Along with co-star Chris Pine and producer/director JJ Abrams, Cumberbatch has been promoting the film to Asian press in Tokyo, TrekMovie.com reports.

The Sherlock star commented: “I was a fan of the [2009 Star Trek], so I was pleased when I get the offer. But I know the second one will become far-bigger scale, so I felt terror instantly.”

Describing his role, Cumberbatch revealed: “He is very ruthless…He is not a clearly good or evil character. He is a villain but the actions he takes has intent and reason. He is a complicated character not to be judged by white-or-black, or good-or-evil. But this is the appeal of J.J.’s works and I felt challenge as an actor.”

JJ Abrams added: “[Benedict Cumberbatch’s character] is a villain and scary, but I was looking for an actor with humanity who audiences can sympathise with. When I saw Benedict in Sherlock, I wanted to convince him whatever it took. I expected a lot from him, but Benedict responded by acting beyond my expectations.”

Star Trek Into Darkness arrives in UK cinemas next summer.

> Buy the Sherlock: Series 1-2 boxset on Amazon.

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