Millie Bobby Brown has opened up about her long-standing friendship with Henry Cavill, revealing that the boundaries established between them while filming the Enola Holmes films remain unchanged even as she has grown older. Speaking during promotional interviews for Enola Holmes 3, which premieres on Netflix on July 1, Brown reflected on her relationship with Cavill, who returns as Sherlock Holmes in the latest instalment of the detective franchise.
Brown Describes Cavill as an Older Brother
Brown explained that the actor continues to be someone she views as an older brother and said she respects the personal limits he has always maintained. Brown joked that whenever Cavill tells her he is not discussing certain aspects of his private life, she simply accepts it. Comparing their dynamic to her relationship with her real brother Charlie, she said there is mutual affection but also an understanding that some topics remain off limits. The actress added that she has no interest in challenging those boundaries because she values the friendship they have built over several years of working together.
Her comments revisit a topic first discussed while promoting Enola Holmes 2, when Brown revealed that Cavill had "terms and conditions" regarding conversations about his personal life. At the time, she described his approach as mature and healthy, contrasting it with the more informal relationships she shared with many of her younger co-stars.
Evolution of Brown's Role and Motivation
Brown's latest interview also focused on how much her own life has changed since the first Enola Holmes film debuted in 2020. Now 22, the actress is not only the star of the franchise but also one of its producers through her ongoing partnership with Netflix and Legendary. She said portraying Enola Holmes has become increasingly meaningful, explaining that she originally wanted to bring more female heroes to the screen for younger audiences.
The actress also revealed that her motivation has evolved over time. After adopting a daughter with husband Jake Bongiovi in 2025, Brown said she now thinks about creating stories that her own child can one day enjoy. She described the Enola Holmes series as something she once made for herself and her younger sister, but now also makes with her daughter in mind.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Alongside co-star Louis Partridge, Brown reflected on the pressures of growing up in the spotlight. She admitted it was difficult balancing public friendships, relationships and mistakes while also feeling that young fans looked to her as a role model. She credited her family, particularly her parents, for helping her through those years and keeping her grounded despite intense public attention.
Partridge praised Brown for speaking publicly against online abuse and negative commentary directed at young performers, saying he admired her willingness to stand up not only for herself but for others facing similar treatment.
Tonal Shift in Enola Holmes 3
The third Enola Holmes film also marks a tonal shift for the series. Directed by Philip Barantini, the sequel introduces darker themes while maintaining the adventurous spirit that made the earlier films successful. Brown said the new film explores more mature emotional territory and deepens Enola's relationship with Tewkesbury, played by Partridge, while also following a mystery centred on Sherlock Holmes after he is kidnapped.
Brown also spoke warmly about returning to work with Helena Bonham Carter, describing the veteran actress as a mother figure and someone she regularly turns to for advice. Cavill and Bonham Carter both reprise their familiar roles, reuniting much of the cast that helped establish the franchise as one of Netflix's most successful original film series.
