The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta is poised to capture the global spotlight once again, as Netflix has confirmed that filming for the highly anticipated ‘Enola Holmes 3’ has officially wrapped. The production’s significant presence on the islands suggests a potential surge in “film-induced tourism,” a phenomenon that could reshape Malta’s travel landscape for years to come.
The Netflix Effect Hits Malta
Production for the third installment, starring Millie Bobby Brown as the titular young detective and Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, concluded on June 27, 2025. While early scenes were shot at the UK’s Shepperton Studios, the crew then moved to Malta, transforming its historic streetscapes into the backdrop for Enola’s latest international mystery.
The film, set for a summer 2026 premiere, utilized several of Malta’s most picturesque and historic locations. Crews were spotted in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, the ancient walled city of Mdina, and the scenic northern town of Mellieħa. According to the film’s summary, the plot will see the young detective traveling to Malta, indicating these locations will feature prominently, not just as stand-ins for other places, but as Malta itself.
Behind the Scenes: Why Malta is Hollywood’s Mediterranean Darling
Malta’s selection as a key location is no accident. The country has strategically positioned itself as a premier filming destination, a reputation built on decades of hosting blockbuster productions like Gladiator, Troy, and HBO’s Game of Thrones.
A major draw for productions like ‘Enola Holmes 3’ is the Maltese government’s attractive financial incentives. The Malta Film Commission offers a cash rebate of up to 40% on eligible in-country expenditures. This program significantly reduces production costs and encourages studios to invest locally. For ‘Enola Holmes 3’, this translated into the employment of hundreds of local crew members, from technicians to artisans, providing a direct and immediate economic injection.
This combination of stunning, versatile landscapes—from ancient forts to crystal-clear waters—and robust financial support has solidified Malta’s status as the “Hollywood of the Mediterranean.”
Future Impact: The “Enola Holmes” Trail and Malta’s Tourism Future
With a global fanbase in the tens of millions, the ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise has immense cultural influence. The release of the third film in 2026 is expected to trigger a significant wave of interest in its filming locations. Travel industry experts predict that fans will be eager to walk the same cobblestone streets as their favorite characters, creating a new “Enola Holmes Trail” for visitors.
This phenomenon, known as film-induced tourism, has proven to be a powerful economic driver for other destinations:
- New Zealand saw a lasting tourism boom following The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia, became a must-visit destination for Game of Thrones fans.
- Alnwick Castle in the UK continues to attract Harry Potter enthusiasts.
For Malta, this presents a golden opportunity. We can anticipate local tour operators developing specialized ‘Enola Holmes’ location tours. The historic sites of Valletta and Mdina, already popular, could see a new demographic of younger, media-savvy travelers. The promotion of Malta as a central character in the film’s narrative will likely inspire travel plans for years after its release, ensuring the island remains a top European destination. As summer 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Malta, not just for the mystery on screen, but for its starring role as a must-visit travel hotspot.
