Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill’s on-screen dynamic in Enola Holmes (2020) and its sequel Enola Holmes 2 (2022) has captured the attention of both fans and the media, but it’s their off-screen relationship that has recently drawn headlines. In a 2022 interview promoting the sequel, Brown, now 20, opened up about the “real adult relationship” she shares with the 42-year-old actor, describing it as a “healthy” and “defined” friendship. Her comments highlight the distinct nature of their bond compared to the informal and close-knit relationships she has with her younger co-stars.

A Mature and Defined Friendship

Brown’s reflections on her relationship with Cavill contrast it with the more casual, sibling-like camaraderie she shares with her Stranger Things co-stars, such as Noah Schnapp and Charlie Heaton. Having worked with them since she was 10, Brown views those friendships as boundaryless, describing them as feeling like “schoolmates.” However, her friendship with Cavill, which developed while filming Enola Holmes, is framed by clear boundaries, setting it apart from her childhood connections.

In her interview, Brown remarked, “With Henry, it feels like a real adult relationship. Like a really good friendship, a really healthy one.” This description emphasizes maturity, with a focus on professional respect and personal space, both of which are not as prevalent in her relationships with her younger co-stars. Her comment suggests that Cavill, who is twice her age, brings a different level of maturity and formality to their friendship.

Setting Boundaries: A Key Aspect of Their Friendship

A notable aspect of their “adult” relationship is the boundaries Cavill has set, particularly around his personal life. Brown shared that Cavill has made it clear that she is “not allowed to ask about his personal life.” She recounted a moment where Cavill responded to her inquiry with a firm “Millie, shut up. No.” Brown playfully acknowledged this boundary by saying, “Understood,” demonstrating her respect for the professional distance Cavill maintains. This dynamic contrasts with the more relaxed atmosphere on set with her younger co-stars, where there is little separation between their personal and professional lives.

Comparing Relationships: Stranger Things vs. Enola Holmes

Brown’s contrast between her Stranger Things relationships and her connection with Cavill is particularly revealing. Her long-standing friendships with Schnapp and Heaton are marked by a sense of ease and familiarity, with no boundaries in place due to their shared history growing up together on set. In contrast, her relationship with Cavill is more reserved, likely influenced by their significant age gap—42 for Cavill and 20 for Brown—and the professional setting of Enola Holmes.

Reports from outlets such as Glamour Magazine and Geo.tv further emphasize the distinction in Brown’s dynamics with her co-stars. Cavill’s approach to boundaries has been described as “very strict,” reinforcing the idea of a mentor-mentee relationship where the primary focus is professionalism. The media often portrays Cavill’s role as one of guidance, which adds another layer to their interaction—one defined by respect and maturity.

Public Perception: A Formal, Respected Relationship

The public perception of Brown and Cavill’s relationship is largely shaped by their age difference and the formal nature of their interactions on set. While their bond is characterized by mutual respect, it has been viewed as more of a professional friendship rather than a casual one. As noted in a February 2024 article by JOE.co.uk, Brown’s lack of shared history with Cavill—compared to her childhood experiences with her Stranger Things co-stars—means their relationship is a bit more reserved.

However, this hasn’t detracted from the success of their on-screen partnership. Fans continue to celebrate their chemistry as Enola and Sherlock Holmes, and Brown’s reflections on their off-screen dynamic only add to the intrigue surrounding their relationship.

The Status of Their Friendship and Future Collaborations

As of March 2025, there have been no new updates regarding the status of Brown and Cavill’s relationship, and no recent public appearances or projects together have been announced. The last time they worked together was in Enola Holmes 2, released in November 2022, and there have been no official announcements for a third installment of the franchise.

While their professional collaboration seems to have paused for the moment, the bond they share remains one of mutual respect and professionalism, with both actors likely continuing to support one another in their individual careers.

Conclusion

Millie Bobby Brown’s candid description of her relationship with Henry Cavill highlights the maturity and boundaries that define their friendship. Their connection, though formal and respectful, is a testament to the evolving dynamics in Hollywood, where professional relationships are increasingly shaped by mutual respect, clear boundaries, and an emphasis on healthy interaction. As both continue their careers, fans will undoubtedly look forward to any future collaborations while appreciating the unique dynamic that Brown and Cavill share—one that is both professional and rooted in genuine respect.