The fog of Victorian intrigue is thickening once again, and fans of the Enola Holmes franchise are buzzing with excitement. Since the debut of the first film in 2020, Netflix’s adaptation of Nancy Springer’s beloved book series has captivated audiences with its blend of youthful energy, feminist undertones, and a fresh take on the iconic Sherlock Holmes universe. With Enola Holmes 2 wrapping up in 2022 on a tantalizing cliffhanger, all eyes are now on the upcoming Enola Holmes 3. The big question on everyone’s mind? Will Henry Cavill return as the brilliant yet emotionally guarded Sherlock Holmes to guide his spirited younger sister, Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown, through her next adventure? As production rumors swirl and fan theories proliferate, let’s delve into the latest updates, the cast’s potential return, and the hopes driving this anticipated mystery saga.
The Journey So Far: A Franchise Takes Flight
The Enola Holmes saga began as a cinematic gamble, shifting the spotlight from the world’s most famous detective to his lesser-known teenage sister. Released on Netflix in September 2020 after a planned theatrical run with Warner Bros. was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the first film introduced Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) as a free-spirited 14-year-old who sets out to find her missing mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), only to stumble into a national conspiracy. Henry Cavill’s Sherlock, a stoic yet supportive older brother, and Sam Claflin’s stern Mycroft added familial tension, while Louis Partridge’s Tewkesbury provided a charming love interest. The film’s 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and 189.9 million hours watched in its first 28 days cemented its status as a Netflix hit.
Enola Holmes 2, released on November 4, 2022, upped the ante with an original story inspired by the 1888 matchgirls’ strike. Enola opens her own detective agency, struggling to match her brother’s success, and takes on a case involving a missing girl that unravels a deadly factory conspiracy. Cavill’s Sherlock, grappling with his own case of government blackmail, shares poignant moments with Enola, culminating in a mid-credits scene introducing Himesh Patel as Dr. John Watson. The sequel topped Netflix charts in 93 countries, racking up 64.08 million hours streamed in its debut week, and earned a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The escape of Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty and the budding romance between Enola and Tewkesbury left fans hungry for more.
The Latest Buzz: Production Kicks Off
The green light for Enola Holmes 3 came in November 2024, with Netflix confirming the project’s development. Production began in April 2025 at Shepperton Studios in England and extends to Valletta and Mdina, Malta, marking a shift from the London-centric settings of the previous films. This Mediterranean backdrop promises a fresh visual palette—think sun-drenched streets and ancient architecture—contrasting with the gritty Victorian alleys fans know. Director Philip Barantini, known for the intense one-take drama Adolescence, replaces Harry Bradbeer, bringing a darker, more mature tone described as akin to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’s pivot. Jack Thorne returns as screenwriter, ensuring continuity with the franchise’s narrative voice.
Netflix’s official logline teases, “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.” Filming wrapped its Malta phase in July 2025, with Millie Bobby Brown and Helena Bonham Carter spotted on set, fueling optimism for a 2026 release, likely following the two-year gap between the first two films. The move to Malta suggests a case tied to international intrigue, possibly involving Enola’s agency expanding beyond England or a personal stake linked to her mother’s past.
Henry Cavill’s Return: A Sherlock in Question
The burning question remains: will Henry Cavill don the deerstalker once more? Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock—marked by a gentle warmth and understated brilliance—has been a highlight, offering a counterpoint to the cold, calculating versions by Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. His chemistry with Brown, honed through shared improvisation, has been a fan favorite, with Cavill himself noting in a 2022 Total Film interview, “It’s important to get things right… the tone of things is not lost in the excitement of franchises.” This caution suggests he’d only return if the story justifies it, a stance echoed after creative differences led him to exit The Witcher and the DCU’s Superman.
Good news arrived in April 2025 when Netflix confirmed Cavill’s return alongside Brown, with production updates listing him among the cast. His Sherlock is expected to play a pivotal role, potentially mentoring Enola through her most complex case yet or facing off against Moriarty, whose escape sets up a classic Holmesian duel. Cavill’s recent projects, including Territory (2024) and The Ministry for Ungentlemanly Warfare, keep him busy, but his affection for the role—expressed at fan events—hints at flexibility. Fans on Reddit’s r/movies celebrate this, with one user noting, “Cavill’s Sherlock is the perfect blend of charm and intellect—can’t wait to see him back!”
The Returning Cast: A Family Reunited
Beyond Cavill, the ensemble is shaping up with familiar faces. Millie Bobby Brown, now 20, returns as Enola, her growth mirroring the character’s maturation. Louis Partridge’s Tewkesbury, now a House of Lords member, will deepen his romance with Enola, a subplot fans adore. Helena Bonham Carter’s Eudoria, a suffragette with secrets, is confirmed to reprise her role, possibly tying Malta’s mystery to her past. Himesh Patel’s Dr. Watson, introduced in Enola Holmes 2’s credits, is set to expand Sherlock’s dynamic, offering comic relief and investigative support. Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty, last seen escaping custody, looms as the likely antagonist, her cunning promising a formidable challenge.
Sam Claflin’s absence from Enola Holmes 2 due to scheduling conflicts left Mycroft’s role open, but director Bradbeer’s openness to his return suggests a possible cameo. Susie Wokoma and Adeel Akhtar may reprise Edith and Lestrade, adding procedural depth. This lineup, bolstered by Barantini’s darker vision, could elevate the series into a more intense narrative, appealing to an audience aging alongside Enola.
Fan Hopes: What Lies Ahead?
Fan speculation is rife, driven by online forums and social media. The Malta setting sparks theories of a case involving a stolen artifact or a political assassination, with Enola’s agency clashing with local authorities. Moriarty’s return is a top hope, with fans imagining a cat-and-mouse game across Maltese rooftops, echoing Sherlock’s Baker Street pursuits. Some envision a personal twist—perhaps Eudoria’s involvement in a Maltese suffragette movement—adding emotional stakes.
The romance between Enola and Tewkesbury is a hot topic, with fans on TikTok creating edits of their arm-in-arm stroll from Enola Holmes 2, hoping for a proposal or a test of loyalty amid the case. Sherlock and Watson’s partnership excites viewers, with hopes for a comedic yet brilliant duo solving a sub-plot, perhaps a red herring to distract from Enola’s main mystery. A darker tone could introduce moral dilemmas—will Enola compromise her ideals, or will Sherlock’s guidance steer her back?
Artistic hopes include stunning visuals—Malta’s Baroque architecture and coastal cliffs—and a score blending Victorian strings with Mediterranean flair. Fans want Enola to break the fourth wall less, letting action and dialogue carry the story, a shift Barantini’s style might support. Polls on X show 68% eager for a Moriarty showdown, 72% anticipating Tewkesbury’s growth, and 85% rooting for Cavill’s return.
Challenges and Opportunities
Reviving Enola Holmes faces hurdles. Cavill’s packed schedule and Brown’s Stranger Things finale (set for 2025) could delay production. The darker tone risks alienating younger fans, though the franchise’s success with teens suggests adaptability. Netflix’s secrecy, typical of its strategy, keeps release dates vague, but the July 2025 wrap suggests a late 2026 premiere.
Opportunities abound. The Maltese setting offers a global appeal, tapping into Netflix’s international audience. A mature Enola could explore themes like independence and legacy, resonating with post-#MeToo viewers. Cavill’s star power, post-Mission: Impossible – Fallout, could draw new fans, while the Holmes legacy ensures a built-in market. A limited series or film could test the waters, with potential for spin-offs like a Sherlock-Watson adventure.
Why It Matters: A Cultural Evolution
Enola Holmes transcends a detective story, reimagining a male-dominated genre through a feminist lens. Cavill’s Sherlock, warm yet flawed, complements Brown’s Enola, challenging traditional heroism. The franchise’s success—over 400 million hours watched across two films—reflects a hunger for diverse narratives. A third installment could solidify its cultural impact, blending nostalgia with innovation.
As fans await confirmation, the buzz around Enola Holmes 3 is a testament to its enduring charm. Will Henry Cavill’s Sherlock guide Enola through Malta’s shadows? Will Moriarty’s return ignite a Holmes family reckoning? With production underway and hopes soaring, the next chapter promises a mystery adventure that could redefine the series. Stay tuned—the game is afoot.
