“The famous detective, scholar, chemist, virtuoso violinist, expert marksman, swordsman, singlestick fighter, pugilist, and brilliant deductive thinker.” This description by Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola precisely encapsulates the phenomenon, that is Sherlock Holmes. Conceptualized by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the character of Sherlock appeared in numerous stories, films, and TV shows. The more recent portrayal was by the British Hunk, Henry Cavill.

Most famous for his role as DC’s Man of Steel, many perceived Cavill’s recruitment in the film Enola Holmes as a miscast. In fact, the actor himself was shocked when the role fell in his lap.

Henry Cavill was clueless about his role when he read Enola Holmes

A trip down Sherlock through the ages shows many famous names from Ian McKellen to Robert Downey Jr. to Benedict Cumberbatch and more who have played the elusive detective. However, most of them were slightly built and not as physically overpowering as Henry Cavill. Perhaps this is the reason Cavill was so surprised when the role came to him.

Whether it is Man of Steel or The Witcher, the British actor has almost always played a larger-than-life action hero or a superhero. It was only in Guy Ritchie’s Man From U.N.C.L.E, wherein Henry could explore his comedic timing along with action sequences and spy craft. In a podcast with Empire Magazine, Cavill narrated how bewildered he was with the Enola Holmes script. He could not even fathom which role he would play in the film. When he finally realized “it’s for Sherlock,” his disbelief knew no bounds. 

“No! You’re kidding me, right?” enquired the actor.

Compared to the innumerable renditions of Sherlock Holmes, the one in Enola Holmes stands out from the pack. Not only is the narrative relatively lighter and more humorous, but for once, Sherlock is a supporting character and takes a back seat. However, that in no way diminishes Henry Cavill’s contributions to the film. The fact that he “was so in love with the story” is probably why he held his own. Cavill even adores the previously unexplored angle that the Netflix original film uncovered.

“The emotional connection that Sherlock and Enola have was something that I found really special,” revealed The Witcher star.

With Enola Holmes 2 all set to premiere on November 4, we cannot wait for Henry Cavill to reprise his role. Did you like Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock? Let us know in the comments. In the meantime, you can watch the first part of the quirky detective flick streaming on Netflix.