The sun-drenched streets of Malta have been abuzz with excitement as the third installment of Netflix’s beloved Enola Holmes franchise officially wrapped filming on June 27, 2025, after a month-long shoot on the Mediterranean island. The production, which began in April at Shepperton Studios in the UK before relocating to Malta, has transformed historic locations like Valletta, Mdina, and Mellieħa into the backdrop for Enola Holmes’ latest mystery. Directed by Philip Barantini and starring Millie Bobby Brown as the sharp-witted detective, Enola Holmes 3 promises a darker, more intricate adventure set against the vibrant tapestry of Malta under the British Empire. A tantalizing detail has emerged to fuel anticipation: a leaked set photo shows Enola clutching a cryptic, blood-stained letter, hinting at a chilling personal stakes in her new case.

A New Chapter for Enola Holmes

The Enola Holmes series, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, has captivated audiences since its 2020 debut, with the first film drawing over 76 million households in its first month. The franchise follows Enola, the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes, as she navigates Victorian-era mysteries with intelligence and tenacity. The second film, released in 2022, ended with a cliffhanger involving Moriarty’s escape, setting the stage for a more complex narrative. Enola Holmes 3, written by Jack Thorne, dives deeper into Enola’s world, with Malta’s historic architecture and coastal beauty providing a fresh setting.

Filming in Malta began in early June, following a two-month shoot at Shepperton Studios. The island’s selection as a primary location was no accident—its cobblestone streets, Baroque palaces, and fortified walls evoke the Victorian era while offering a visually striking contrast to the foggy streets of London featured in the earlier films. “Malta’s unique blend of history and Mediterranean charm makes it the perfect canvas for Enola’s latest adventure,” said director Philip Barantini in a statement to Screen Global Production. The production utilized locations across the island, including Valletta’s Grandmaster’s Palace, Mdina’s medieval streets, and the Malta Film Studios’ water tanks for maritime scenes.

Star-Studded Cast and Local Impact

The cast of Enola Holmes 3 is a mix of returning favorites and new faces. Millie Bobby Brown reprises her role as Enola, also serving as a producer through her company, PCMA Productions. Henry Cavill returns as Sherlock Holmes, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, Louis Partridge as Viscount Tewkesbury, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Moriarty. New additions include Joe Azzopardi as Mikiel Mizzi and Eirwen Phoenix in a yet-to-be-revealed role, adding local Maltese talent to the ensemble. Himesh Patel also returns as Dr. John Watson, deepening the Sherlockian connections.

The production employed over 360 Maltese and Gozitan crew members, supported by Malta’s Cash Rebate programme, which has made the island a hub for international filmmaking. Local businesses, from catering to transportation, benefited significantly, with an estimated €10 million economic boost, according to Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech. “Malta has shown its versatility as a center for creativity,” Grech told TVMnews.mt. “This production not only brings investment but also showcases our talent and landscapes to a global audience.”

Stars were spotted across the island during filming, delighting locals and tourists. Millie Bobby Brown was seen in Naxxar with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, while Helena Bonham Carter visited Popeye Village, a popular tourist attraction. Louis Partridge and Brown were photographed wearing matching “Malta” baseball caps, a nod to the island’s iconic eight-pointed cross, as shared on Instagram by Lovin Malta. These candid moments fueled social media buzz, with fans eagerly awaiting glimpses of Malta on screen.

A Darker, More Tangled Mystery

While plot details remain under wraps, Netflix’s official synopsis offers tantalizing hints: “Enola trades the fog of Victorian England for the sun-soaked shores of Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.” The shift to Malta suggests a story rooted in the island’s historical context as a British colony in the late 19th century, possibly involving political intrigue or maritime mysteries. Barantini, known for his work on the Netflix series Adolescence, has promised a “darker iteration” of the franchise, according to Screen Global Production.

The leaked set photo, circulating on X and later reported by GuideMeMalta.com, has sparked intense speculation. The image shows Enola, played by Brown, holding a crumpled letter stained with what appears to be blood, her expression one of shock and determination. The letter’s contents are unclear, but fans theorize it could be a clue tied to Moriarty’s schemes or a personal betrayal, given Enola’s evolving relationship with Tewkesbury. “That blood-stained letter is going to break us,” posted @EnolaFan23 on X. “Is it from Sherlock? Eudoria? Or someone new?” The detail has ignited debates about whether the case involves a family secret or a larger conspiracy, adding to the anticipation for the film’s 2026 release.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges

The Malta shoot was not without hurdles. In mid-June, production paused briefly when several cast and crew members, including Brown, fell ill with suspected food poisoning from a catered meal, possibly seafood, as reported by IBTimes UK. The incident, which occurred shortly after the move from Shepperton, disrupted the 12-week schedule, forcing the team to reshuffle scenes and rely on stand-ins. “It was really unfortunate,” an insider told The Sun. “Everything had to grind to a halt for about 24 hours.” Brown and others recovered quickly, and filming resumed without major delays, showcasing the crew’s professionalism.

The incident highlighted the challenges of location shooting, particularly in a new environment. Malta’s summer heat, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, posed additional difficulties, especially for period costumes. Despite these setbacks, the production stayed on track, wrapping on June 27. Brown celebrated the milestone on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes photos with the caption “Case closed.” One image, showing her and Partridge relaxing on a Maltese beach, garnered over a million likes, reflecting the global excitement for the film.

Malta as a Cinematic Star

Malta’s role in Enola Holmes 3 extends beyond a mere backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. The island’s historic sites, such as Valletta’s fortified walls and Mdina’s ancient gates, provide a vivid setting for Enola’s investigation. The Malta Film Studios’ water tanks enabled dynamic maritime sequences, potentially involving shipwrecks or smuggling, aligning with the island’s colonial history. “Malta’s architecture and coastal beauty give this film a fresh energy,” said production designer Sarah Greenwood in an interview with Times of Malta. “It’s like stepping into a Victorian postcard with a Mediterranean twist.”

Specific filming locations included:

Valletta: The Grandmaster’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral served as settings for high-stakes scenes, possibly involving diplomatic or aristocratic encounters.

Mdina: Known as the “Silent City,” its medieval streets were used for chase sequences, as confirmed by set photos shared by Lovin Malta.

Mellieħa: Coastal areas and cliffs provided dramatic backdrops for exterior shots.

Malta Film Studios: Water tanks facilitated scenes with ships or docks, hinted at in behind-the-scenes footage.

These locations, combined with Malta’s golden light, promise a visually stunning addition to the franchise. “Fans will see Malta’s beauty in every frame,” posted @MaltaFilmFan on X. “Enola’s adventure here is going to be epic.”

Cultural and Narrative Significance

The choice of Malta as a setting reflects the franchise’s evolution from a London-centric story to a broader exploration of the British Empire’s reach. The film’s narrative may delve into colonial tensions, trade disputes, or espionage, given Malta’s strategic importance in the 19th century. The blood-stained letter suggests a personal dimension, potentially tying Enola’s investigation to her family or past decisions. “This case feels like it’s going to test Enola in ways we haven’t seen,” said film critic Emma Clarke on Telly Visions. “Malta’s setting could symbolize her stepping out of Sherlock’s shadow.”

The inclusion of Maltese actor Joe Azzopardi signals a nod to local culture, possibly portraying a character integral to the mystery. Speculation on X suggests his role, Mikiel Mizzi, could be a local guide or an antagonist, adding a layer of cultural authenticity. “Having a Maltese character feels right,” wrote @CinemaMalta. “It grounds the story in the island’s identity.”

Community and Economic Impact

The production’s presence in Malta was a boon for local communities. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services saw increased business, and local crew members gained valuable experience. “Working on Enola Holmes 3 was a dream,” said Maltese grip Maria Cassar in an interview with Malta Daily. “It’s amazing to see our island on a global stage.” The Malta Film Commission’s support ensured smooth logistics, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a filming destination, as noted by Variety.

However, the food poisoning incident sparked local discussions about catering standards for large productions. “It’s a reminder to prioritize safety,” said Valletta restaurateur Paul Galea. “We want Malta to be known for excellence, not mishaps.” The incident prompted the production to switch to a local catering company, boosting community ties.

Anticipation for Release

With filming complete, Enola Holmes 3 is now in post-production, with an expected release in Spring 2026, given Netflix’s packed Fall 2025 slate, as reported by Netfilming.com. The blood-stained letter has become a focal point for fan theories, with some speculating it could involve a betrayal by a trusted ally or a clue to Moriarty’s next move. “That letter is going to haunt me until the premiere,” posted @HolmesMystery on X.

The film’s darker tone, combined with Malta’s vivid setting, promises a thrilling evolution for the franchise. Brown’s dual role as star and producer underscores her commitment to Enola’s story, while Barantini’s direction and Thorne’s script aim to elevate the stakes. “This is Enola’s most personal case yet,” Brown teased in an Instagram post, heightening anticipation.

A Global Stage for Malta

Enola Holmes 3 not only continues Enola’s journey but also showcases Malta’s cinematic potential. From Valletta’s historic grandeur to Mdina’s timeless streets, the island’s beauty will captivate audiences worldwide. The blood-stained letter, glimpsed in that fleeting set photo, hints at a mystery that will keep viewers on edge. As fans await the premiere, Malta stands proud as the stage for Enola’s next triumph, proving that even the smallest islands can hold the biggest secrets.

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