EXCLUSIVE: The next installment in one of Netflix’s most successful film franchises is getting a serious boost as sources tell Deadline that Philip Barantini is attached to direct Enola Holmes3. Deals haven’t closed yet, but franchise star Millie Bobby Brown is expected to return as sources say this would likely be her next project once she completes production on Netflix’s final season. Stranger things.

Mary Parent, Ali Mendes and Alex Garcia will produce Enola Holmes3 for Legendary Entertainment, with Millie Bobby Brown and Bobby Brown producing for Brown’s production company PCMA Productions. Jake Bongiovi and Isobel Richards will executive produce for PCMA.

The previous two pictures followed Enola as she followed in the footsteps of her famous brother, Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), as she solved mysteries all over London. Based on the famous Nancy Springer book series, the original pic landed on the streamer in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 and quickly found a fan base. Since that first film premiered, Netflix has moved quickly to get other sequels on the air. Considering the strong ties with Brown, who not only starred in one of their most successful series Stranger things but also several films, including the upcoming one The electrical state, the Enola Holmes franchise has always been something executives have prioritized.

Plot details are unknown on the new picture, but insiders close to the project say what convinced executives and producers when it came to Barantini’s choice was to go a little darker and a little older. Sources add that he pitched this episode and did something for the franchise Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban did for the Harry Potter series, which is known for a darker tone compared to the first films, and this inclusion ultimately sealed the deal.

Barantini also has ties to Netflix, which has just finished Adolescencea new four-part series starring Stephen Graham, which is already receiving increasing attention for the way it was filmed. Barantini broke out with his feature film Boiling pointwhich was nominated for eleven BIFAs and four BAFTAS in 2021. He then adapted the film into a successful show for the BBC, which recently debuted its second season. He also created, directed and produced Malpractice for ITV.

RELATED: Netflix Data Dump: Millie Bobby Brown’s ‘Damsel’ and Kevin Hart Action Flick ‘Lift’ Lead Film Pack – See the Latest Insights

He is represented by Untitled Entertainment, CAA and Independent Talent Group.