Millie Bobby Brown says Henry Cavill keeps 'very strict' boundaries in their friendship | The Independent

Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill’s collaboration in the Netflix films Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022) has been widely celebrated by both audiences and critics alike. Based on Nancy Springer’s book series, the films earned high praise, with Enola Holmes receiving a 91% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and its sequel achieving a 93% rating. While Brown’s performance as Enola has been lauded for its depth and energy, Cavill’s portrayal of the iconic Sherlock Holmes was also well received, though Brown has notably kept her comments focused on their professional dynamic rather than offering direct praise for his acting talent.

A Professional Bond with Boundaries

In several interviews, Brown has shared insights into her friendship with Cavill, emphasizing the “healthy parameters” and “terms and conditions” they established from the outset. This approach to their working relationship was also echoed in Glamour Magazine, where Brown described their dynamic as a “real adult” friendship, emphasizing mutual respect and boundaries. While these comments highlight the professionalism that characterized their off-screen rapport, they didn’t directly delve into Cavill’s acting abilities.

Brown also contrasted her relationship with Cavill to that with her Stranger Things co-stars, particularly noting how the lack of boundaries with her longtime friends from the series differs from the more reserved interaction she has with Cavill. This distinction could stem from their age gap—Cavill, at 40 years old in 2025, is twice Brown’s age. Their professional distance might explain why Brown has yet to comment extensively on his acting, instead focusing on the working relationship they forged throughout the Enola Holmes films.

The Absence of Direct Praise

Despite a wealth of interviews where Brown discusses her role in Enola Holmes and its significance to her career, there are few, if any, direct comments on Cavill’s acting. In a detailed interview with Deadline, where Brown discussed the film’s development and her pivotal role, Cavill’s performance was not singled out for specific praise. Similarly, Us Weekly focused on the nature of their “adult relationship,” offering no insights into Cavill’s acting style. Even reviews of the films, such as those from The Hollywood Reporter, tend to focus on the reception of the movies as a whole rather than offering individual actor critiques from Brown herself.

Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill's Candid Quotes About Their Friendship | Us Weekly

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Indirect Evidence of Mutual Respect

While no personal quotes from Brown on Cavill’s acting have surfaced, their success in Enola Holmes speaks to a solid professional rapport. Brown has frequently stated that her role in the franchise was a career-defining moment, further solidifying the film’s importance to her career trajectory. The fact that she collaborated with Cavill on these films and spoke positively about the project suggests a level of respect for his work, even if not explicitly voiced in public interviews.

Additionally, Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock as a “polite and fallible” character has garnered praise from critics, and his performance was well-received overall. While these comments were made by critics rather than Brown, they indirectly reflect a strong collaborative effort between the two actors.

Conclusion

In sum, while Millie Bobby Brown has not directly commented on Henry Cavill’s acting in the Enola Holmes films, the mutual respect they share is evident through their professional relationship. Brown’s comments have consistently focused on their dynamic as colleagues, with an emphasis on boundaries and respect rather than personal praise for Cavill’s talent. Their successful partnership in two highly praised films suggests that, even without direct acknowledgment of each other’s performances, they have built a strong foundation of trust and professionalism, which is key to their on-screen chemistry.