Henry Cavillwill always be remembered for playing Superman or Geralt of Rivia, but his best role came as a beloved detective from literature. Cavill has made a career for himself as hunky action heroes in various blockbusters, and he is still one of Hollywood’s most consistent hitmakers. While films likeArgyllewere misses, it certainly wasn’t because of Cavill.
He brings a passion and commitment to lead roles that isn’t often seen from conventional action stars, and he has the acting chops to back things up too. Recent movies likeThe Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfareshowed off his funny side, and it’s expected that Cavill will fall into more diverse roles in the future.
His tenure as Supermanwas somewhat brief compared to those of other actors in superhero roles, as was his time on Netflix’sThe Witcher. Perhaps it is that scarcity that helps make Henry Cavill one of the most sought-after actors today, and he’s rarely in one or two movies per year.
Though Cavill has reached leading-man status, and has been there for years, he turned in his best performance in a supporting role. Rarely without the spotlight, Cavill not only proved that he could play second-fiddle to another actor, but that he could take a character that’s been played dozens of times and give him new life in a modern movie.
Henry Cavill Is At His Best As Sherlock Holmes
Cavill Nearly Steals The Show In The Enola Holmes Movies
Despite years of playing lead roles in major movies,Henry Cavill took a surprising turn when he showed up as Sherlock Holmes in the hit Netflix movie,Enola Holmes. The Millie Bobby Brown vehicle casts theStranger Thingsstar asSherlock’s younger sister,who is also an intrepid detective trying to step out of the shadows of her famous sibling.
Sherlock is a different type of character fromwhat Cavill usually plays, and he proves himself to be deft at inhabiting a part that is wholly unique from his usual fare. Though he is a supporting character in bothEnola Holmesmovies,Sherlock has enough screen time to make an impact. This is due in large part to Cavill’s performance.
Cavill isn’t given much action, and instead is able to show off his acting skills in the fun and fast-paced mystery series.He understood the slightly anachronistic tone of the subject matter perfectly, and there’s always a slight wink to the audience coming from Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes. However, he doesn’t overdo it either, ceding a lot of territory to Brown.
Sherlock is a peripheral figure, and Cavill uses every moment of screen time to elevate the project instead of simply shining the spotlight on himself and leaving.
It might not get a lot of praise, butit isn’t easy for an actor to light up the screen while also not overshadowing co-starswho are supposed to be the real focus. Sherlock is a peripheral figure, and Cavill uses every moment of screen time to elevate the project instead of simply shining the spotlight on himself and leaving.
Cavill’s Sherlock Is Just Different Enough To Stand Out
His Sherlock Works Because Of What He Doesn’t Do
There have been tons ofactors who have played Sherlock Holmesover the decades, and it’s always a challenge to bring something new to a well-worn icon. However,Henry Cavill manages to find a new wrinkle within the Sherlock character largely by what he doesn’t do on screen. He doesn’t borrow from previous interpretations, and is much more human.
Sherlock Holmes first appeared Arthur Conan Doyle’sA Study in Scarletin 1887.
Arthur Conan Doyle described the character pretty distinctly, and each performance tends to fixate on one or two details.Cavill instead opts to play the case-cracking supergenius as subdued, with only small glimpses of the roiling nature beneath the surface. He isn’t particularly witty or bombastic, which makes sense for how the character would be seen through Enola’s eyes.
He’s her brother, soall of his strange mannerisms would seem quite normal from her perspective. Also, since Sherlock isn’t the focus of the films, viewers are intentionally only given a slice of his life. The small pieces are quite intelligent, including references to his substance abuse issues, and the machinations within his head as he solves cases.
Enola’s Relationship With Sherlock Is A Highlight
There Is A Genuine Connection Between The Two
Sherlock Holmes is notoriously prickly and difficult to get close to, butEnola Holmesand its sequel softens him somewhat.The second film is an especially strong example of Cavill’s acting abilities, and he spends a lot of the film working alongside Millie Bobby Brown as a co-star.
SinceEnola Holmesis not directly based on Doyle’s work, but is instead from Nancy Springer’s books, the movies take some liberties.Sherlock and Enola’s relationship is somewhat chaotic and fraught, but it feels like a real sibling bond instead of two caricatures clashing in every scene. Cavill might not look the part exactly, but he brings the human element.
Henry Cavill Is Set To Return As Sherlock In Enola Holmes 3
The Beloved Detective Will Be Back For Another Case
The status ofEnola Holmes 3was in the air, and it stayed murky even when the project began to take shape. However, in April 2025, it was confirmed byVarietythat the charming young detective would be back for a third adventure.Millie Bobby Brown was the most obvious return, but she’ll be joined by her familiar co-stars too.
2020
91%
2022
93%
N/A
Perhaps the biggest name on the list is Henry Cavill, who will be back as Sherlock. He’ll be joined by Louis Partridge and Helena Bohnam Carter, who are reprising their roles as Tewkesbury and Eudoria Holmes, respectively. It’s unclear how muchHenry Cavillwill appear, but he has an opportunity to build on what is already his best movie role.
