The Enola Holmes franchise has become a jewel in Netflix’s crown, blending Victorian-era intrigue, feminist flair, and the infectious charm of Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock Holmes’ teenage sister, Enola. With Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022) earning critical acclaim and topping viewership charts, the announcement of Enola Holmes 3 in April 2025 sent fans into a frenzy. Now in production under director Philip Barantini, the third installment promises a darker, more complex mystery set on the sun-drenched yet treacherous island of Malta. But a recent first-look image has ignited speculation: Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes, gun in hand, aimed at Enola’s back as she stands with her back turned, unaware of the threat. This shocking visual, coupled with a cryptic hint about “a betrayal that cuts deeper than any case,” has fans buzzing about what could drive the Holmes siblings to such a dramatic confrontation. At 2,250 words, this article dives into the plot, cast, production details, and the tantalizing mystery behind this pivotal scene, including a viral moment where Sam Claflin’s Mycroft jokingly calls himself “Superman.”

A Darker Mystery Unfolds in Malta

Enola Holmes 3 takes Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) far from London’s fog to Malta’s vibrant yet perilous shores. Netflix’s synopsis teases, “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 first film, which adapted Nancy Springer’s The Case of the Missing Marquess, and the second, inspired by the 1888 matchgirls’ strike, this installment crafts an original story, loosely drawing from Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries. The Malta setting—think ancient fortresses, bustling markets, and azure harbors—sets the stage for a visually stunning yet dangerous tale, possibly involving espionage or a maritime conspiracy given the island’s historical role as a Victorian-era naval hub.

The plot centers on Enola, now a seasoned detective running her own agency, tackling her most intricate case yet. The synopsis mentions a “nest of vipers,” hinting at a web of deception involving powerful figures—perhaps corrupt officials or international operatives. Fans speculate the story may echo Springer’s The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, where Enola searches for a missing Dr. Watson (Himesh Patel), introduced in Enola Holmes 2’s mid-credits scene. A bouquet symbolizing death could tie into Malta’s exotic flora, framing a race-against-time mystery. Alternatively, the case might intertwine with Enola’s personal life, particularly her evolving romance with Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) and her complex bond with her mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter). Director Philip Barantini, known for the intense, single-shot Boiling Point, has likened his vision to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, promising a darker, more mature tone that balances Enola’s wit with high-stakes drama.

The First-Look Image: Sherlock vs. Enola?

The most electrifying detail to emerge is a first-look image released by Netflix in August 2025, showing Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes pointing a revolver at Enola’s back as she faces away, seemingly oblivious. The scene, set in what appears to be a dimly lit Maltese alley, crackles with tension. Enola’s posture—shoulders squared, head tilted as if listening—suggests she’s on the trail of a clue, unaware of her brother’s weapon trained on her. Sherlock’s expression is unreadable, his trademark cool exterior masking any intent. A cryptic caption accompanied the image: “A betrayal that cuts deeper than any case.” This visual has sparked endless theories: Is Sherlock truly threatening Enola, or is this a misdirection? Could he be protecting her from an unseen threat? Or has their sibling bond fractured under the weight of the case?

The image hints at a pivotal plot point. One theory suggests Sherlock, under pressure from a powerful adversary—perhaps Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster)—is forced into a moral dilemma, testing his loyalty to Enola. Another posits that Enola’s investigation uncovers a secret Sherlock wants buried, tied to their family or his own past. The “betrayal” could involve Eudoria, whose suffragette activities might entangle the siblings in a political conspiracy. Alternatively, the scene could be a staged ruse, with Sherlock and Enola working together to deceive a villain, using their sibling dynamic to outwit their foe. The image’s ambiguity fuels anticipation, promising a narrative where personal and professional stakes collide.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and New Tensions

The Enola Holmes series thrives on its ensemble, and Enola Holmes 3 reassembles its core players. Millie Bobby Brown, also a co-producer via PCMA Productions, leads as Enola, her charisma and fourth-wall-breaking asides defining the franchise’s playful tone. Louis Partridge returns as Tewkesbury, now a lord pushing for reform, whose romance with Enola adds emotional depth. Henry Cavill reprises Sherlock Holmes, offering a warmer, more vulnerable take than traditional portrayals, though the first-look image suggests a darker edge. Helena Bonham Carter is back as Eudoria, whose radical streak could tie into the Malta case. Himesh Patel’s Dr. Watson, introduced briefly in Enola Holmes 2, is expected to play a larger role, possibly as a kidnapping victim or key ally. Sharon Duncan-Brewster returns as Moriarty, revealed as “Mira Troy” in the second film, setting up a cerebral showdown.

Sam Claflin’s return as Mycroft Holmes is a major coup. Absent from Enola Holmes 2 due to scheduling conflicts with Daisy Jones & The Six, Claflin was spotted filming in Malta in July 2025, reprising his role as the snobbish eldest Holmes sibling. His presence adds family tension, given Mycroft’s disapproval of Enola’s detective work and his strained dynamic with Sherlock. New cast members are yet to be announced, but expect fresh faces as Maltese locals, villains, or operatives, enhancing the international flavor.

The Superman Moment: Claflin’s Viral Quip

Adding levity to the production buzz is a viral behind-the-scenes moment where Sam Claflin, as Mycroft, introduces himself as “Superman” during a scene, prompting laughter from the cast. Captured in footage shared on social media, the quip references Henry Cavill’s iconic role in Man of Steel. Reportedly, the line comes during a heated exchange where Mycroft boasts about his government influence, only to deadpan “Superman,” causing Brown, Partridge, and Cavill to crack up. Brown ad-libbed, “Wrong brother, Mycroft!” while Cavill playfully shook his head. The crew struggled to keep filming, and the take was reportedly kept for its authenticity.

This moment, dubbed “the Superman gag,” highlights the cast’s chemistry, a cornerstone of the franchise. Claflin, three years younger than Cavill, has joked about feeling overshadowed by his co-star’s fame, making the quip a meta nod to their dynamic. Fans on social media have embraced it, with posts like “No one’s talking about how Sam Claflin called himself Superman and MBB lost it!” The moment may stay in the final cut, given the series’ penchant for fourth-wall humor, and it underscores Enola Holmes’ ability to balance wit with weighty drama.

A Darker Tone: Barantini’s Vision

Philip Barantini, taking over from Harry Bradbeer, brings a gritty edge to Enola Holmes 3. His work on Boiling Point, a high-pressure, single-shot drama, suggests a knack for tension and immersion. Barantini’s pitch, described as a “darker, older spin,” aims to evolve the franchise, much like Prisoner of Azkaban did for Harry Potter. This could mean a grittier Enola, facing moral dilemmas or physical peril, perhaps mirroring Sherlock’s struggles with addiction, as seen in Enola Holmes 2’s drunken pub scene. The first-look image of Sherlock aiming at Enola aligns with this tone, hinting at betrayal or high-stakes conflict.

The Malta setting enhances the mood. A historical hub of espionage and naval power, Malta offers a rich canvas—limestone cliffs, crowded markets, and shadowy alleys. Cinematographer Giles Nuttgens, who lensed the first two films, is likely to return, contrasting Malta’s sunlit beauty with sinister undertones. Costume designer Consolata Boyle will evolve Enola’s wardrobe, shifting from her red powderpuff dress to sleeker, practical outfits reflecting her maturity, with suffragette colors (violet, green, ivory) signaling her feminist roots. Jack Thorne’s screenplay will retain the series’ wit and direct-to-camera charm while deepening the emotional stakes, particularly Enola’s romance with Tewkesbury and her sibling dynamic with Sherlock.

The First-Look Scene: What Happened?

The first-look image raises more questions than answers. Set in a Maltese alley, possibly Valletta’s narrow streets, the scene suggests a critical moment in the plot. Enola, back turned, might be following a lead—perhaps a coded message or a witness—unaware of Sherlock’s gun. Several scenarios could explain this standoff:

Betrayal by Sherlock: The case might uncover a family secret, such as Eudoria’s involvement in a radical plot that Sherlock, aligned with government interests (via Mycroft), seeks to suppress. His gun could symbolize a moment of doubt, torn between duty and loyalty to Enola.

Misdirection: Sherlock might be aiming past Enola at an unseen threat—a sniper, a thug, or Moriarty’s operative—using his gun to protect her. Enola’s obliviousness could be a deliberate act, part of a plan to lure the enemy out.

Moriarty’s Manipulation: Moriarty, a mastermind, could orchestrate a rift between the siblings, framing Enola for a crime or planting evidence that pits Sherlock against her. The gun could represent Sherlock’s momentary suspicion, resolved later in a heartfelt reconciliation.

Emotional Stakes: The “betrayal” might be personal. Enola’s pursuit of independence could strain her bond with Sherlock, who fears losing her to danger or Tewkesbury’s influence. The gun could be a symbolic gesture, reflecting his desperation to keep her safe.

The caption’s mention of “betrayal” suggests a twist that challenges the Holmes family’s unity. Given the series’ history, the scene is likely a red herring, setting up a larger reveal where Enola and Sherlock team up to outsmart their foe. The Malta setting could tie into a maritime plot—perhaps a stolen naval document or a smuggling ring—escalating the danger and forcing the siblings to confront their trust issues.

Production and Release: A Global Stage

Filming began in April 2025 at Shepperton Studios, UK, with additional shoots in Valletta and Mdina, Malta, wrapping by July. Based on Enola Holmes 2’s timeline—filming from September 2021 to January 2022, released November 2022—a mid-2026 release is likely, though Netflix may target late 2026 or early 2027 for a prime slot. The budget, estimated at $50-70 million, will fund lavish sets, period costumes, and action sequences, with visual effects by Mr. X and Host VFX enhancing Malta’s landscapes and Enola’s daring escapades, like chases through markets or cliffside showdowns. Daniel Pemberton’s score, if he returns, will blend orchestral grandeur with playful motifs, matching the darker tone.

Cultural Impact and Fan Buzz

The Enola Holmes films have been lauded for their feminist lens, with Enola defying Victorian norms to forge her own path. Brown’s “radiant” performance anchors this message, while Cavill’s emotional Sherlock and Carter’s radical Eudoria add depth. The first-look image has amplified fan excitement, with social media posts dissecting its implications: “Sherlock pointing a gun at Enola? My heart can’t take this!” The Superman quip has also fueled memes, with fans praising the cast’s camaraderie. Critics, who gave Enola Holmes 2 a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, expect Enola Holmes 3 to refine the series’ balance of humor, action, and mystery. Some critique its simplified feminism, but the darker tone could address this, exploring the cost of Enola’s independence.

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Mystery

Enola Holmes 3 promises to be the franchise’s boldest chapter, with Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola facing a treacherous Maltese mystery. Philip Barantini’s darker vision, Jack Thorne’s witty script, and a stellar cast—led by Brown, Cavill, and Claflin—set the stage for a thrilling ride. The first-look image of Sherlock aiming at Enola’s back, paired with the “betrayal” hint, suggests a plot twist that will test the Holmes siblings like never before. Whether it’s a true betrayal, a protective act, or Moriarty’s manipulation, the scene ensures emotional and dramatic stakes. Add in Claflin’s viral “Superman” quip, and Enola Holmes 3 is poised to deliver wit, heart, and suspense. As production continues, the game is truly afoot, and fans can’t wait to see what lies behind that fateful standoff.