Enola Holmes has returned in a second movie (available to watch now on Netflix) that follows her breaking into a career as a detective and investigating a case that happens to be intertwined with a case that Sherlock is working on. Starring Millie Bobby Brown as Enola and Henry Cavill as Sherlock, the second movie has shot straight to the top of Netflix’s top 10 charts and has received praise as a successful sequel to the first film.
In the original Enola Holmes, Enola was working hard to break away from her brother’s control after her mother disappeared. As the oldest male in the family, Mycroft was now responsible for Enola. With her as his ward, he arranged for her to attend a finishing school to be made into a proper young lady. But having been raised to make her own choices and fight for the life that she wanted, Enola ran away and ended up getting entangled with a boy who would become the subject of her first case.
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However, in Enola Holmes 2, she was finally free to pursue her own goal of opening a detective business. Sherlock had agreed to take on Enola as his ward by the end of the first movie, which meant that Mycroft was no longer responsible for her. But surprisingly, Mycroft didn’t make an appearance in the second film. With the case that Enola and Sherlock were working on being of such a large and highly political scale, it wouldn’t be out of place for Mycroft to get involved in some manner, even if just to scold Enola and Sherlock or voice his disapproval. Being such a significant, although antagonistic character in the first film, it makes us wonder why he didn’t end up coming back for Enola Holmes 2.
Where Is Sam Claflin’s Mycroft?
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As it turns out, Mycroft wasn’t intentionally written out of the film, nor were there creative differences that prompted Sam Claflin to decline the role for Enola Holmes 2, but rather there was a scheduling conflict. Claflin had other commitments, which meant he was unavailable for the second movie. With this news, the director and writers had to focus on the relationship between Enola and Sherlock instead and exclude Mycroft from the storyline.
Coincidentally, the first film’s ending perfectly sets up a scenario in which Mycroft might not get involved with his sister’s antics for some time. With Mycroft passing off his responsibility of Enola to Sherlock, it allows the second movie to focus instead on their relationship. Mycroft’s absence doesn’t significantly affect the plot of Enola Holmes 2. However, it is still strange that there is practically no mention of the character during the second film.
Mycroft’s Absence Allows Enola and Sherlock to Develop a Stronger Relationship
Some have suggested that Mycroft’s absence actually might have been beneficial for the sequel to have a tighter focus without Mycroft’s interference. Instead, it could center around Enola and her first major investigation as a woman detective, trying to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world and prove herself capable. The sequel also spends more time developing the relationship between Enola and Sherlock.
In the first movie, the two are rather estranged, and although Sherlock recognizes her talents and brilliant mind, he largely allows Mycroft to take charge. He encourages Enola to make her own decisions. However, he does very little to support her until he finally takes her on as his ward. She is then free to pursue her own endeavors. That being said, the second movie sees them develop a deeper relationship as siblings, detectives, and even friends. By the end, they have formed a mutually beneficial relationship. They might continue to look out for each other and perhaps work together or at least confide in each other about future cases.
Will Mycroft Return for Enola Holmes 3?
Sam Claflin has stated that he is open to doing more work with the Enola Holmes movie series, which means that his character could still make an appearance in the third installment. Perhaps we didn’t see him get involved with the case in the second movie, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have something to say about it. Especially with Enola’s involvement as a woman detective.
In fact, his appearance in Enola Holmes 3 would fit perfectly with the major events of the second movie being of a political nature. The Great Reform Bill and the Matchgirls’ Strike would certainly capture his attention. What he might have to say about it, we can only speculate. Being a traditional man, he might disapprove of Enola’s radical views and her level of involvement. But with Sherlock standing by her side, there may be hope for reconciliation between Enola and Mycroft.
