The Enola Holmes franchise has captured the hearts of mystery lovers worldwide, blending Victorian-era sleuthing with a fresh, feminist twist. At its core is Millie Bobby Brown’s charismatic Enola, but for many fans, Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes steals the show. With Enola Holmes 3 officially in production as of April 2025, the Sherlock fandom is abuzz with anticipation—and one burning question: Will Cavill don Sherlock’s iconic coat once more? Rumors are swirling, whispers from the set are growing louder, and fan excitement is reaching fever pitch. From Netflix’s cryptic updates to X posts fueling the hype, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dive into the clues and see if we can crack the case of Cavill’s return! 🧩✨
The Enola Holmes Phenomenon: A Sherlock for a New Era 🎬
Since its debut in 2020, Enola Holmes has redefined the Holmes legacy. Based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the series follows Enola, Sherlock’s brilliant younger sister, as she outwits her famous brother and solves cases that intertwine personal stakes with societal intrigue. The first film, watched by 76 million households in its first month, became one of Netflix’s most successful originals, earning a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its 2022 sequel upped the ante, with a 93% rating and an expanded role for Cavill’s Sherlock, who teamed up with Enola to unravel a conspiracy.
Cavill’s Sherlock is a departure from traditional portrayals. Unlike Benedict Cumberbatch’s acerbic genius or Robert Downey Jr.’s eccentric brawler, Cavill brings a subtle warmth and emotional depth, balancing aloof brilliance with a brotherly bond. His performance, described by Polygon as adding “another dimension” to the detective, has won over fans who see him as a worthy successor to the deerstalker legacy. On X, fans have proclaimed, “The only Sherlock Holmes we know is Henry Cavill,” reflecting the fervor for his take on the character. With Enola Holmes 3 now filming in the UK and Malta, the stage is set for another adventure—but will Cavill be part of it?
Production Updates: Clues from the Set 🗺️
Netflix confirmed in April 2025 that Enola Holmes 3 is in production, with Millie Bobby Brown returning as Enola and a new mystery unfolding in Malta. The logline teases “a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before,” where “personal and professional dreams collide.” Directed by Philip Barantini (Adolescence) and written by Jack Thorne, who penned the first two films, the sequel promises a darker tone aimed at an older audience. Returning cast members include Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury, Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, Himesh Patel as Dr. John Watson, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Moriarty.
Henry Cavill’s return as Sherlock is explicitly confirmed by multiple sources, including Netflix, IGN, and The Hollywood Reporter, putting early doubts to rest. In a blog post, Netflix announced Cavill’s involvement, noting his role alongside Brown and the ensemble cast. The production’s UK base and Malta setting suggest a visually rich backdrop for Sherlock’s next chapter, with Cavill likely central to the plot given his increased prominence in Enola Holmes 2. Millie Bobby Brown, also a producer, hinted at filming starting “in the coming weeks” during a March 2025 interview, projecting a late 2025 or early 2026 release.
Cavill’s Sherlock: Why Fans Are Obsessed 🦸♂️
Cavill’s Sherlock stands out for its nuanced blend of stoicism and vulnerability. In Enola Holmes, he’s less the untouchable genius and more a flawed sibling, guiding Enola while grappling with his own isolation. The sequel introduced Dr. John Watson, played by Himesh Patel, setting up the classic Holmes-Watson dynamic via Enola’s matchmaking. Fans on X have praised Cavill’s “haughty presence” and “hidden warmth,” contrasting it with Cumberbatch’s intensity or Downey’s mania. One post even suggested Cavill’s detective experience makes him a “godfather” of the role, fueling calls for more.
Cavill himself has expressed enthusiasm for the role, telling The Wrap in 2022 that he “enjoyed enormously being in Baker Street” and admired the “beautifully crafted set.” His commitment to “getting things right” drove his return for Enola Holmes 2, despite a busy schedule that included The Witcher and DCU projects. However, he’s been clear that Sherlock’s story should remain tied to Enola’s, dismissing a standalone spinoff. “This universe is very much Enola’s,” he told The Wrap, emphasizing their sibling dynamic as key to his portrayal. This stance reassures fans that his Sherlock will stay integral to Enola Holmes 3, likely with a significant subplot.
The Rumors and Speculation: What’s at Stake? 🔍
Before Netflix’s confirmation, Cavill’s return was uncertain, sparking rumors. In November 2024, some reports questioned his involvement due to scheduling conflicts with projects like Voltron, Highlander, and Warhammer 40,000. His exit from The Witcher and the DCU’s Superman role heightened fan anxiety, with some fearing he might step back from Enola Holmes too. Yet, Cavill’s addition of Enola Holmes 3 to his IMDb and Netflix’s official announcements quelled these concerns.
Fans speculate about Sherlock’s role in the Malta mystery. The darker tone and Moriarty’s return suggest a high-stakes case, possibly involving a Noxian-like conspiracy given Arcane’s influence on fan crossover dreams. Could Sherlock face off against Moriarty directly, or will he mentor Enola through her most dangerous case yet? The introduction of Watson in Enola Holmes 2 hints at a deeper exploration of Sherlock’s world, with Cavill potentially sharing scenes with Patel’s Watson, a dynamic fans are eager to see. X posts have even floated wild ideas, like Cavill voicing a League of Legends champion, showing how his Arcane fandom fuels crossover fantasies.post:not_specific
Challenges and Controversies: A Lawsuit’s Shadow ⚖️
Cavill’s Sherlock hasn’t been without controversy. In 2020, the Conan Doyle Estate sued Netflix, claiming his emotional portrayal violated copyright by drawing from Doyle’s later stories (1923–1927), still under copyright in the U.S. The estate argued Sherlock’s emotions were exclusive to these works, unlike the public-domain stories. Cavill noted they “pared back” the emotionality to address this, ensuring his Sherlock remained distinct. The lawsuit, settled quietly, hasn’t resurfaced for Enola Holmes 3, but it underscores the scrutiny Cavill’s portrayal faces from purists.
Some Sherlock fans, particularly Doyle purists, have criticized Cavill’s casting, with one IMDb review calling him “one of the worst” Sherlocks, arguing he was miscast for the role’s intellectual edge. Yet, the broader audience, especially younger fans and Brown’s Stranger Things base, embraces his charm and physicality, seeing him as a modernized Holmes. This divide adds intrigue to his return, as Enola Holmes 3 must balance pleasing traditionalists and the franchise’s youthful, feminist fanbase.
Fan Hype and the Future: What’s Next? 🌟
The Sherlock fandom is electric with anticipation. On X, posts like “Henry Cavill’s Sherlock is the best since Cumberbatch!” and “Can’t wait for him to slay in Enola Holmes 3” reflect the excitement. Fans are particularly thrilled about the Malta setting, expecting cinematic visuals and complex mysteries. The confirmed cast, including Moriarty and Watson, suggests a story that could elevate Sherlock’s role, perhaps exploring his dynamic with Enola and Watson in new ways.post:not_specific
Cavill’s busy 2025 schedule raises questions about his screen time. With Highlander and Warhammer 40,000 in development, he may remain a supporting player, as in previous films, rather than leading a spinoff. However, his love for the role and the franchise’s success—bolstered by Brown’s star power—make his return a safe bet. The darker tone of Enola Holmes 3 could also allow Cavill to showcase a grittier Sherlock, aligning with Barantini’s vision.
The Verdict: Will Cavill Return? 🕶️
All signs point to yes. Netflix’s announcements, Cavill’s enthusiasm, and the narrative setup from Enola Holmes 2 confirm he’ll reprise Sherlock. The mystery isn’t if he’ll return but how prominent his role will be. Will he and Enola tackle Moriarty together? Will Watson’s presence shift the dynamic? Fans must wait until late 2025 or early 2026 for answers, but the clues are promising.
For now, Sherlock fans can revel in the hype. Rewatch Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2 on Netflix to catch Cavill’s nuanced performance, and keep an eye on X for the latest buzz. Whether he’s puffing his Meerschaum pipe or guiding Enola through Malta’s vipers, Cavill’s Sherlock is poised to keep the Holmes legacy alive. So, grab your magnifying glass and join the investigation—do you think Cavill will shine in Enola Holmes 3? Share your theories in the comments and let’s unravel this mystery together! 🕵️♂️🎬
