FIRST LOOK: Benedict Cumberbatch embraces his dark side as he takes on villainous role in Star Trek



He plays terrorist John Harrison in new movie Star Trek: Into Darkness.

And Benedict Cumberbatch, 36, certainly looks the part in his costume for the film.

In the first look at the former Sherlock star in the movie, Cumberbatch looks menacing with dark eyes and shadows cast across his face as he appears on the cover of Empire magazine.



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Terrorizing: Benedict Cumberbatch looks menacing on the cover of Empire magazine in his costume for upcoming film Star Trek: Into Darkness in which he plays terrorist John Harrison

Benedict is dressed in a long leather coat with a black roll neck top underneath in the picture, featured on Empire magazine's cover.

Friendly face: Benedict looks much less intimidating usually when he usually sports a wavy blonde hair style rather than the slicked black hair of his character

His black hair is slicked back on top of his head making his familiar wavy locks look completely different.

The actor's wrist's are bound by large metal handcuffs which add to the intimidating look.

Benedict, who stars alongside Chris Pine in the film, was originally believed to have been cast as the character of Khan but in actual fact is playing John Harrison.

Speaking about his character to Gya O! recently, he said: 'He's someone who has enormous physical strength. He's someone who is increadibly dangerous, both as a physical entity and through the use of various technologies and weapons and who performs acts of what I would describe as terrorism.

'He's also a psychological master. He manipulates the minds of those around him to do his bidding in a very, very subtle way.'

Director J.J. Abrams also offered more information on the backstory of the character saying that he is an 'average' person.

He said: 'His name is John Harrison and he is sort of an... average guy who works in an organisation called Starfleet and he turns against the group because he has got this backstory and this kind of amazing secret agenda.

'After two very violent attacks, one in London and one in the U.S., our characters have to go after this guy and apprehend him.

'And it is a far more complicated and difficult thing than they ever anticipated.'