Who Is Moriarty In The ‘Enola Holmes’ Franchise And Why She’s Sherlock’s Deadliest Rival Yet

Fans of ‘Enola Holmes‘ have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Sherlock’s most notorious adversary in Millie Bobby Brown’s Netflix series. This mystery was unveiled in a surprising manner, and the character has become increasingly significant since then.

The revelation of Moriarty’s identity stands out as one of the franchise’s most shocking twists. With ‘Enola Holmes 3’ bringing the villain back for another encounter, it’s the perfect time to explore who this character is and her role in the overarching narrative.

Moriarty is played by British actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster, who first appeared in ‘Enola Holmes 2’ under a different name. Duncan-Brewster joined the cast alongside David Thewlis for the sequel, which premiered on Netflix in November 2022. She is also recognized for her roles in ‘Dune,’ ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,’ and ‘Sex Education,’ lending her considerable genre credibility before stepping into the Sherlock Holmes universe.

The casting was significant for reasons beyond the twist itself. Traditionally, adaptations of Sherlock Holmes have depicted Moriarty as a white male, with actors like Jared Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Richard Roxburgh portraying the role in previous versions. ‘Enola Holmes 2’ broke this mold by introducing a female Moriarty, marking the first time a Black woman has taken on this iconic character.

For most of ‘Enola Holmes 2,’ audiences know the character as Mira Troy. She is introduced as a government secretary frustrated by the limitations placed on women in Victorian society, and her bitterness eventually transforms into something much darker.

The reveal is one of the film’s cleverest moments. Sherlock deciphers a cipher midway through the movie and realizes that the villain behind both his and Enola’s cases is the same person, with Moriarty cleverly hiding in plain sight as Mira Troy. The name Mira Troy is actually an anagram of Moriarty, showcasing her intelligence in remaining undetected.

Once revealed, Moriarty doesn’t simply exit the narrative. She is arrested for her involvement in a blackmail scheme targeting a matchstick factory owner but manages to escape police custody before the film concludes. This escape sets the stage for future events.

Her motivations also distinguish her from previous interpretations of the character. This version of Moriarty is driven by a desire for financial independence and is willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain it, including resorting to murder with the help of corrupt police officers. Her schemes contrast sharply with the suffragette movement led by Eudoria, Enola’s mother, despite both being rooted in women challenging a system stacked against them.

Moriarty’s influence is evident throughout the central mystery of ‘Enola Holmes 2,’ even before her identity is revealed. Sherlock is investigating a financial conspiracy in England, unaware that both he and Enola are being manipulated by the same mastermind.

Her accomplice in the story adds another layer of danger. David Thewlis portrays Superintendent Grail, a corrupt police officer working for Moriarty, who ultimately goes beyond what Moriarty herself anticipated.

A quiet scene hints at just how calculating this version of Moriarty is. While on a balcony at a ball, Mira tells Enola that life is merely a game and everyone has a role to play, adding that it’s enjoyable as long as you understand the rules. This chilling line is delivered before anyone in the room realizes her true identity.

With ‘Enola Holmes 3’ now released, Moriarty is fully stepping into the spotlight as the film’s main antagonist. Previously known as Mira Troy, she returns as the primary threat in the new installment, clearly uninterested in remaining in the shadows.

Her new alias raises the stakes significantly. After escaping prison, Moriarty adopts another false identity as Professor Adeline Rathe and travels to Malta, where she kidnaps Sherlock and sends Enola on a frantic quest to find him.

Duncan-Brewster has shared her thoughts on what draws her back to the character. She describes Moriarty as dedicated to being a persistent nuisance to the Holmes family, which she finds incredibly enjoyable to portray. She also notes that audiences will witness a more passionate side of the character, including her beliefs about justice and the political landscape she navigates.

The stage is set for the most personal confrontation yet between Moriarty and the Holmes siblings. With ‘Enola Holmes 3’ taking the family all the way to Malta, this rivalry feels like it’s reaching a boiling point worthy of its legendary status. What do you think Moriarty’s ultimate goal is this time, and can the Holmes family finally put an end to her schemes for good?