10 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets From Netflix’s ‘Enola Holmes’ Franchise
A Record-Breaking Payday For The Franchise’s Young Star
Millie Bobby Brown wasn’t just the face of 'Enola Holmes 2', she also made Hollywood history while filming it. Reports revealed that the actress earned an impressive $10 million upfront salary for the sequel, making her the highest-paid actor under the age of 20 at the time.
Helena Bonham Carter’s Role Came With An Ironic Historical Twist
Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of the fiercely independent Eudoria Holmes carries an unexpected real-life connection. In the films, Eudoria is deeply involved in the women’s suffrage movement and advocates for female empowerment. However, Bonham Carter’s great-grandfather, former British Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, was a vocal opponent of women’s suffrage.
The Real Reason Mycroft Never Returned In The Sequel
Fans were quick to notice that Mycroft Holmes was absent from Enola Holmes 2. While some assumed it was a creative decision, the real reason came down to scheduling conflicts. Actor Sam Claflin was juggling several projects at the time and was unable to return for the sequel. Given his busy workload, including major film roles and his appearance in Peaky Blinders, the absence made sense.
Millie Bobby Brown Helped Create Enola Holmes
The Enola Holmes movies might never have happened if Millie Bobby Brown hadn’t taken the initiative. Brown and her sister were longtime fans of Nancy Springer’s novels, prompting the actress to approach the author about securing the adaptation rights. While filming Godzilla: King of the Monsters, she gained support from Legendary Entertainment and helped push the project forward.
The Holmes Family Casting Detail
Although Sam Claflin plays Sherlock Holmes’ older brother Mycroft in the first film, he is actually younger than Henry Cavill in real life. The age difference isn’t huge, but it often surprises fans who naturally assume the actor portraying the elder sibling would be older. Hollywood has a long history of casting actors in roles that don’t perfectly match their real ages, and Enola Holmes is no exception. Thanks to strong performances from both actors, most viewers never question the dynamic.
The Legal Battle That Almost Overshadowed The First Movie
Before audiences could enjoy Enola’s adventures, the franchise faced an unexpected legal challenge. In 2020, the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle filed a copyright lawsuit against Netflix and author Nancy Springer, claiming that elements of Sherlock Holmes’ characterization had been improperly used. The case attracted considerable attention because Sherlock Holmes remains one of literature’s most adapted characters.
Most Viewers Completely Missed This Rare Vintage Vehicle
Among the many period details featured in Enola Holmes, one of the most fascinating is easy to miss. Miss Harrison’s vehicle is a Benz Patent-Motorwagen, widely recognized as the world’s first production automobile. Since cars play only a minor role in the story, many viewers likely overlooked its significance. The production used a reproduction of the historic vehicle, showcasing the filmmakers’ dedication to authenticity.
Some Enola Holmes Stars Had Already Solved Mysteries Elsewhere
The Enola Holmes cast includes several actors with previous connections to the Sherlock Holmes universe. Frances de la Tour, who plays the Dowager, previously appeared in Mr. Holmes. Meanwhile, Hattie Morahan had roles in both Arthur & George and Mr. Holmes. Their prior experience with Holmes-inspired stories makes their casting an interesting coincidence. While these projects aren’t connected to the Enola Holmes films, it’s always intriguing to see actors revisit familiar literary worlds.
The Movies Changed One Major Detail About Mycroft Holmes
Fans of Nancy Springer’s books may have noticed that Mycroft Holmes looks quite different on screen. In the novels, he is described as considerably heavier and much more antisocial than the version portrayed by Sam Claflin. The films instead present him as slimmer, more refined, and generally more approachable. Such changes are common in adaptations, as filmmakers often modify characters to fit a particular tone or vision.
Netflix Was Never Supposed To Be Enola Holmes’ Original Home
It’s hard to imagine Enola Holmes anywhere other than Netflix, but that was never the original plan. Warner Bros. initially intended to release the first movie exclusively in theaters worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the entertainment landscape, forcing studios to rethink distribution strategies. Netflix eventually acquired the rights and launched the film on its streaming platform instead.
