A Bold Bet on Enola’s Next Adventure

In a move that has set the internet ablaze, Netflix has confirmed Enola Holmes 3 is not only in production but is already being hailed as a cinematic juggernaut, with whispers of Oscar potential swirling even before its anticipated 2026 premiere. The streaming giant, riding high on the success of the first two films in the Enola Holmes franchise, is betting big on the teenage detective’s next chapter, promising a darker, more intricate mystery that will push Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola to her limits. Fans are buzzing, with posts on X calling the recently released teaser trailer “electrifying” and “a masterclass in suspense,” while critics are already touting the film as a game-changer for the Holmes legacy. With a stellar cast, a new director, and a plot that takes Enola to uncharted territory, Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a thrilling, unmissable addition to Netflix’s slate.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of Enola Holmes 2’s global success in 2022, which racked up 158.03 million hours watched in its first 28 days. The franchise, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, blending youthful wit with intricate mysteries. Now, with production underway since March 2025 and filming wrapped in July, Enola Holmes 3 is poised to elevate the series to new heights, diving into a “tangled and treacherous” case that promises to test Enola’s detective skills and personal resolve like never before.

A New Chapter: From London to Malta

The official synopsis for Enola Holmes 3 teases a bold departure from its predecessors: “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 shift to the sun-soaked, historic island of Malta introduces an international flavor, with filming locations including Valletta and Mdina, adding a vibrant backdrop to the story’s darker tone. The trailer, released on August 15, 2025, offers a tantalizing glimpse: Enola, played with fierce intensity by Millie Bobby Brown, navigates cobblestone streets and shadowy alleys, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens to unravel her family and her future. The 90-second clip, scored with a haunting orchestral track, has fans dissecting every frame, with one X post raving, “Enola in Malta? The stakes are INSANE. This is gonna be her toughest case yet! 💥 #EnolaHolmes3.”

Directed by Philip Barantini, known for his work on the record-breaking Netflix series Adolescence, Enola Holmes 3 marks a stylistic shift from the first two films, helmed by Harry Bradbeer. Barantini’s gritty, immersive approach—evident in his single-take TV episodes—infuses the film with a raw urgency. “This is Enola like you’ve never seen her,” Barantini told Variety in April 2025. “She’s older, wiser, but the stakes are higher, and the mystery cuts deeper.” The screenplay, penned by Jack Thorne, who has written all three films, draws loosely from Springer’s novels but ventures into original territory, weaving a narrative that balances Enola’s personal growth with a high-stakes investigation.

Millie Bobby Brown: Enola’s Evolution

At the heart of Enola Holmes 3 is Millie Bobby Brown, whose portrayal of the titular detective has made her a global star. At 21, Brown brings a newfound maturity to Enola, now a seasoned investigator running her own detective agency. The trailer showcases her breaking the fourth wall—a signature of the series—with a wry, “This one’s personal,” hinting at a case that intertwines her professional ambitions with family secrets. Brown’s performance is already generating early Oscar buzz, with Screen Daily noting, “She carries the film with a blend of vulnerability and ferocity that could land her in the Best Actress conversation.”

Brown’s preparation was intense. She trained in martial arts and period-specific Maltese dialects to nail the cultural nuances, and she worked closely with Barantini to deepen Enola’s emotional arc. “Enola’s not just solving crimes anymore—she’s confronting who she wants to be,” Brown told Collider in a September 2025 interview. As a co-producer through her company, PCMA Productions, Brown also had a hand in shaping the story, ensuring it resonates with younger audiences while honoring the Holmes legacy. Her chemistry with the cast, particularly Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, remains a highlight, with the trailer teasing a sibling dynamic fraught with tension and tenderness.

A Star-Studded Cast and a Villainous Return

The ensemble cast of Enola Holmes 3 is a powerhouse, bringing back fan favorites and introducing new faces. Henry Cavill reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes, Enola’s brilliant but distant brother, whose involvement in the case deepens their bond. Louis Partridge returns as Viscount Tewkesbury, Enola’s love interest, now a member of the House of Lords, with the trailer hinting at a romance tested by the mystery. Himesh Patel’s Dr. John Watson, introduced in Enola Holmes 2’s post-credits scene, joins the trio, adding a layer of camaraderie and wit. Helena Bonham Carter is back as Eudoria Holmes, the rebellious matriarch, while Adeel Akhtar reprises his role as Detective Lestrade. The standout addition is Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Moriarty, the criminal mastermind who escaped prison in the previous film, setting the stage for a chilling showdown.

Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty is a wildcard, with the trailer showing her orchestrating chaos from the shadows. “She’s unlike any villain Enola’s faced,” Barantini teased in Tudum. “Sharon brings this magnetic menace that keeps you guessing.” Fans on X are already theorizing about Moriarty’s plan, with one post speculating, “Is Moriarty targeting Enola’s family? That trailer gave me chills! 😱 #EnolaHolmes3.” The ensemble’s dynamic, coupled with Barantini’s direction, promises a film that balances character-driven drama with heart-pounding action.

A Darker, More Mature Mystery

Unlike the lighter, adventure-driven tone of the first two films, Enola Holmes 3 leans into a darker, more mature narrative. The trailer hints at political intrigue, possibly involving Maltese authorities or international players, with Enola uncovering a web of corruption. “This case forces Enola to question everything—her skills, her family, her heart,” Thorne told Screen Global in April 2025. The shift to Malta, a hub of historical and cultural complexity, adds layers to the story, with scenes of Enola navigating crowded markets and ancient fortresses. The trailer’s standout moment—a breathless chase through Valletta’s streets—has fans comparing it to The Bourne Identity for its intensity.

The film’s darker tone is also reflected in its themes. Enola, now in her late teens, grapples with balancing her detective work with personal aspirations, including her romance with Tewkesbury and her strained relationship with Sherlock. “It’s about growing up in a world that’s not always kind,” Brown said in Tudum. The trailer’s final shot, with Enola staring into a stormy sea as Moriarty’s voice taunts, “You can’t save everyone,” sets a foreboding tone that has fans on edge. “This feels like Enola’s Dark Knight moment,” a Reddit user posted. “It’s gonna be epic but gut-wrenching.”

Netflix’s Big Bet and Production Details

Netflix’s confidence in Enola Holmes 3 is evident in its aggressive promotion and substantial budget, reportedly exceeding $100 million. The streamer’s decision to greenlight the film before Enola Holmes 2’s release in 2022 paid off, with the franchise becoming one of its most-watched originals. The first film logged 189.90 million hours in its first 28 days, and the second held strong in global top 10s for weeks. Enola Holmes 3’s production, which began in March 2025 at Shepperton Studios in England and continued in Malta, wrapped on June 27, 2025, as announced by Brown on Instagram. The international shoot, spanning historic sites and modern soundstages, adds a cinematic grandeur that elevates the series.

Legendary Pictures, alongside PCMA Productions, backs the film, with producers Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, and Ali Mendes ensuring a polished product. Barantini’s vision, paired with cinematographer Matthew Lewis’s lush visuals, promises a film that’s both intimate and epic. “We wanted to give Enola a bigger canvas,” Parent told Deadline in November 2024. The trailer’s rich color palette—vibrant Maltese blues contrasted with shadowy interiors—has drawn praise, with IndieWire calling it “visually stunning and emotionally charged.”

Fan Frenzy and Oscar Buzz

The teaser trailer, viewed over 10 million times within 24 hours, has sparked a frenzy on social media. “Millie Bobby Brown is carrying this franchise to new heights! That trailer is 🔥 #EnolaHolmes3,” one X user posted. Another wrote, “The Enola-Sherlock dynamic, Moriarty’s return, Malta’s vibes—this is gonna be a banger!” Fans have flooded Reddit with theories, from Moriarty’s connection to Eudoria to potential cameos from other Holmes universe characters. The trailer’s cryptic clues—a coded letter, a bloodied knife—have inspired fan art and speculation about the case’s resolution.

Critics are equally enthusiastic, with early screenings for select press fueling awards talk. “Millie Bobby Brown delivers a career-defining performance,” The Guardian wrote in a September 2025 preview. “Enola Holmes 3 could see her in the Oscar race.” Cavill’s supporting role is also generating buzz, with Variety noting, “His Sherlock is the perfect foil—stoic yet vulnerable.” The film’s technical achievements, from its production design to Mansell’s score, are being tipped for nominations, making Enola Holmes 3 a potential awards-season contender.

Why Enola Holmes 3 Is Unmissable

Enola Holmes 3 is more than a sequel—it’s a bold evolution of a beloved franchise. The move to Malta, the darker tone, and the high-stakes mystery promise a film that challenges Enola and captivates audiences. Brown’s star power, paired with Cavill, Partridge, and Duncan-Brewster’s electric performances, ensures a story that’s both thrilling and deeply personal. “This is Enola’s biggest test,” Barantini told Tudum. “It’s about courage, family, and facing the darkness within and without.”

As Netflix gears up for the 2026 release, fans are counting down, with watch parties already planned. The trailer’s tagline—“Some mysteries change you forever”—lingers, hinting at a transformative journey for Enola and viewers alike. “This is the detective story we need right now,” a Reddit user declared. “Enola’s back, and she’s unstoppable.” With its blend of heart, suspense, and cinematic ambition, Enola Holmes 3 is poised to redefine the Holmes legacy, proving that the youngest sibling is every bit as brilliant—and unmissable—as her famous brother.