Netflix’s Enola Holmes franchise, a vibrant reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes universe through the lens of his teenage sister, has captured audiences with its blend of mystery, wit, and Victorian-era adventure. On April 22, 2025, Netflix announced that Enola Holmes 3 is officially in production in the UK, accompanied by a first-look image featuring stars Millie Bobby Brown and Louis Partridge. The image, showing the duo on a golf cart with Partridge holding flowers, hints at the return of Enola Holmes and her romantic interest, Tewkesbury, in a new case set on the island of Malta. Directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne, the third installment promises a “tangled and treacherous” mystery that will push Enola’s detective skills and personal relationships to new heights. As the franchise evolves, Enola Holmes 3 is poised to build on its predecessors’ success, navigating challenges like audience fatigue with Brown’s Netflix projects and delivering a fresh chapter in this beloved series. This article delves into the production details, cast, plot expectations, creative vision, and the broader cultural significance of the film, analyzing its place in Netflix’s slate and the detective genre.

A Franchise Rooted in Success

The Enola Holmes series, based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries novels, has been a critical and commercial triumph for Netflix. The first film, released in September 2020, introduced Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, the spirited younger sister of Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), who embarks on a quest to find her missing mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), in Victorian-era London. Directed by Harry Bradbeer and written by Jack Thorne, the film blended feminist themes with thrilling detective work, earning 76 million household views and topping Netflix’s charts in 93 countries. Its 91% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes praised Brown’s “luminous” performance and the film’s “refreshing take on the Holmes legacy.”

Enola Holmes 2, released in November 2022, saw Enola establish her own detective agency, tackling a case inspired by the real-life matchgirls’ strikes. The sequel introduced Himesh Patel as Dr. John Watson in a post-credits scene, setting up an expanded Holmes universe. With 68 million hours streamed in its debut week, the film solidified the franchise’s appeal, reportedly earning Brown a $10 million salary—a record for an actor under 20 at the time. The success of both films, coupled with Brown’s star power from Stranger Things, made a third installment inevitable, despite initial plans for a limited series.

The announcement of Enola Holmes 3 in late 2023, followed by the April 2025 production update, confirms Netflix’s confidence in the franchise. The first-look image, shared on Netflix’s official X and Instagram accounts, captures Brown and Partridge in a candid behind-the-scenes moment, signaling that production is underway and generating buzz among fans. The image’s playful tone—Partridge holding flowers, a nod to Tewkesbury’s botanical interests—suggests the film will balance humor, romance, and high-stakes mystery, maintaining the series’ signature charm.

Production Details: A New Creative Direction

Enola Holmes 3 marks a shift in creative leadership, with Philip Barantini, known for Boiling Point and Adolescence, taking over as director from Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films. Barantini’s experience with intense, character-driven narratives and his recent success with Netflix’s Adolescence make him a fitting choice to elevate the franchise’s emotional and visual stakes. Jack Thorne, who wrote both previous films, returns to pen the screenplay, ensuring continuity in tone and character development. The collaboration between Barantini and Thorne, fresh off their work on Adolescence, promises a more mature and complex narrative, as noted by Variety’s description of a case “more tangled and treacherous than any [Enola] has faced before”.

Production is underway in the UK, with filming expected to follow a similar timeline to Enola Holmes 2, which shot from fall 2021 to January 2022 for a November 2022 release. If Enola Holmes 3 adheres to a five-month shooting schedule, principal photography could wrap by late 2025, with post-production targeting a release in mid-to-late 2026. This timeline aligns with ScreenRant’s analysis, which predicts a 2026 premiere based on the previous film’s production cycle. However, some sources, like News75Today, suggest an earlier release in October 2025, which seems ambitious given the recent start of filming and typical post-production needs for a visually rich period piece. The lack of an official release date from Netflix underscores the need for caution with speculative dates, but 2026 remains the most likely target.

The film is produced by Legendary Entertainment’s Mary Parent, Ali Mendes, and Alex Garcia, alongside Brown and Bobby Brown for PCMA Productions. Executive producers include Jake Bongiovi, Isobel Richards, Joshua Grode, and Michael Dreyer. Brown’s involvement as a producer reflects her growing influence in Hollywood, building on her work with PCMA on projects like Damsel and The Electric State. The production team’s pedigree and Netflix’s investment suggest a high-budget effort, with a focus on authentic period details and expansive new settings.

The Setting: Malta as a New Frontier

Unlike the London-centric narratives of the first two films, Enola Holmes 3 takes Enola to the island nation of Malta, a departure that promises fresh visual and narrative opportunities. Netflix’s logline describes Enola being “flung into a nest of vipers” as “personal and professional dreams collide” on a case described as her most challenging yet,. Malta, with its historic fortresses, Mediterranean landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offers a vibrant backdrop that contrasts with London’s foggy streets. The choice of Malta, confirmed by Tudum, suggests a mystery tied to the island’s colonial history or international intrigue, potentially involving smuggling, espionage, or a high-profile disappearance.

The move to Malta aligns with the franchise’s emphasis on Enola’s independence and global adventures. In the novels, Enola often ventures beyond London, and the films have expanded her scope, from rural estates in the first film to urban strikes in the second. Malta’s setting could introduce new cultural dynamics, such as interactions with local communities or colonial authorities, reflecting the Victorian era’s global reach. Fans on X have speculated about a case involving a missing artifact or a diplomatic scandal, given Malta’s strategic importance in the 19th century. The setting also allows for visually striking sequences, leveraging Malta’s iconic architecture, like Valletta’s Grand Harbour, to enhance the film’s cinematic appeal.

Returning Cast and New Dynamics

The core cast returns, led by Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes, whose wit and resourcefulness have made her a fan favorite. Henry Cavill reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes, bringing gravitas to the iconic detective, while Helena Bonham Carter returns as Eudoria Holmes, Enola’s radical mother. Louis Partridge is back as Tewkesbury, whose romantic arc with Enola will evolve in Season 3, as hinted by Tudum’s mention of “the next stages of her relationship with Tewkesbury”,. Himesh Patel, introduced as Dr. John Watson in Enola Holmes 2’s post-credits scene, is expected to have an expanded role, potentially teaming up with Enola and Sherlock. Sharon Duncan-Brewster also returns as Moriarty, the cunning antagonist, suggesting a continued rivalry that could tie into the Malta mystery,.

The first-look image of Brown and Partridge, with the latter holding flowers, nods to Tewkesbury’s botanical passion established in the first film, where Enola met him selling flowers in Covent Garden. This detail suggests their relationship will remain a focal point, balancing Enola’s detective work with personal growth. The absence of other cast members in the image, such as Cavill or Patel, may indicate a focus on Enola and Tewkesbury’s partnership early in the film, though their roles are confirmed. Speculation about new cast members persists, with potential additions like a Maltese local or a new villain, though no confirmations have surfaced.

Plot Expectations: A Tangled and Treacherous Case

While specific plot details remain under wraps, Netflix’s logline provides clues: “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 suggests a mystery that intertwines Enola’s detective work with personal stakes, possibly involving her family or Tewkesbury. The reference to a “nest of vipers” hints at a complex web of deceit, potentially involving multiple suspects or a conspiracy. Given Moriarty’s return, the case could build on her criminal network from Enola Holmes 2, perhaps escalating to an international scheme in Malta.

The focus on Enola’s relationship with Tewkesbury indicates that romantic and emotional growth will be central, challenging her to balance independence with partnership. The first two films explored Enola’s coming-of-age, from defying societal norms to establishing her agency, and Season 3 may see her grappling with maturity and vulnerability. Sherlock’s presence, alongside Watson, suggests a collaborative dynamic, potentially resolving the sibling tension from earlier films. Eudoria’s radical influence could also resurface, tying the mystery to feminist or revolutionary themes, as seen in her anarchistic actions in the first film.

Fans on platforms like Reddit have theorized that the Malta case could involve a missing person, a stolen artifact, or a political intrigue tied to the British Empire’s presence in the Mediterranean. The “treacherous” nature of the case implies higher stakes, possibly with life-or-death consequences, contrasting with the lighter tone of the first-look image. Barantini’s directorial style, known for intense pacing, may lend a darker edge, addressing ScreenRant’s observation that the franchise is moving in a “more serious direction”.

Challenges: Navigating Audience Fatigue

ScreenRant raises a critical concern: audience fatigue with Millie Bobby Brown’s Netflix projects. Following the mixed reception of Damsel (60% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the critically panned The Electric State (15% on Rotten Tomatoes), some worry that Brown’s prolific output could dilute her appeal. However, Enola Holmes remains a strong performer, with its established fanbase and critical acclaim. Brown’s performance as Enola, described as “captivating” by RadioTimes, is a key draw, and her chemistry with Partridge and Cavill mitigates concerns about overexposure. The franchise’s shift to Malta and Barantini’s fresh perspective could reinvigorate interest, countering the narrative of diminishing returns.

The critical reception of the first two films—91% and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively—sets a high bar. Fans expect Season 3 to maintain the balance of humor, heart, and mystery while introducing new elements. Barantini’s experience with Boiling Point’s one-take intensity suggests a potential for innovative cinematography, perhaps incorporating Malta’s landscapes in dynamic sequences. Thorne’s script, rooted in Springer’s novels, will likely draw loosely from The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye or create an original story, given the films’ divergence from the source material.

Cultural Impact and Netflix’s Strategy

Enola Holmes has carved a niche in the detective genre, offering a feminist lens on a traditionally male-dominated narrative. Enola’s defiance of Victorian gender norms resonates with modern audiences, particularly young women, making her a role model for independence and ingenuity. The franchise’s success, with 76 million households for the first film and 68 million hours for the second, underscores Netflix’s ability to leverage Brown’s star power post-Stranger Things. Her role as a producer through PCMA Productions further highlights her influence, aligning with Netflix’s strategy of nurturing young talent for original content.

The move to Malta reflects Netflix’s commitment to global storytelling, diversifying the franchise’s settings and appealing to international audiences. The inclusion of diverse cast members like Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Himesh Patel broadens representation, addressing critiques of the genre’s historical whiteness. The franchise also taps into the resurgence of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, competing with series like Sherlock and The Irregulars while offering a youthful, accessible spin.

Looking Forward: A Mystery Worth Waiting For

Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the franchise, with production underway and a stellar cast returning. The first-look image, capturing Brown and Partridge’s chemistry, sets an optimistic tone, while the Malta setting and Barantini’s direction promise a visually and narratively bold adventure. Despite concerns about audience fatigue, the series’ track record and fresh creative direction position it for success. As fans await a 2026 release, the promise of a “tangled and treacherous” case ensures that Enola Holmes will continue to captivate, proving that even in Sherlock’s shadow, she’s a detective in her own right.

For those eager to revisit Enola’s world, Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2 are streaming on Netflix, offering a chance to catch up before the third installment arrives. With Millie Bobby Brown at the helm, Enola Holmes 3 is set to unravel a mystery that will keep viewers guessing—and rooting for the teenage sleuth who’s rewriting the Holmes legacy.