Benedict Cumberbatch rumoured to be secretly cast as mystery figure with lightsaber in new Star Wars Episode VII teaser

As Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens went into production, it's been speculated – and denied by the actor himself – that Benedict Cumberbatch would be a part of the production, Daily Mail reported.

And while it appeared to be all but confirmed that he had not been cast in the highly-anticipated JJ Abrams-helmed project, the release of a teaser has reignited questions about his involvement.

In particular, observant fans are pointing to the voice-over and the mystery villain in a hooded cloak, who carries a lightsaber and speaks in tones not dissimilar to those of the 38-year-old actor.

Within moments of the clip's release, Star Wars fans took to Twitter in droves to speculate – and more or less assert – that Benedict is, indeed, a part of the project.

'Anyone know who's doing voice over in the STAR WARS trailer? Sounds a hell of a lot like Benedict Cumberbatch,' wrote one.

Another tweeted: 'That voice at the start of the Star Wars trailer? Is Benedict Cumberbatch still claiming he's not in it? Aye, right.'

However, Steven Weintraub, editor-in-chief of movie site Collider, declared on the mirco-blogging site: 'The voice in the new STAR WARS trailer is Andy Serkis.'