A Speedy Return for Enola Holmes

The game is afoot, and it’s moving faster than anyone anticipated! Netflix’s Enola Holmes 3, the third chapter in the wildly popular mystery franchise starring Millie Bobby Brown as the teenage detective Enola Holmes, is generating buzz with whispers that it could hit screens as early as spring 2026. After the global success of Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022), which together amassed hundreds of millions of streaming hours, fans are clamoring for the next adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ plucky younger sister. With production already wrapped in key locations and a new director promising a darker, more thrilling tone, Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a bold evolution of the series. But the big news? Insiders hint that Netflix is fast-tracking post-production to deliver the film sooner than expected, potentially making it one of 2026’s must-watch releases. From the accelerated timeline to the returning cast, plot details, and the absence of one key actor, here’s a deep dive into everything we know about Enola Holmes 3.

Based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries novels, the franchise has won hearts with its mix of Victorian-era sleuthing, feminist spirit, and Brown’s magnetic, fourth-wall-breaking performance. The first film followed Enola’s quest to find her missing mother while thwarting a conspiracy, while the sequel tackled the 1888 Match Girls’ Strike and introduced a cunning Moriarty. Now, Enola Holmes 3 is set to take Enola to the sun-soaked island of Malta for a case described as “more tangled and treacherous” than ever. With a potential early 2026 release, the Daily Mail unravels every detail about this exciting chapter, exploring why the timeline has shifted, who’s back in the cast, and what mysteries await.

A Fast-Tracked Production: Why Early 2026?

The journey to Enola Holmes 3 began in late 2023, when Netflix’s then-film chief Scott Stuber teased that a script was in development, praising Brown as a cornerstone of their original content slate. By November 2024, the project gained momentum with the announcement of Philip Barantini as director, replacing Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films. Barantini, known for his intense, one-take drama Boiling Point and Netflix’s Adolescence, pitched a darker, more mature vision, likened to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for its bold tonal shift. This fresh approach, combined with Netflix’s eagerness to capitalize on the franchise’s popularity, has set the stage for an accelerated release.

Filming kicked off on April 10, 2025, at Shepperton Studios in the UK, with additional shoots in Valletta and Mdina, Malta, wrapping by July 2025. The swift production schedule—spanning just four months—has raised eyebrows, as Enola Holmes 2 took nearly six months to film. Insiders suggest Netflix prioritized a tight timeline, leveraging Barantini’s efficient directing style and Brown’s availability post-Stranger Things 5. Post-production, including editing and visual effects, is reportedly moving at breakneck speed, with teams working to meet an early 2026 target, potentially as soon as March or April. This would mark a roughly 11-month turnaround from the start of filming, faster than the 14 months for Enola Holmes 2.

Why the rush? The franchise’s streaming numbers tell the story: Enola Holmes racked up 189.9 million hours watched in its first month, while Enola Holmes 2 clocked 158 million. Netflix sees Enola Holmes 3 as a tentpole release, especially with Brown’s star power peaking after The Electric State and Stranger Things 5. An early 2026 launch could position the film for awards season buzz or align with major streaming events like Netflix’s Tudum. However, the tight schedule raises questions about whether quality could take a hit—though Barantini’s track record suggests he thrives under pressure.

Release Date: Spring 2026 in Sight?

While Netflix hasn’t confirmed an exact date, the accelerated production points to a spring 2026 release, possibly March or April, rather than the initially speculated fall window. Enola Holmes debuted in September 2020, and Enola Holmes 2 in November 2022, but the third film’s compressed timeline suggests Netflix is eager to keep the momentum going. Post-production, including editing, sound design, and visual effects for Malta’s historic settings, could wrap by February 2026 if teams maintain the pace. A spring release would give Enola Holmes 3 a prime slot before summer blockbusters crowd the streaming landscape.

If delays arise—say, due to complex visual effects or reshoots—the release could slip to summer 2026, but insiders are confident in the early target. A teaser trailer is expected by late 2025 or early 2026, likely dropping during a Netflix Tudum event, showcasing the Maltese backdrop and new villains. Fans can rewatch the first two films on Netflix to tide them over, but the prospect of Enola returning sooner than expected has social media buzzing with excitement.

The Cast: Six Stars Return, One Is Missing

The heart of Enola Holmes 3 lies in its stellar cast, with six key players confirmed to return, bringing back the chemistry that made the series a global hit. Millie Bobby Brown leads as Enola Holmes, the teenage detective whose wit, courage, and charm have made her a modern icon. At 21, Brown has grown with the role, evolving Enola from a runaway to a confident sleuth running her own detective agency. She’s teased that the third film will push Enola into “crazy situations” that test her vulnerability, promising a performance that balances strength and emotional depth.

Louis Partridge is back as Viscount Tewkesbury, Enola’s dashing love interest. Their romance blossomed in Enola Holmes 2, with Tewkesbury’s flower bouquets and dance invitations stealing hearts. Partridge’s return hints at more romantic sparks, though the plot suggests tension between their love story and Enola’s career ambitions. Could Tewkesbury’s political role in the House of Lords complicate their bond?

Henry Cavill reprises Sherlock Holmes, Enola’s brooding, brilliant older brother. Cavill’s rugged take on the iconic detective—more action-hero than pipe-smoking scholar—has been a fan favorite, blending mentorship with sibling rivalry. With Dr. Watson now in the mix, expect Sherlock to play a larger role, possibly teaming up with Enola for some classic 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 added feminist fire to the series, and her return could tie into family secrets or revolutionary plots in Malta.

Himesh Patel is back as Dr. John Watson, introduced in Enola Holmes 2’s mid-credits scene as Sherlock’s flatmate. Patel’s brief appearance teased a bigger 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 shocking finale. Duncan-Brewster’s chilling performance set her up as Enola’s ultimate foe, and her comeback promises a high-stakes showdown that could rock the Holmes family.

But one key player is missing: Sam Claflin, who played Mycroft Holmes in the first film. Claflin’s stuffy, patriarchal Mycroft was a comedic foil to Enola’s rebellion, but scheduling conflicts kept him out of the sequel, and he’s not confirmed for Enola Holmes 3. His absence could shift the focus to Sherlock and Eudoria, letting Enola shine as an independent detective. Fans are disappointed, as Mycroft’s grumpy charm added humor, but some hope for a cameo or flashback to honor his role. New faces, like Bern Collaço as an officer and Mike Parish as Viscount Chelmsford, suggest fresh characters in the Maltese setting, possibly spies or diplomats, though Netflix is keeping other casting details under wraps.

The Plot: A Maltese Mystery with a Darker Edge

The official synopsis sets the stage for a thrilling shift: “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.” The move to Malta, a Mediterranean hub of trade, intrigue, and colonial power in the Victorian era, opens up a world of possibilities. Could Enola be chasing a stolen artifact, unraveling an espionage plot, or exposing a colonial conspiracy? Director Philip Barantini’s darker vision suggests a story with higher stakes, moral dilemmas, and life-or-death peril, moving beyond the whimsical tone of the earlier films.

While the films have taken liberties with Nancy Springer’s novels, Enola Holmes 3 may 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 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 positions her as the mastermind, weaving a web of deceit that spans continents.

The “personal and professional dreams” colliding hints at 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 Holmesian vibe. Expect Enola’s signature fourth-wall-breaking narration, clever disguises, and heart-pounding action, all elevated by Barantini’s gritty style.

Recapping the Journey So Far

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

Why Mycroft’s Absence Matters

Sam Claflin’s Mycroft was a standout in the first film, his pompous demeanor clashing hilariously with Enola’s free spirit. His absence in the sequel was felt, and his likely non-return for Enola Holmes 3 could shift the family dynamic. Without Mycroft’s traditionalist foil, the focus may center on Sherlock and Eudoria, emphasizing Enola’s independence. Fans are holding out for a cameo or flashback, as his chemistry with Brown and Cavill was a highlight.

Behind the Scenes: A New Creative Team

Philip Barantini’s direction is a game-changer. His experience with high-pressure narratives in Boiling Point suggests a film that’s visually dynamic and emotionally intense. Jack Thorne’s return as screenwriter ensures continuity, with his knack for blending historical accuracy with modern wit. Cinematographer Matthew Lewis and production designer Gary Williamson will bring Malta’s ancient streets and azure seas to life, creating a vivid contrast to London’s gloom. Brown’s PCMA Productions and Legendary Entertainment are producing, with Jake Bongiovi among the executive producers, adding a personal touch.

Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz

Social media is electric with anticipation. “Enola in Malta? Early 2026? I’m screaming!” one fan tweeted, while another gushed, “Millie and Louis’s chemistry is going to kill me!” 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 excited 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 Holmes.”

The Franchise’s Future: More Mysteries Ahead?

With nine books in Springer’s series, Enola Holmes has plenty of stories to tell. Brown’s passion for the role—she’s called Enola “strong, fearless, intelligent, and brave”—suggests she’s committed 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 retaining its youthful energy.

The Verdict: A Case That Can’t Come Soon Enough

Enola Holmes 3 is poised to be a thrilling leap forward, with an early 2026 release putting it on track to captivate audiences sooner than expected. Millie Bobby Brown leads a stellar cast, minus Sam Claflin’s Mycroft, in a Maltese mystery that promises danger, romance, and family drama. Philip Barantini’s darker direction, paired with Jack Thorne’s sharp script, sets the stage for a film that could redefine the franchise. As Enola faces her toughest case yet, fans are counting down to a spring premiere that’s sure to be a global event. The game is afoot, and Enola Holmes is ready to steal the show!