Enola Holmes 3: Everything We Know About the Proposal, Henry Cavill’s Return, and That Agonizing Wait Until Summer 2026

Description: Tewkesbury’s on one knee, Cavill’s back as Sherlock, and we’re all waiting until 2026. Here’s everything about Enola Holmes 3.

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That Proposal Photo That Broke the Internet

Let’s just address the elephant—or should I say, the kneeling lord—in the room: Netflix dropped a photo that sent the entire Enola Holmes fandom into a collective meltdown. There’s Lord Tewkesbury, down on one knee, holding out a single flower to Enola Holmes, whose mouth is slightly open as if she’s about to say… something.

Is it a proposal? Is it a dramatic apology? Is he just really committed to Victorian-era flower-giving etiquette? The internet has theories, and they range from “OMG THEY’RE GETTING MARRIED” to “This is definitely a red herring and someone’s about to get murdered.”

Welcome to the wild world of Enola Holmes 3 speculation, where a single promotional photo can launch a thousand Reddit threads and make grown adults scream at their screens. If you’re here because you Googled “Enola Holmes 3 release date” at 2 AM (no judgment, we’ve all been there), you’re in the right place.

Here’s everything we know about the third installment of everyone’s favorite feminist detective franchise—from when you can actually watch it (spoiler: not as soon as you’d like) to whether Henry Cavill is really coming back (spoiler: yes, and the internet is very happy about it).

Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into proposals, mysteries, Malta, and the agonizing wait until Summer 2026. Yes, you read that right. 2026. Not 2025. I’ll give you a moment to process that.

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The Big Question: When Can We Actually Watch It?

Alright, let’s rip off the Band-Aid: Enola Holmes 3 is coming in Summer 2026.

Not 2025. Not “early 2026.” Not “spring 2026.” Summer 2026.

I know, I know. You probably saw some early reports mentioning 2025 and got your hopes up. Trust me, I did too. But Netflix officially confirmed the Summer 2026 release window, and while they haven’t specified the exact month (because apparently, they enjoy watching us suffer), we’re looking at somewhere between June and August 2026.

Why the long wait?

Good question. Here’s the thing: making movies takes time, especially when you’re coordinating schedules for a cast that includes Millie Bobby Brown (who’s also producing), Henry Cavill (who’s juggling multiple projects), and a new director who wants to take the franchise in a darker direction.

Speaking of which, Enola Holmes 3 is being directed by Philip Barantini, who’s taking over from Harry Bradbeer (who directed the first two films). Barantini is known for his intense, critically acclaimed work on Boiling Point, and he reportedly won the job by pitching a “darker” version of Enola’s story. More on that later.

The film is being shot in Malta, which is both gorgeous and logistically complex. Add in post-production, visual effects, and Netflix’s strategic release calendar (they like to space out their big releases), and you get a Summer 2026 premiere.

The silver lining?

At least we have a confirmed release window. Remember when we were all just hoping for a third movie to even exist? Now it’s not just confirmed—it’s in the can, edited, and ready to go. We just have to wait. And wait. And maybe rewatch the first two movies a few dozen times.

Where will it premiere?

Netflix, exclusively. This is a Netflix original film, so you won’t find it in theaters or on any other streaming platform. The good news? Netflix is available in most countries, so unless you’re in a region with heavy streaming restrictions, you’ll be able to watch it on release day.

Mark your calendars for Summer 2026. Set a reminder. Tattoo it on your arm if you have to. Because when that release date finally arrives, you’re going to want to be ready.

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The Proposal: Will Enola Say Yes?

Now let’s talk about that photo. You know the one.

Lord Tewkesbury (played by the perpetually charming Louis Partridge) is down on one knee in what appears to be a lush, outdoor setting. He’s holding out a single flower—not a ring, interestingly enough—and Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) is standing there with her mouth slightly open, caught mid-reaction.

The internet immediately jumped to conclusions: “HE’S PROPOSING!” “THEY’RE GETTING MARRIED!” “I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING!”

But hold on. Let’s examine the evidence like the detectives we pretend to be.

What we know from the official synopsis:

Netflix describes the plot as follows: “The game is truly afoot when the private detective takes on a new case while also navigating the next stage of her relationship with Tewkesbury.”

“The next stage of her relationship.” That’s… vague. And deliberately so. It could mean engagement. It could mean moving in together. It could mean having a serious conversation about their future. Or it could mean breaking up (please, Netflix, don’t do this to us).

Context from the previous films:

In Enola Holmes (2020), Enola and Tewkesbury met when she saved him from assassins. Their chemistry was immediate, but Enola was focused on finding her mother and establishing her independence.

In Enola Holmes 2 (2022), their relationship deepened. Tewkesbury was now a young lord working in Parliament, and Enola was a struggling private detective. They kissed (finally!), and the film ended with them together but not making any big commitments.

So where does that leave us for the third film?

The proposal theory:

The photo certainly looks like a proposal. Tewkesbury is on one knee, which is the universal symbol for “I’m about to ask you to marry me.” The flower could be symbolic—maybe he’s proposing in a way that’s meaningful to their relationship rather than with a traditional ring.

But here’s the thing: Enola Holmes is a character who values her independence above all else. The entire franchise is about a young woman carving out her own path in a society that wants to control her. Would she really say yes to marriage at this point in her life?

The alternative theory:

Maybe it’s not a proposal at all. Maybe Tewkesbury is apologizing for something. Maybe he’s asking for her help with a case. Maybe he’s just being dramatically romantic in a way that Victorian-era nobles apparently were.

Or—and hear me out—maybe it’s a fake-out. Maybe this is a scene where Enola is imagining what a proposal would look like, or it’s part of an undercover operation, or it’s a dream sequence.

My prediction:

I think there will be a proposal, but I don’t think Enola will give a straightforward “yes.” This is a character who’s spent two movies fighting for her autonomy. If she does agree to marry Tewkesbury, it’ll be on her terms, with clear boundaries about maintaining her career and independence.

Or maybe she’ll say “not yet” and the film will end with them still together but not engaged, leaving the door open for future films.

Either way, that photo is designed to make us talk, speculate, and desperately count down the days until Summer 2026. Mission accomplished, Netflix.

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The Cast: Who’s Coming Back (And Who Might Not Be)

Let’s talk about who’s returning for Enola Holmes 3, because this is where things get really exciting.

Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes

Obviously. She’s not just starring—she’s also producing through her production company, PCMA Productions. At this point, Millie Bobby Brown is Enola Holmes, and it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role.

Louis Partridge as Lord Tewkesbury

Also confirmed. After that proposal photo, did you really think he wouldn’t be back? Partridge has said in interviews that he loves playing Tewkesbury and enjoys the character’s growth throughout the series.

Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes

Here’s the big one: Yes, Henry Cavill is returning.

I know there were rumors and concerns after Cavill left The Witcher and took on other projects. Some fans worried he might be too busy or uninterested in returning for a third Enola Holmes film. But Netflix confirmed his return, and honestly, it makes sense.

Cavill’s Sherlock is a crucial part of the franchise. He’s not the main character, but his relationship with Enola—moving from dismissive older brother to supportive ally—is one of the emotional cores of the series. Plus, let’s be real: having Henry Cavill in your movie is good for business.

Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes

Enola’s radical suffragette mother is back. Helena Bonham Carter brings such chaotic energy to the role, and her scenes with Millie Bobby Brown are always highlights.

Himesh Patel as Dr. John Watson

Patel joined the franchise in the second film, and he’s returning for the third. His Watson is a nice contrast to Cavill’s Sherlock—warmer, more approachable, and genuinely supportive of Enola’s detective work.

Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Moriarty

Yes, you read that right. Moriarty is in this movie. Sharon Duncan-Brewster (who you might recognize from Dune) is playing the iconic villain, which suggests the stakes are about to get a lot higher.

Who’s NOT confirmed:

Sam Claflin, who played Mycroft Holmes (the eldest, most insufferable Holmes sibling) in the first two films, is notably absent from the announced cast list. This could mean Mycroft isn’t in the third film, or it could mean his role is being kept secret. Given that Mycroft and Enola’s relationship was largely resolved by the end of the second film, his absence wouldn’t be shocking.

The new director:

Philip Barantini is taking over directing duties from Harry Bradbeer. Barantini is best known for Boiling Point, a tense, one-shot thriller that earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Directing. He’s also directed episodes of The Bear, so he knows how to handle ensemble casts and high-pressure situations.

According to reports, Barantini pitched a “darker” version of Enola Holmes 3, comparing his vision to what Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban did for the Harry Potter franchise—taking a beloved series and maturing it for a slightly older audience.

Jack Thorne is back as screenwriter, which is great news. He wrote both previous films and clearly understands these characters.

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The Plot: Malta, Mysteries, and a Darker Tone

So what’s Enola Holmes 3 actually about?

According to Netflix’s official synopsis: “The adventure follows detective Enola Holmes as she travels to Malta, where personal dreams collide with professional duty as she faces her most complex and dangerous case yet.”

Let’s break that down.

Malta:

The film was shot in Malta, a Mediterranean island nation with stunning architecture, beautiful coastlines, and a rich history. It’s a gorgeous location that’s been used for everything from Game of Thrones to Gladiator. For a period piece like Enola Holmes, Malta offers the perfect blend of historical authenticity and visual spectacle.

But why Malta? The synopsis mentions “personal dreams colliding with professional duty,” which suggests Enola might be there for personal reasons (honeymoon? vacation with Tewkesbury?) when she stumbles onto a case.

“Most complex and dangerous case yet”:

The first film dealt with political assassination plots. The second involved a missing persons case that uncovered a conspiracy involving match factory workers. So what could be more complex and dangerous than that?

Given that Moriarty is in this film, we’re probably looking at something with higher stakes—international intrigue, perhaps, or a case that threatens not just individuals but entire systems.

The darker tone:

Multiple sources have reported that Enola Holmes 3 will be darker and more mature than its predecessors. Director Philip Barantini specifically mentioned wanting to do for Enola Holmes what Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban did for Harry Potter—take a franchise that started light and fun and push it into more complex, adult territory.

This makes sense. Enola is older now (Millie Bobby Brown is 21, and her character has aged accordingly). The audience that fell in love with the first film in 2020 is also older. It’s natural for the franchise to grow up with its fans.

But what does “darker” mean? More violence? More morally ambiguous situations? Characters dying? A less optimistic ending?

We’ll have to wait and see, but I’m cautiously optimistic. The first two films balanced humor, heart, and social commentary beautifully. If the third can maintain that balance while adding more complexity and stakes, it could be the best one yet.

The source material:

The films are based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries book series, which consists of six novels. However, the movies only loosely adapt the books—they take the characters and general premise but create original stories.

This means there’s plenty of source material left if Netflix wants to make more films, but they’re not bound by the books’ plots.

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How to Watch: Your Netflix Guide

This one’s pretty straightforward: Enola Holmes 3 will be available exclusively on Netflix.

When: Summer 2026 (exact date TBA)

Where: Netflix, globally (in regions where Netflix operates)

How much: Whatever your Netflix subscription costs. If you don’t have Netflix, you’ll need to subscribe to watch it. The good news is that Netflix offers different subscription tiers, so you can choose the one that fits your budget.

Preparing for the premiere:

If you haven’t watched the first two Enola Holmes films, now’s the time. Both are available on Netflix, and they’re absolutely worth watching. The first film introduces Enola’s world and her relationship with her brothers. The second deepens her character and establishes her as a legitimate detective.

You could also read Nancy Springer’s books, though as mentioned, the films diverge significantly from the source material.

International availability:

Netflix is available in over 190 countries, so unless you’re in a region with heavy streaming restrictions (like China or North Korea), you should be able to watch Enola Holmes 3 on release day.

If you’re traveling during Summer 2026, remember that Netflix’s library varies by region due to licensing agreements. You might need to wait until you’re back home to watch it, or use a VPN (though Netflix’s terms of service technically prohibit this).

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Final Thoughts: Is This the End?

Here’s the question everyone’s asking: Is Enola Holmes 3 the final film in the franchise?

The short answer: We don’t know.

The long answer: Netflix hasn’t officially announced whether this is a trilogy or if there are plans for more films. The fact that they’re calling it “Enola Holmes 3” rather than “Enola Holmes: The Final Chapter” or something similar suggests they’re leaving the door open.

There are good arguments for both scenarios:

Why this might be the end:

• Three is a nice, tidy number for a film series
• Millie Bobby Brown is getting older and might want to move on to other projects
• The “darker, more mature” tone suggests a natural endpoint
• Wrapping up Enola and Tewkesbury’s relationship (whether through marriage or otherwise) would provide closure

Why there might be more:

• The source material includes six books, so there’s more story to tell
• The films have been successful for Netflix (though they don’t release specific viewership numbers)
• Millie Bobby Brown is producing, which suggests she’s invested in the franchise’s future
• Netflix loves franchises and is always looking for reliable content

My prediction:

I think Enola Holmes 3 will be structured in a way that works as a series finale if needed, but leaves room for more films if Netflix wants them. Think of it like Toy Story 3—a perfect ending that was later followed by Toy Story 4 because there was more story to tell (and money to be made).

Whether we get an Enola Holmes 4 will probably depend on how well the third film performs and whether Millie Bobby Brown wants to continue. Given that she’s producing and has spoken positively about the character, I’d say there’s a decent chance we’ll see more of Enola’s adventures.

But for now, let’s focus on what we know is coming: Summer 2026, Malta, a proposal (maybe), Moriarty, and Henry Cavill’s cheekbones. That’s more than enough to get excited about.

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Quick Facts

• Release Date: Summer 2026 (exact date TBA)
• Platform: Netflix (exclusive)
• Director: Philip Barantini
• Writer: Jack Thorne
• Main Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Himesh Patel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster
• Filming Location: Malta
• Tone: Darker and more mature than previous films
• Based On: Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries (loosely adapted)
• Is it the final film?: Unconfirmed

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Image Credits

1. Proposal Photo - Enola Holmes 3 (2026), Netflix
2. Release Date Announcement - Netflix Official
3. Enola and Tewkesbury - Netflix Official
4. Cast Photo - Netflix Official
5. Malta Scenery - Location Photography
6. Netflix Streaming - Netflix Official
7. Final Scene - Netflix Official

All Netflix images used for editorial/review purposes. Official photos available at Netflix Tudum and Netflix social media channels.

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Final Thought: Summer 2026 feels like a lifetime away, but at least we have that proposal photo to obsess over in the meantime. Will Enola say yes? Will Sherlock solve the case? Will Moriarty be as terrifying as we hope? We’ll find out in about a year and a half. Until then, I’ll be rewatching the first two films and practicing my Victorian-era flower-giving etiquette. You know, just in case.

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