A first look at the new series of Sherlock has been unveiled at Comic-Con in San Diego.

Benedict Cumberbatch was joined by the show’s creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, producer Sue Vertue and Amanda Abbington, who plays Mary Watson, for a panel discussion on the hit BBC drama.

A trailer for the upcoming fourth series, which is still being filmed, was revealed to the convention centre’s 6,500-seat Hall H.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock series four (Robert Viglasky/BBC/Hartswood Films)
Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock series four (Robert Viglasky/BBC/Hartswood Films)

The preview opens with a glimpse of Sherlock’s nemesis Moriarty, played by actor Andrew Scott, who says; “Miss me?”, after his apparent death in season two.

Sherlock can then be heard saying; “Something’s coming. Maybe it’s Moriarty. Maybe it’s not.”

Toby Jones, who plays a villain on the upcoming series, also features, along with Sherlock’s long-time companion, Dr John Watson, played by Martin Freeman.

It was reported earlier this month that the next series of Sherlock, due to air in 2017, could be its last.

Executive producer and writer Steven told the Telegraph that the popularity of leads Benedict and Martin may result in the end of the show.

He said: “We do have two film stars in the programme. They haven’t needed to do these jobs for a very long time. They’re coming back because they want to,” before adding: “I don’t know how long we can keep it going.”

Benedict Cumberbatch has also been promoting his upcoming superhero movie Dr Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch has also been promoting his upcoming superhero movie Dr Strange (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Benedict is nominated for an Emmy for best lead actor in a limited series for his role as the intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride special, which was broadcast in January, is nominated for best TV movie.