Henry Cavill co-stars as Sherlock Holmes in the “Enola Holmes” movie series, and while he’s excellent in the role, there’s no need for a Sherlock spinoff of the franchise. Based on “The Enola Holmes Mysteries” book series by Nancy Springer, “Enola Holmes” and “Enola Holmes 2” follow the titular, and lesser-known, Holmes sibling, played by Millie Bobby Brown. Enola may not be an original character from Arthur Conan Doyle’s canon, but she is surrounded by the British detective novelist’s greatest literary heroes and villains, including, of course, Sherlock Holmes himself, played by Henry Cavill. Cavill joined the ranks of actors who have portrayed Sherlock Holmes when he appeared in Netflix’s 2020 “Enola Holmes,” reprising the role for the 2022 sequel.
While Sherlock is not the star of “Enola Holmes,” he plays a critical role in both films, serving both as a foil and a supporter of his younger sister. In the first film, Sherlock comes to recognize his sister’s talent for detective work, but it is in the second film where he gets more to do. With his increased role in the “Enola Holmes” universe, some have wondered if a Sherlock spinoff would be on the horizon. However, this idea falls flat, as there are no current plans for such a project.
This lack of a Sherlock spinoff is a good thing because “Enola Holmes” is its own story. There are already plenty of Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows, so there’s no need for another based on a series that has successfully found a unique angle on the narrative. It wouldn’t make much sense to create a spinoff that reverts to the original texts of Sherlock Holmes. If filmmakers want to develop a Sherlock Holmes movie, they can do so independently, as it doesn’t need to derive from “Enola Holmes.”
Requesting a Sherlock spinoff can be likened to asking for a show centered around the bar frequented by Frasier Crane, forgetting that the original story is what birthed “Frasier” in the first place. Those who desire such a show can simply revisit the many seasons of “Cheers.” In a similar vein, if viewers want to see more of the supporting character from “Enola Holmes,” they have no shortage of media to turn to.
It’s important to note that “Enola Holmes” serves as a pastiche of the Sherlock Holmes stories, not merely a side quest for Sherlock and other characters. Enola’s journey is meant to compare to Sherlock’s, illustrating how a young, female detective may experience a different narrative than her male counterpart in Victorian-era England. Additionally, it comments on the challenges of living in the shadow of famous family members. A Sherlock spinoff would ignore these rich themes inherent in “Enola Holmes.”
As compelling a character as Sherlock Holmes is, his version in “Enola Holmes” works best as Enola’s supporter or foil, depending on the case. This interpretation of Sherlock Holmes is already well-established and has been through many trials and adventures of his own, leaving little room for new exploration within this narrative universe. Hence, he excels as a supporting character, providing the guidance Enola needs, rather than requiring his own arc.
If Sherlock were to embark on a personal journey, it might raise questions about the credibility of his advice to Enola in the first place. Take Robin Williams as Sean Maguire in “Good Will Hunting.” While a fascinating character, a sequel solely focusing on him after the main story would likely lose its appeal. Similarly, while Sherlock can engage audiences with brief character development, it should serve to enhance the narratives of “Enola Holmes” and its sequel.
This version of Sherlock demonstrates a composed, wizened persona that complements the dynamic with his sister, showcasing both tension and pride in her accomplishments. Interestingly, Henry Cavill has expressed little interest in starring in his own Sherlock Holmes spinoff. According to Cavill, “This universe is very much Enola’s, so she’ll always be involved. I think it’s important to make that connection between the two characters.” To Cavill, the focus belongs to Enola Holmes, emphasizing that it isn’t merely a shared universe franchise within Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary realm.
The actor understands the delicate balance of story arcs, having experienced both the rewarding and frustrating aspects of franchise opportunities. His experience allows him to appreciate how beloved stories can stray from their original charm when too many films are produced.
As “Enola Holmes 3” has been announced, with a script in development, fans are eager to see how the narrative progresses. However, little else has been revealed about the upcoming film. Being a Netflix project, featuring two of its biggest stars—one of whom, Millie Bobby Brown, is a homegrown talent—it is highly likely that the movie will eventually arrive. At the end of “Enola Holmes 2,” Sherlock Holmes is alive and well, with plenty of reasons to collaborate with Enola in the future, especially regarding her new detective shop.
Henry Cavill should continue to portray Sherlock in future “Enola Holmes” movies, reinforcing that his character thrives within the narrative developed around Enola. As it stands, the “Enola Holmes” franchise breathes fresh, youthful energy into the classic detective genre, centering on the experiences and adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister, Enola. With Millie Bobby Brown leading the charge through her dynamic performance, the films follow Enola as she faces both Victorian-era mysteries and societal obstacles, all while showcasing her ability to outsmart her famous brother.
Combining sharp wit, engaging storylines, and a notable feminist perspective, “Enola Holmes” has rapidly established itself as a standout series on Netflix, captivating audiences while paving the way for future films. Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Henry Cavill, plays a crucial role in this narrative, offering his support while evolving alongside Enola. Ultimately, the synergy between the two characters enriches the story, making it essential to keep Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes firmly rooted within the “Enola Holmes” framework rather than attempting to extract him for an individual spinoff.