Netflix has set the stage for a blockbuster summer in 2026, unveiling the first official look at Enola Holmes 3 and confirming the return of Millie Bobby Brown as the quick-witted detective. As the streamer’s hit franchise continues, fans can expect a darker, more mature chapter that promises to test Enola’s mettle like never before. The announcement, made on January 7, 2026, comes as part of Netflix’s ambitious slate for the year, which the company teased in its annual “What’s Next?” video—a glossy, sci-fi-inspired short that previewed a parade of returning favorites and new arrivals.
For those who have followed Enola’s journey since her 2020 debut, the stakes have never been higher. According to IGN, the third installment finds Enola Holmes traveling to Malta, where, as the official logline puts it, “personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before.” The first-look image, released by Netflix, shows Brown’s Enola alongside Louis Partridge’s Tewkesbury, with the pair poised to confront “life’s greatest mystery: love.” The photo even features Tewkesbury down on one knee, presenting Enola with a flower—leaving fans to wonder: will she say yes?
The supporting cast is a veritable who’s who of returning favorites. Henry Cavill reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes, Helena Bonham Carter returns as the indomitable Eudoria Holmes, Sharon Duncan-Brewster steps back in as the enigmatic Moriarty, and Himesh Patel, introduced in the post-credit scene of Enola Holmes 2, is back as Dr. John Watson. This formidable ensemble promises a dynamic interplay as Enola navigates both the perils of detective work and the complexities of adulthood.
Behind the camera, there’s a significant change as well. Philip Barantini, acclaimed for his Emmy-winning work on Adolescence and the tense thriller Boiling Point, steps in as director, taking over from Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films. Barantini brings his dramatic sensibilities to the franchise, and he’s not shy about his vision. Speaking to CinemaBlend, Barantini explained, “With [Enola Holmes 3], I’d said to the team, ‘I’d like to make this movie slightly darker, slightly more grown-up than the first two.’” He added, “Enola’s grown up, she’s now 21, Millie’s 21. So she’s no longer a kid, really. She’s an adult, and so I wanted to reflect that in the style and the tone of the movie. So, I think we’ve achieved that. And it’s great. It’s like a new chapter, essentially.”
The script once again comes from Jack Thorne, who has penned each entry in the series, adapting Nancy Springer’s beloved Enola Holmes Mysteries. The setting in Malta is a fresh departure from the foggy streets of Victorian London, promising a sun-drenched backdrop for what Netflix describes as Enola’s “most difficult puzzle yet.” While plot details remain closely guarded, the streamer has hinted that Enola will find herself “flung into a nest of vipers”—balancing a new case with the next stages of her relationship with Tewkesbury. As Netflix put it: “The game is truly afoot.”
The timing of the release is no accident. Enola Holmes 3 is expected to hit Netflix in the summer of 2026, part of a broader push by the streaming giant to recapture the zeitgeist with big-swing, big-audience programming. The “What’s Next?” video previewed not only Enola’s return but also major series such as Bridgerton, The Night Agent, Virgin River, One Piece, and Lupin. High-profile films like Apex starring Charlize Theron, War Machine with Alan Ritchson, and The Rip featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were also teased. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is aiming to keep viewers on their toes, promising a year where “next up” moments arrive before the last one has even faded.
The streamer also announced specific release dates for several 2026 projects. Joe’s College Road Trip, a new Tyler Perry film, will stream from February 13. War Machine is set for March 6, while Remarkably Bright Creatures, starring Sally Field, will debut on May 8. Animated feature Swapped added Tracy Morgan and Cedric the Entertainer to its voice cast, joining Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple. And for fantasy fans, Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Narnia is slated for December 2026.
But it’s Enola Holmes 3 that’s generating the most buzz. The original film, released in 2020, was a breakout hit for Netflix, with the company reporting that 76 million households watched it. The 2022 sequel built on that momentum, and the franchise has since become a cornerstone of Netflix’s family-friendly adventure lineup. Brown’s performance as Enola—equal parts sharp, vulnerable, and fiercely independent—has been widely praised, and her return is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
As for what awaits Enola in Malta, Netflix is keeping mum. But the promise of a “darker” tone and a more adult Enola hints at a film that will challenge its heroine in new ways. The addition of Dr. John Watson, following his introduction at the end of the last film, signals a potential shift toward the classic Holmesian dynamic, albeit with Enola at the center of the action. Fans can also look forward to more screen time for the supporting cast, whose chemistry has been a highlight of the series.
With its blend of mystery, romance, and coming-of-age drama, Enola Holmes 3 is shaping up to be a summer event. The film’s release will cap a three-year wait since the last installment and marks a new era for both the character and the franchise. As Netflix continues to double down on high-profile originals, the adventures of Enola Holmes seem poised to remain at the heart of its global strategy.
For now, the first-look image and tantalizing hints are all fans have to go on. But with the game afoot and the summer release window drawing closer, audiences won’t have to wait much longer to see Enola face her greatest challenge yet—both as a detective and as a young woman forging her own path.
