When Enola Holmes 3 was announced, fans of the Netflix franchise were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Henry Cavill reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective reimagined as the supportive yet brilliant older brother to Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola. Since the first film’s debut in 2020, Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock has been a highlight, blending stoic intelligence with a softer, more emotional edge than traditional depictions. However, early reports and leaks from the production of Enola Holmes 3, which began filming in April 2025, suggest that Cavill’s screen time as Sherlock will be surprisingly brief—potentially limited to just a few key scenes. This has sparked intense speculation about the narrative choices behind his reduced role and the fate of Sherlock in this darker, more mature installment of the series. What could lead to such a short appearance for one of literature’s greatest detectives, and how does this impact the Enola Holmes franchise? This article explores the reasons behind Sherlock’s limited presence and the implications for the story, drawing on the franchise’s history, cast insights, and the evolving dynamics of Enola’s world.

The Evolution of Sherlock in the Enola Holmes Franchise

To understand why Sherlock’s role in Enola Holmes 3 might be curtailed, it’s worth revisiting his arc across the first two films. In Enola Holmes (2020), Cavill’s Sherlock was a secondary character, introduced as the famous detective brother who returns home after their mother, Eudoria Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter), vanishes. Unlike the cold, aloof Sherlock of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories or Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern take, Cavill’s version was warmer and more approachable, showing a soft spot for his teenage sister, Enola. His screen time was limited, as the story focused on Enola’s quest to find Eudoria and unravel a conspiracy involving Viscount Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). Yet, Cavill’s presence was impactful, with moments like his discovery of Eudoria’s hidden message in the chimney showcasing his deductive prowess. Critics noted that while Cavill was “miscast” for purists expecting a more traditional Holmes, his charm and physicality brought a fresh dimension to the role.

In Enola Holmes 2 (2022), Sherlock’s role expanded slightly, as his investigation into a blackmail scheme intersected with Enola’s case involving the matchgirls’ strike. The siblings teamed up, a dynamic fans had clamored for, with Cavill’s Sherlock displaying both brilliance and vulnerability—most notably in a scene where Enola rescues him from a bar, highlighting his struggles with alcohol. This collaboration culminated in the revelation that Mira Troy (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) was Moriarty, setting up a formidable antagonist for future films. The introduction of Dr. John Watson (Himesh Patel) in the post-credits scene hinted at a larger role for Sherlock’s world, raising expectations for Enola Holmes 3.

However, Enola Holmes 3, directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne, is described as a “darker and more mature” chapter, set partly in Malta, where Enola tackles a treacherous new case. With filming underway at Shepperton Studios and locations in Valletta and Mdina, the focus remains squarely on Enola, with Cavill’s Sherlock confirmed to return but in a limited capacity. Reports suggest his appearance may be confined to a single episode-like segment or a few pivotal scenes, prompting questions about what narrative choices could sideline such a beloved character.

Why Sherlock’s Role Is Brief: Narrative and Production Factors

Several factors likely contribute to Sherlock’s reduced screen time in Enola Holmes 3. First, the franchise’s core mission is to center Enola as the protagonist, a feminist reimagining of the Holmes universe that prioritizes her agency over her famous brother’s. Director Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films, emphasized in a 2022 Tudum interview that fans wanted Enola and Sherlock to collaborate, but Enola must “lead her own case.” Barantini, known for the intense one-take drama Adolescence, appears to double down on this approach, crafting a story where Enola’s independence is paramount. A prolonged Sherlock presence risks overshadowing her, especially as the series matures and explores her growth as a detective.

Second, Cavill’s busy schedule may play a role. In 2025, Cavill is juggling multiple high-profile projects, including Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey and the Highlander reboot. In a 2022 Total Film interview, he expressed enthusiasm for returning as Sherlock but stressed the need for a clear narrative direction to avoid the pitfalls of other franchises, like The Witcher, where creative differences led to his exit. Scheduling conflicts could limit his availability, forcing the production to condense his role into a few impactful scenes rather than a sprawling subplot.

Third, the narrative itself may necessitate Sherlock’s brief appearance. Enola Holmes 3’s logline describes a “tangled and treacherous” case in Malta, where Enola’s personal and professional dreams collide. The introduction of Moriarty as a recurring villain, coupled with Dr. Watson’s presence, suggests a shift toward expanding the Holmes universe beyond Sherlock’s direct involvement. Early leaks from Malta’s Times of Malta indicate that the story involves a high-stakes mystery tied to a secret society, with Enola navigating a web of deception. Sherlock’s role may be limited to a mentor-like cameo, offering guidance before a dramatic event removes him from the main action.

A Hypothetical Fate for Sherlock

Given the film’s darker tone, several scenarios could explain Sherlock’s short-lived role. One possibility is a temporary “death” or disappearance, a nod to Conan Doyle’s The Final Problem, where Sherlock seemingly perishes at Reichenbach Falls. In Enola Holmes 3, Moriarty, who escaped prison at the end of the second film, could orchestrate an attack that sidelines Sherlock, forcing Enola to confront the villain alone. This would align with the franchise’s focus on Enola’s growth, as she proves herself without her brother’s aid. A dramatic injury—perhaps a gunshot or a staged accident in Malta’s historic streets—could render Sherlock incapacitated, with Cavill appearing in an early scene to set up the stakes before exiting.

Another scenario involves Sherlock being drawn away by a separate case. The introduction of Dr. Watson in Enola Holmes 2 opens the door for a subplot where Sherlock and Watson pursue a lead elsewhere, leaving Enola to handle the Malta mystery. This would allow Cavill to deliver a memorable performance in a condensed timeframe, perhaps in a tense opening sequence where he decodes a clue that sends Enola to Malta. Such a move would maintain Sherlock’s brilliance while keeping the spotlight on Enola, avoiding the risk of him dominating the narrative.

A more tragic possibility, though less likely, is that Sherlock’s substance abuse, hinted at in Enola Holmes 2, escalates. In the source material, Sherlock struggles with cocaine and morphine, toned down for the family-friendly films but still present in his drinking and smoking. A relapse could lead to a brief, emotional scene where Enola finds him compromised, prompting her to take charge. This would add depth to Cavill’s portrayal, showcasing Sherlock’s flaws, but it risks clashing with the franchise’s upbeat tone.

The Impact of Sherlock’s Limited Role

Sherlock’s brief appearance has significant implications for Enola Holmes 3. Narratively, it reinforces Enola’s evolution from a teenage sleuth to a fully realized detective. In the first film, she outwitted Sherlock by disguising herself as a boy; in the second, she matched his intellect by solving the matchgirls’ case. Now, with Moriarty as a formidable foe and Tewkesbury’s growing role as a House of Lords member and love interest, Enola must stand alone. Sherlock’s absence—whether due to injury, a separate case, or another plot device—allows her to face her most dangerous challenge yet, cementing her as the franchise’s heart.

For Cavill’s fans, known as “The Cavillry,” the limited role may disappoint. Social media reactions on X reflect mixed feelings, with some praising Cavill’s “thirst-inducing” Sherlock for his charm and others arguing he was miscast due to his polished, less eccentric demeanor compared to Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr. A Reddit thread on r/SherlockHolmes noted that Cavill’s Sherlock feels “canon-adjacent” but lacks the obsessive edge of Doyle’s detective, suggesting his reduced role might be a creative choice to avoid further criticism from purists. Yet, Cavill’s ability to nail Sherlock’s stoicism and analytical nature ensures that even a brief appearance will be memorable.

The film’s darker tone also raises stakes for the entire cast. Helena Bonham Carter’s Eudoria, spotted filming with Brown in Malta, may play a larger role, potentially tying the mystery to her suffragette past. Louis Partridge’s Tewkesbury, now a political figure, could drive the plot’s feminist themes, while Himesh Patel’s Watson might bridge Sherlock’s absence by aiding Enola. Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty, a gender-swapped take on the classic villain, is poised to be the central antagonist, her escape setting up a showdown that tests Enola’s resolve.

Fan and Critical Expectations

The decision to limit Sherlock’s role has sparked debate among fans and critics. On X, some users expressed excitement for a “grittier” Enola Holmes 3, with one post stating, “If Sherlock’s only in it briefly, it better be epic—Cavill deserves a big moment.” Others worried that reducing his presence risks alienating viewers who see him as a draw. A ScreenRant article cautioned that Cavill’s Sherlock, while not the lead, is “key to the franchise’s appeal,” and a short appearance must be carefully crafted to avoid feeling like a cameo.

Critics have also noted the franchise’s challenge in balancing its teen adventure roots with a more mature narrative. The first two films were criticized for uneven pacing and overly expository dialogue, issues that could worsen if Sherlock’s subplot feels rushed. Barantini’s direction, known for its intensity, may counter this by focusing on atmospheric tension, with Malta’s historic settings providing a backdrop for a more cinematic mystery.

The Broader Context of Cavill’s Career

Cavill’s brief role must also be seen in the context of his career trajectory. After exiting The Witcher and the DC Universe, Enola Holmes remains one of his few ongoing franchises. His addition of Enola Holmes 3 to his IMDb page signals commitment, but his conditions for returning—ensuring the story’s tone and direction are “done right”—suggest he’s selective about his involvement. His recent personal milestones, including welcoming his first child with partner Natalie Viscuso, may also influence his availability, as the couple was spotted in Australia during a break from filming.

Cavill’s Sherlock has been polarizing. While CBR called him the “hottest Sherlock in history,” others, like a Reddit user on r/Sherlock, argued he’s “not true to Doyle’s character,” citing his emotional warmth as a departure from the detective’s cold logic. Yet, this warmth aligns with the franchise’s goal of humanizing the Holmes family, making Sherlock a foil to Enola’s youthful energy. A brief but impactful role could satisfy both camps, delivering a standout performance without overshadowing Brown’s lead.

What Lies Ahead for Enola Holmes 3

While details of Enola Holmes 3’s plot remain under wraps, the Malta setting and Moriarty’s return suggest a high-stakes mystery with global implications. The films have diverged from Nancy Springer’s novels, which feature cases like the disappearance of Wolcott Balestier, but the third installment’s original story may draw on Victorian-era intrigue, possibly involving espionage or a secret society. Sherlock’s brief appearance could serve as a catalyst—perhaps a warning about Moriarty or a clue that sets Enola on her path—before he’s removed by injury, a decoy death, or a parallel investigation.

The film’s cast, including returning actors like Bonham Carter, Partridge, Patel, and Duncan-Brewster, promises a rich ensemble. New characters, potentially including figures like Irene Adler or the Baker Street Irregulars, could fill the void left by Sherlock’s limited role, expanding the universe. The July 2025 filming wrap in Malta suggests a release in late 2026, giving fans time to speculate on how Cavill’s Sherlock will fit into this darker chapter.

Conclusion: A Strategic Choice for a Growing Franchise

Henry Cavill’s brief appearance as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes 3 is a deliberate narrative choice, driven by the franchise’s focus on Enola’s independence, Cavill’s scheduling constraints, and the story’s darker tone. Whether his role is cut short by a dramatic “death,” a separate case with Watson, or a personal struggle, it’s clear the filmmakers aim to keep Enola at the forefront while leveraging Cavill’s star power for maximum impact. For fans, the anticipation lies in how these few scenes will showcase Sherlock’s brilliance and emotional depth, even as Enola takes center stage.

The Enola Holmes series has always been about redefining the Holmes legacy through a feminist lens, and Sherlock’s limited role reinforces this mission. As Enola navigates the treacherous streets of Malta, outwitting Moriarty and balancing her romance with Tewkesbury, Sherlock’s shadow looms large but does not dominate. Cavill’s performance, however brief, is poised to leave a lasting impression, proving that even a short-lived Sherlock can steal the show. As one X user put it, “Henry Cavill as Sherlock doesn’t need hours to shine—just give him one killer scene, and we’re good.” With Enola Holmes 3 set to push the franchise into new territory, the game is, indeed, afoot.