an exact release date, but the production timeline offers some clues. Enola Holmes 2 filmed from September 2021 to early 2022 and hit screens in November 2022, a roughly 14-month turnaround. With Enola Holmes 3 starting in April 2025 and wrapping key shoots by July, post-production could wrap by mid-2026, pointing to a release between June and September 2026. Netflix loves a fall launch for its big releases, so a September premiere, echoing the first film’s 2020 debut, feels like a safe bet. However, Brown’s packed schedule—she’s fresh off filming Stranger Things 5 and The Electric State—could nudge it to early 2027 if editing or visual effects need extra time.

Fans are already counting down, especially after Netflix teased a “tangled and treacherous” case that will test Enola like never before. A teaser trailer could drop as early as spring 2026, likely during one of Netflix’s splashy Tudum events, showing off the Maltese backdrop and new villains. In the meantime, both Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2 are streaming on Netflix, perfect for fans itching to revisit Enola’s earlier adventures.

The Cast: Who’s Back and Who’s Missing?

The heart and soul of Enola Holmes 3 is its powerhouse cast, with six beloved stars confirmed to return, bringing back the chemistry that made the series a global hit. Leading the pack is Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, the teenage detective whose blend of brains, bravery, and cheeky humor has made her a modern icon. At 21, Brown has grown into the role, evolving Enola from a wide-eyed runaway to a confident sleuth. She’s teased that the third film will put Enola in “crazy situations” that leave her vulnerable, hinting at a story that’s as emotional as it is thrilling.

Louis Partridge is back as Viscount Tewkesbury, Enola’s charming love interest whose flower bouquets and dance invitations melted hearts in Enola Holmes 2. Their budding romance added a sweet layer to the sequel, and Partridge’s return promises more swoon-worthy moments—though the plot hints at tension between their love story and Enola’s detective ambitions. Could Tewkesbury’s role in the House of Lords pull them apart?

Henry Cavill reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes, Enola’s brooding, brilliant older brother. Cavill’s take on the iconic detective—more rugged and physical than traditional versions—has been a fan favorite, balancing mentorship with sibling squabbles. With Dr. Watson now in the picture, expect Sherlock to play a bigger role, possibly teaming up with Enola for some classic Holmesian detective work.

Helena Bonham Carter returns as Eudoria Holmes, the radical, suffragette mother whose disappearance sparked the first film. Carter’s quirky, fierce performance has been a highlight, and her return could dive deeper into family secrets, especially with the new Maltese setting. Will Eudoria’s revolutionary past tie into the case?

Himesh Patel is back as Dr. John Watson, introduced in a cheeky mid-credits scene in Enola Holmes 2 as Sherlock’s flatmate. Patel’s brief appearance teased a larger role, and fans are eager to see him join Enola and Sherlock as a detective trio, especially if the plot involves a Watson-centric mystery.

Sharon Duncan-Brewster returns as Moriarty, the gender-swapped criminal mastermind who escaped prison in the sequel’s jaw-dropping finale. Duncan-Brewster’s chilling performance set her up as Enola’s ultimate foe, and her comeback promises a high-stakes showdown that could shake the Holmes family to its core.

But there’s one glaring absence: Sam Claflin, who played Mycroft Holmes in the first film, seems to be missing from the cast list. Claflin’s stuffy, traditional Mycroft was a hilarious foil to Enola’s rebellion, but scheduling conflicts kept him out of the sequel, and he’s not confirmed for the threequel. The director of the first two films once said they’d love to have Claflin back, but it looks like Mycroft’s role may be sidelined or recast. His absence could shift the focus to Sherlock and Eudoria, giving Enola more room to shine as an independent detective, but fans are already mourning the loss of the eldest Holmes sibling’s grumpy charm.

Other familiar faces, like Susie Wokoma as the fiery Edith and Adeel Akhtar as the bumbling Inspector Lestrade, are rumored to return, with industry reports suggesting they’ve signed on. Newcomers like Bern Collaço as an officer and Mike Parish as Viscount Chelmsford hint at fresh characters in the Maltese setting, possibly spies, diplomats, or villains. Netflix is keeping other casting secrets locked tight, leaving fans guessing about surprise cameos or new adversaries.

The Plot: A Maltese Mystery with High Stakes

The official synopsis for Enola Holmes 3 sets the stage for an epic adventure: “Adventure chases detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.” This move to Malta, a Mediterranean hotspot of trade, intrigue, and colonial power in the Victorian era, opens up a world of possibilities. Will Enola uncover a plot involving stolen artifacts, international espionage, or a conspiracy tied to Britain’s empire? The darker tone promised by director Philip Barantini suggests a story that’s less whimsical and more intense, with Enola facing moral dilemmas and life-or-death stakes.

While the films have taken creative liberties with Nancy Springer’s novels, Enola Holmes 3 could draw from the third book, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, where Enola searches for a missing Dr. Watson while dodging attempts to force her into finishing school. Watson’s introduction in the sequel’s mid-credits scene makes this a natural fit—could Moriarty have kidnapped him to lure the Holmes siblings into a trap? Moriarty’s escape in Enola Holmes 2 sets her up as the mastermind behind the new case, weaving a web of deceit that spans continents.

The “personal and professional dreams” colliding points to tension in Enola’s life. Her romance with Tewkesbury, now a young lord navigating political waters, could clash with her detective agency’s demands. Will she choose love or her career? Tewkesbury’s role in the House of Lords might tie into the Maltese case, perhaps involving diplomatic scandals or colonial unrest. Eudoria’s suffragette background could connect to women’s rights movements abroad, while Sherlock and Watson’s partnership adds a classic detective vibe. Expect Enola’s signature fourth-wall-breaking narration, clever disguises, and heart-pounding action, all elevated by Barantini’s gritty style.

A Quick Recap: What Came Before

To set the stage, let’s revisit the first two films. In Enola Holmes (2020), 16-year-old Enola flees home after her mother Eudoria vanishes, uncovering a bombing plot targeting Tewkesbury and proving her detective skills. The film was a streaming juggernaut, racking up nearly 190 million hours watched in its first month. Enola Holmes 2 (2022) saw Enola open her own detective agency, investigate corruption at a match factory, and inspire the real-life Match Girls’ Strike. Moriarty’s reveal as the mastermind and her prison escape, plus Watson’s arrival, set up a bigger battle. The sequel clocked 158 million hours watched, cementing the franchise’s global appeal.

Why Mycroft’s Absence Hurts

Sam Claflin’s Mycroft was a standout in the first film, his pompous, patriarchal attitude clashing hilariously with Enola’s free spirit. His absence in the sequel was a letdown, and his likely non-return for Enola Holmes 3 could change the family dynamic. Without Mycroft’s stern presence, the focus may shift to Sherlock and Eudoria, letting Enola shine as a solo detective. Still, fans are holding out hope for a cameo or flashback to honor Claflin’s role—his chemistry with Brown and Cavill was a highlight.

What Fans Are Buzzing About

Social media is ablaze with excitement. “Enola in Malta? I’m screaming!” one fan tweeted, while another gushed, “Millie and Louis’s chemistry is everything!” The darker tone has sparked debate, with some praising the bold direction and others hoping the series keeps its playful charm. Mycroft’s absence has fans divided—some miss his grumpy vibe, while others are eager for a tighter focus on Enola. Posts on X highlight Brown’s star power and Barantini’s fresh approach, with users calling the film “the Prisoner of Azkaban of Enola.”

The Bigger Picture: A Franchise with Legs

With nine books in Springer’s series, Enola Holmes has plenty of stories left to tell. Brown’s love for the role—she’s called Enola “strong, fearless, intelligent, and brave”—suggests she’s in for the long haul. Netflix’s investment, backed by the films’ massive viewership, hints at more sequels or even a Sherlock-Watson spin-off. Barantini’s darker vision could redefine the series, appealing to older viewers while keeping its youthful energy.

The Verdict: A Case Worth Solving

Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a thrilling leap forward, blending the franchise’s signature wit with a darker, more ambitious story. With Millie Bobby Brown leading a stellar cast, a new director bringing edge, and a Maltese mystery packed with twists, Enola’s next adventure is set to captivate. While Mycroft’s absence stings, the return of fan-favorites like Cavill, Carter, and Duncan-Brewster promises fireworks. As production chugs along and 2026 looms, fans are ready for Enola to crack her toughest case yet. The game is afoot—and it’s going to be a wild ride!