Enola Holmes 3, the third chapter in Netflix’s beloved mystery franchise, has wrapped filming and is poised to captivate audiences with its signature blend of wit, adventure, and Victorian-era intrigue. Directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne, the film sees Millie Bobby Brown return as Enola Holmes, the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes, tackling her most complex and dangerous case yet. Set to release in 2026, this installment takes Enola to the sun-drenched shores of Malta, where personal and professional challenges collide in a tangled web of deception. With a stellar cast, a darker tone, and a narrative that diverges from Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes Mysteries novels, the film promises to elevate the franchise to new heights. This article explores the plot, cast, thematic depth, and anticipated surprises of Enola Holmes 3, drawing on available information from web sources and promotional materials.
A New Setting and a Treacherous Case
Unlike its predecessors, which were firmly rooted in London’s gritty streets and societal upheavals, Enola Holmes 3 transports viewers to Malta, a Mediterranean island steeped in history and mystery. The official synopsis describes the film as following Enola as “adventure chases [her] to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.” This shift in setting introduces a fresh visual palette, with filming locations in Valletta and Mdina promising sunlit stone architecture and labyrinthine streets that contrast the foggy ambiance of the earlier films. The Maltese backdrop, previously featured in productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, adds an exotic yet grounded atmosphere, enhancing the stakes of Enola’s investigation.
The plot, while tightly guarded, appears to center on a high-stakes mystery that intertwines Enola’s detective work with her personal growth. Following the events of Enola Holmes 2 (2022), where Enola solved a conspiracy involving the Matchstick Girls Strike and opened her own detective agency, the third film finds her more established but facing unprecedented challenges. The escape of Moriarty, the criminal mastermind played by Sharon Duncan-Brewster, sets the stage for a formidable antagonist, potentially orchestrating chaos from the shadows. The introduction of Dr. John Watson, played by Himesh Patel, in the final moments of the second film suggests he will play a significant role, possibly bridging Enola and Sherlock’s worlds. The narrative is expected to explore Enola’s evolving identity as a detective, her romantic relationship with Viscount Tewkesbury, and her dynamic with her brother Sherlock, all while unraveling a case that tests her wit and courage.
The film’s darker, more mature tone, as noted by director Philip Barantini, draws inspiration from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which marked a pivotal shift toward complexity in its franchise. This suggests Enola Holmes 3 will delve into deeper emotional and moral territory, moving beyond the youthful exuberance of the first two films. Themes of independence, family legacy, and the cost of pursuing truth are likely to resonate, with Enola navigating a “nest of vipers” that may include political intrigue, betrayal, or corruption in Malta’s unique cultural landscape.
A Stellar Cast Brings Depth to the Holmes Universe
The cast of Enola Holmes 3 is a blend of returning stars and new faces, anchored by Millie Bobby Brown’s charismatic portrayal of Enola Holmes. Brown, also a co-producer through her PCMA Productions, brings a seasoned confidence to the role, having grown alongside Enola from a rebellious teen to a formidable detective. Her ability to break the fourth wall, a hallmark of the series, adds a playful yet intimate connection with the audience, balancing the film’s darker tone with moments of levity. Brown’s chemistry with Louis Partridge, who reprises his role as Tewkesbury, Enola’s love interest and now a member of the House of Lords, is expected to deepen, with their romance facing new challenges amid the case’s dangers.
Henry Cavill returns as Sherlock Holmes, bringing gravitas and warmth to the iconic detective. His portrayal, less aloof than traditional interpretations, complements Enola’s fiery independence, and their sibling dynamic remains a cornerstone of the series. Himesh Patel’s Dr. Watson, introduced in Enola Holmes 2’s mid-credits scene, is poised to expand the Holmes universe, potentially serving as a mediator between Enola and Sherlock or getting entangled in the case himself. Helena Bonham Carter reprises her role as Eudoria Holmes, the radical matriarch whose influence continues to shape Enola’s path. Her scenes, filmed in Malta alongside Brown, hint at a significant maternal presence, possibly exploring unresolved tensions from the first film.
Sharon Duncan-Brewster’s Moriarty, revealed as Mira Troy in the second film, is a wildcard, with her prison escape setting up a cat-and-mouse game that could challenge both Holmes siblings. Supporting roles include Susan Wokoma as Edith and Adeel Akhtar as Lestrade, both returning from previous films, alongside new additions like Bern Collaço as an officer and Mike Parish as Viscount Chelmsford. The ensemble, filmed across Shepperton Studios in the UK and Malta’s historic sites, brings authenticity to the period setting while grounding the story in emotional stakes.
Anticipated Twists and Narrative Surprises
Enola Holmes 3 is poised to deliver the intricate plotting and unexpected twists that have defined the franchise. While the films have diverged from Springer’s novels, creating original stories inspired by the books’ spirit, the third installment’s Maltese setting and darker tone suggest a narrative rich with surprises. One potential twist could involve Moriarty’s role as the mastermind behind the Malta case. Her escape at the end of Enola Holmes 2 hints at a personal vendetta against Enola, possibly targeting her detective agency or Tewkesbury to destabilize her. A reveal that Moriarty has manipulated events from afar, perhaps posing as an ally or orchestrating a larger conspiracy, would elevate the stakes and test Enola’s deductive skills.
Another possible twist lies in Enola’s personal life. The synopsis’s mention of “personal and professional dreams” colliding suggests a conflict between her detective ambitions and her relationship with Tewkesbury. A betrayal or misunderstanding—perhaps Tewkesbury’s political duties conflicting with Enola’s case—could force her to make a difficult choice, echoing the moral dilemmas of classic detective stories. Alternatively, the case may tie back to the Holmes family, with Eudoria’s radical past or Sherlock’s enemies resurfacing in Malta. A twist revealing a connection between the case and Enola’s mother or a hidden family secret would add emotional depth, aligning with the film’s mature tone.
The Maltese setting itself may harbor a twist, with the island’s history of piracy, trade, and political intrigue providing a backdrop for a scheme involving corruption or international stakes. A mid-film revelation that the case is not a simple crime but part of a larger plot—perhaps linked to colonial tensions or a hidden artifact—would fit the franchise’s knack for blending historical context with mystery. The presence of Dr. Watson also opens the door for a surprise, such as his own investigation intersecting with Enola’s or a hidden agenda that complicates their alliance.
Expectations and Cultural Impact
Enola Holmes 3 arrives with high expectations, building on the success of its predecessors, which collectively garnered over 347 million hours watched on Netflix. The first film, released in 2020, was a global hit, ranking among Netflix’s most-watched originals, while the 2022 sequel sustained strong viewership with 158 million hours in its first month. The franchise’s appeal lies in its fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos, centering a young, female detective whose wit and independence resonate with modern audiences. Barantini’s direction, known for the intense, one-take style of Boiling Point, promises a visually dynamic approach, with cinematographer Matthew Lewis capturing Malta’s vibrant yet ominous atmosphere.
The film’s darker tone and focus on Enola’s growth suggest it could serve as a pivotal chapter, potentially concluding her story or setting the stage for a broader “Holmes-verse.” Early reactions from fans on platforms like Instagram, where Brown shared filming updates, reflect excitement for the new setting and returning cast. However, some fans express concern that the shift away from Springer’s novels might alienate book purists, while others welcome the original story for its creative freedom. The inclusion of Malta as a setting adds a layer of cultural intrigue, potentially exploring themes of identity and displacement that resonate with global audiences.
Conclusion
Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a thrilling evolution of the franchise, blending the charm and cleverness of its predecessors with a darker, more mature narrative. Millie Bobby Brown’s return as Enola, alongside Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge, and a talented ensemble, ensures a compelling mix of action, romance, and mystery. The Maltese setting, with its rich history and visual allure, sets the stage for a case that challenges Enola like never before, while potential twists involving Moriarty, family secrets, or personal betrayals promise to keep viewers on edge. As Netflix’s investment in the series continues to pay off, Enola Holmes 3 is poised to cement its place as a standout in the teen detective genre, delivering a story that’s both a nostalgic nod to Sherlockian lore and a bold step forward for its young heroine. Expected to premiere in 2026, this adventure will undoubtedly leave fans eagerly awaiting Enola’s next move.
