The Holmes Siblings Are Back

The game is truly afoot as Netflix announces the return of Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill for Enola Holmes 3, the highly anticipated third installment of the beloved mystery franchise. Since its debut in 2020, the Enola Holmes series, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, blending youthful energy, feminist themes, and pulse-pounding detective work. With production underway in the UK and Malta as of April 2025, this sequel promises to elevate the stakes, introducing a darker, more mature tone while showcasing the dynamic interplay between Brown’s spirited Enola and Cavill’s cerebral Sherlock. The trailer glimpses and early buzz suggest a tangled, treacherous case that will test the Holmes siblings like never before, making this a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. What new mysteries await? Let’s dive into the details, from the cast’s chemistry to the franchise’s bold evolution, and explore why Enola Holmes 3 is poised to be Netflix’s next triumph.

The Franchise’s Rise: From Book to Blockbuster

A Fresh Spin on Sherlock’s World

The Enola Holmes series began with a bold premise: reimagining Sherlock Holmes’ universe through the eyes of his teenage sister, Enola, a fiercely independent sleuth who often outwits her famous brother. Adapted from Nancy Springer’s Edgar-nominated novels, the first film, released on September 23, 2020, introduced Millie Bobby Brown as Enola, a 16-year-old navigating Victorian England to find her missing mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter). Henry Cavill’s Sherlock, portrayed as a warmer, more emotional detective than traditional iterations, provided a compelling foil. The film’s vibrant mix of adventure, humor, and social commentary—tied to the suffragette movement—earned a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and drew 76 million households in its first 28 days, per Netflix’s metrics.

The 2022 sequel, Enola Holmes 2, built on this foundation, with Enola launching her own detective agency and tackling a case inspired by the 1888 matchgirls’ strike. Directed by Harry Bradbeer and written by Jack Thorne, it deepened the sibling dynamic, with Cavill’s Sherlock collaborating more closely with Enola. The film debuted at #1 on Netflix’s global charts, amassing 64.08 million hours streamed across 93 countries in its first week, and earned a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. Now, Enola Holmes 3 aims to push the franchise further, with a new director, Philip Barantini, and a script by Thorne that promises a darker, more complex narrative set in Malta.

Why It Resonates

The series’ success lies in its ability to blend historical context with modern sensibilities. Enola’s journey—defying gender norms, embracing her intellect, and breaking the fourth wall to engage viewers—resonates with younger audiences, particularly teenage girls. The films weave real-world issues, like labor rights and women’s suffrage, into engaging mysteries, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Cavill’s Sherlock, meanwhile, offers a fresh lens on a literary icon, balancing stoicism with vulnerability, a choice that sparked debate but ultimately won fans. The franchise’s elasticity, as noted by Netflix’s Scott Stuber, allows it to evolve, much like the Harry Potter series aged with its audience.

Millie Bobby Brown: Enola’s Heart and Soul

A Star on the Rise

Millie Bobby Brown, born February 19, 2004, in Marbella, Spain, has become a global phenomenon. Her breakout role as Eleven in Stranger Things (2016–present) showcased her emotional depth, earning her Emmy nominations. At just 16, she produced and starred in Enola Holmes, a testament to her ambition. By Enola Holmes 2, she commanded a reported $10 million salary, the highest upfront pay for an actor under 20 at the time. Her portrayal of Enola—bold, witty, and fiercely independent—has made the character a feminist icon, with Brown’s fourth-wall-breaking asides adding a playful charm. In a 2022 Screen Rant interview, she expressed her love for Enola, craving “more cases, pressure, and vulnerability” for the character, a wish Enola Holmes 3 seems poised to fulfill.

Enola’s Evolution in Part 3

In Enola Holmes 3, Brown’s Enola ventures to Malta, where “personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before,” per Netflix’s synopsis. This suggests a deeper exploration of Enola’s growth, now in her late teens, balancing her detective career with personal relationships, notably with Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge). Brown’s Instagram post on April 10, 2025, featuring her and Partridge in character with the caption “And so we begin,” ignited fan excitement, hinting at Enola’s continued charisma and evolving maturity. Her production role via PCMA Productions, alongside her sister Paige Brown and husband Jake Bongiovi, underscores her creative control, ensuring Enola’s story remains authentic to her vision.

Henry Cavill: A Sherlock Like No Other

Redefining a Legend

Henry Cavill, born May 5, 1983, in Jersey, Channel Islands, brings a unique flavor to Sherlock Holmes. Known for his chiseled physique and intense performances as Superman in Man of Steel (2013) and Geralt in The Witcher (2019–2023), Cavill’s Sherlock is a departure from the aloof, hyper-rational detective of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. His portrayal, described as “more emotional” initially, was adjusted to balance warmth with restraint after legal pushback from the Conan Doyle Estate, which argued that Sherlock’s emotions were copyrighted in later stories. Cavill’s Sherlock is supportive yet competitive, providing a foil to Enola’s youthful exuberance. His scenes in Enola Holmes 2, particularly the mid-credits introduction of Dr. John Watson (Himesh Patel), set up a classic dynamic that fans hope will expand in the third film.

Cavill’s Role in the Threequel

While Enola Holmes 3 remains Enola’s story, Cavill’s Sherlock is integral, with the Malta setting offering new opportunities for sibling collaboration. His busy schedule—filming Voltron, Highlander, and developing a Warhammer 40,000 series—makes his commitment to the franchise notable, though a Sherlock spin-off seems unlikely given Enola’s centrality. Cavill’s chemistry with Brown, evident in their playful banter and shared sleuthing in Enola Holmes 2, is a highlight fans eagerly anticipate. His physicality—seen in action scenes like the Enola Holmes 2 bar fight—adds grit, while his emotional depth, as Sherlock grapples with loneliness, enriches the narrative.

The Sibling Dynamic: Brown and Cavill’s Chemistry

A Bond That Steals the Show

The heart of Enola Holmes lies in the interplay between Enola and Sherlock, brought to life by Brown and Cavill’s effortless chemistry. In the first film, Sherlock is a distant but protective figure, often outshone by Enola’s ingenuity. By Enola Holmes 2, their relationship evolves into a partnership, with shared scenes—like decoding clues in Sherlock’s study—showcasing mutual respect. Cavill’s understated humor complements Brown’s vibrant energy, creating moments that balance levity and tension. For instance, a scene where Enola hides in Sherlock’s cabinet, only to be discovered, blends sibling rivalry with warmth, earning laughs and cheers from audiences.

In Enola Holmes 3, this dynamic is expected to deepen. The Malta setting, with its “nest of vipers,” suggests higher stakes, forcing Enola and Sherlock to rely on each other more than ever. Brown’s comments about wanting Enola to face “crazy situations” and Cavill’s portrayal of a Sherlock who’s “not preternaturally intelligent” to avoid overshadowing Enola indicate a balanced dynamic. Their real-life camaraderie—evident in promotional interviews where Brown calls Cavill “the best big brother” and Cavill praises her as “a force of nature”—translates on-screen, making their scenes a highlight. Fans on X have raved, with posts like “Millie and Henry’s sibling vibes are EVERYTHING! Can’t wait for more in #EnolaHolmes3.”

New Elements in Enola Holmes 3

A Darker, More Mature Tone

The most significant shift in Enola Holmes 3 is its tone. Director Philip Barantini, known for the intense, one-take drama Adolescence, aims to emulate Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’s darker, more mature vibe. This evolution mirrors Enola’s aging, now closer to adulthood, and aligns with audience expectations for a franchise maturing alongside its star. The Malta setting—described as a “tangled and treacherous” backdrop—introduces a Mediterranean intrigue, with potential for political conspiracies or international crime, contrasting the London-centric first two films. Early reports suggest a complex case involving Enola’s detective agency and her personal life, particularly her romance with Tewkesbury.

Returning and New Cast Members

The ensemble is a powerhouse, with returning stars enhancing the story. Louis Partridge reprises Tewkesbury, Enola’s love interest, whose role as a House of Lords member adds political stakes. Helena Bonham Carter returns as Eudoria, the Holmes matriarch, whose suffragette ties may tie into the plot. Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty, introduced as Mira Troy in Enola Holmes 2, promises a formidable foe, while Himesh Patel’s Dr. Watson, debuted in the sequel’s mid-credits, will likely expand Sherlock’s arc. Notably, Sam Claflin’s Mycroft is unlikely to return due to scheduling conflicts, as seen in Enola Holmes 2. New faces are unconfirmed, but Barantini’s vision suggests potential additions to match the darker tone, perhaps a cunning villain or Maltese local.

Creative Shifts Behind the Scenes

Barantini’s directorial debut for the franchise, replacing Harry Bradbeer, marks a bold shift. His experience with gritty, character-driven stories suggests a more intense visual style, possibly with longer takes or atmospheric cinematography. Jack Thorne’s return as screenwriter ensures continuity, adapting Springer’s novels while weaving original elements, as seen in Enola Holmes 2’s matchgirls’ strike inspiration. Producers include Brown, Mary Parent, and Legendary Entertainment, with Jake Bongiovi as an executive producer, adding a personal touch. Filming at Shepperton Studios, England, and Valletta and Mdina, Malta, promises stunning visuals, from historic fortresses to sunlit coasts.

Trailer Tease and Fan Reactions

Building Anticipation

While a full trailer for Enola Holmes 3 is yet to drop as of September 4, 2025, Netflix’s April 2025 announcement included a teaser image of Brown and Partridge in costume, fueling speculation. Brown’s Instagram post on April 10, 2025, featuring her and Partridge in character with the caption “And so we begin,” showed Enola and Tewkesbury in Malta’s vibrant streets, hinting at action-packed sequences and romantic tension. Fans expect a trailer soon, likely emphasizing the darker tone, with moody visuals, cryptic clues, and Enola’s signature fourth-wall breaks. Cavill’s Sherlock is anticipated to feature prominently, possibly in a tense confrontation with Moriarty or a heartfelt moment with Enola.

Fan Frenzy on Social Media

The announcement sparked a frenzy on X, with hashtags like #EnolaHolmes3 and #MillieBobbyBrown trending. Fans posted, “Millie and Henry are BACK! Malta setting? Darker vibe? I’m SOLD!” and “The Enola-Sherlock sibling energy is unmatched. Can’t wait for the threequel!” Reddit’s r/Netflix discussed Barantini’s influence, with users noting, “If it’s like Prisoner of Azkaban, we’re in for a treat.” The BTS photo dump from Brown, featuring her and Partridge laughing on set, amplified excitement, with comments like “Millie’s Enola is iconic, and Henry’s Sherlock steals every scene.”

The Franchise’s Cultural Impact

Empowering a New Generation

Enola Holmes has carved a niche as a female-led detective saga, with Enola’s defiance of Victorian gender norms resonating globally. Brown’s portrayal, coupled with her production role, inspires young women, emphasizing agency and intellect. The series’ historical ties—suffragettes in the first film, labor strikes in the second—educate while entertaining, making it a staple for family viewing. Cavill’s Sherlock, meanwhile, humanizes a literary icon, appealing to both purists and new fans. The franchise’s success, with over 130 million combined streaming hours for the first two films, underscores its commercial clout.

A Platform for Talent

The series has elevated Brown’s career, positioning her as a producer and star, with upcoming projects like Damsel and The Electric State. Cavill, despite leaving The Witcher and DC’s Superman, remains a sought-after talent, with Enola Holmes 3 reinforcing his versatility. The franchise also spotlights rising stars like Partridge and Patel, while Bonham Carter’s gravitas adds prestige. Its blend of established and emerging talent mirrors Netflix’s strategy of nurturing homegrown stars, as Stuber noted.

Challenges and Expectations

Navigating a Darker Tone

The shift to a darker narrative risks alienating younger viewers, as Enola Holmes 2 faced minor criticism for gory scenes. Barantini’s vision, likened to Harry Potter’s third film, must balance intensity with the franchise’s playful spirit. Fans hope Thorne’s script retains Enola’s wit and fourth-wall breaks while deepening the mystery. The absence of a release date—likely 2026 given filming timelines—builds anticipation but tests patience.

Legal and Creative Hurdles

The first film faced a lawsuit from the Conan Doyle Estate over Sherlock’s emotions, resolved before Enola Holmes 2. While this shouldn’t impact the third film, maintaining fidelity to Springer’s novels while innovating remains a challenge. Barantini’s inexperience with large-scale franchises may also raise eyebrows, but his Adolescence success suggests he can deliver.

Conclusion: A Mystery Worth Solving

Enola Holmes 3 promises to be a thrilling evolution, with Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill’s electric chemistry anchoring a darker, more ambitious tale. The Malta setting, new directorial vision, and a stellar returning cast set the stage for a case that will test Enola’s wit and heart. As fans await the trailer and release, the Holmes siblings’ return is a beacon of excitement, proving that in the world of mystery, Enola and Sherlock are an unbeatable duo. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Enola Holmes 3 is poised to unravel a story that’s as captivating as it is clever.